15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

 

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Written by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Ben Gromicko

 

The following items are essential tools, but this list is not exhaustive. Ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful.

 

1.  Plunger

A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers -- one for the sink and one for the toilet.

 

2. Combination Wrench Set

One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

 

3.  Slip-Joint Pliers

Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

 

4. Adjustable Wrench

Adjustable wrenches are awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

5. Caulking Gun

Caulking is sealing up cracks and gaps in various structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.

 

6. Flashlight

None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.

 

7. Tape Measure

Measuring house projects requires a tape measure—not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.

 

8. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

 

9. Torpedo Level

Only a level can determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle—not merely close.

10. Safety Glasses / Goggles

For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.

11. Claw Hammer

A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own.  Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.

12. Screwdriver Set

It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but they're no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw. 

13.  Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

14.  Respirator / Safety Mask

While paints and other coatings are now manufactured to be less toxic (and lead-free) than in previous decades, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally inhaling. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary facemasks will not stop. 

15. Duct Tape

This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.

  

 

 

BATHO PELE PRINCIPLES

Have you ever stand in one of those long cues at a municipal building, waiting for service and read the informational banners? Most of the times, it is only available in one of the other 11 languages, but once I learned about them; I have become attentive. Reading and studying about culture and culture changes, I saw it first on the Ekurhuleni website and was flabbergasted. When you weigh the entire Ekurhuleni against the Batho Pele Principles, you realize the shortfalls immediately. The eight points are very interesting. Let’s have a closer look.

The eight Batho Pele principles are:

Consultation: Citizens should be consulted about their needs and preferences. Service standards: Citizens should know what level and quality of service they can expect.

Access: All citizens should have equal access to the services they are entitled to. Courtesy: Citizens should be treated with courtesy and respect. Information: Citizens should be given full and accurate information about the services they receive. Openness and transparency: Citizens should know how the public service is run, how much it costs, and who is in charge. Redress: Citizens should be offered an apology, an explanation, and a remedy when the service standards are not met. Value for money: Public services should be provided efficiently and effectively to give citizens the best value for their money.

"People first" is the meaning of that word in Sesotho. This means that the Batho Pele principles are about helping to improve delivery to the people. Its approach is aimed at getting public servants to stay committed to their work and to find means to enhance this service delivery. Government employees must find innovative ways to enhance services rather than justifying failures. Accordingly, public sector managers bear significant responsibility for cultivating a supportive work environment that promotes effective staff interactions with customers. Effective management mandates the motivation of staff and the provision of requisite tools. They can do this by providing continuous support, especially during times of stress and pressure. 

The Batho Pele Principle is summarized in a slogan that goes, “We belong, we care, we serve.”

We belong: This implies that we are part of the Public Service and should thus work hand in hand regarding colleagues.

We care: It is a directive that shows that we should care for the public that we serve, that is the customers. 

We serve: It is up to the public servants to deliver exceptional service to all citizens.

So, if the above statements are true, why don’t we see the evidence of it in our parks, streets, governmental buildings and day-to-day living conditions? And why does the municipality not live up to these principles? Who keeps them accountable?

Citizens should know how the public service is run, how much it costs, and who is in charge.

Why must we then drive through Plastic City? Driving down Prince George avenue alone, my heart drops. Not to mention Voortrekker road. Athlone, the main road between Brakpan and Boksburg, is in a better shape and busier than ever. Despite the malfunctioning robot at the main intersection for almost twelve months, it is still the preferable access point. But why are so much time and money invested only in the one main road but not in Prince George Avenue connecting us to Benoni? 

These inquiries aim to determine accountability for the provision of public services to the residents of Ekurhuleni, along with the relevant responsible parties.

How to secure your home

 

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The article is taken from Ooba's website. Writer unknown. 

With the rising concern of theft within our area, it is always good to be prepared. Knowing what to look for and check for any vulnerable places within your house will make it that more difficult to become another statistic.  

The turmoil you experience when a break in has occurred diminishes your feeling of safety and causes more problems. 

Effective security should be a priority when moving into a new home, and knowing how to secure your home is crucial for your own peace of mind.

Article summary

· It’s essential to know how to make your house safe from burglars in South Africa to ensure your personal safety as well as to safeguard your belongings.

· This will add value to your property and most likely have a positive effect on your household insurance premiums.

· Make sure all opening windows and doors are protected by burglar guards and preferably an alarm system.

· Don’t become complacent. Use the alarm system if you have one.

Personal safety will always be a priority in South Africa. Securing your new home should be one of the first things you do—preferably before you move in—so that you leave nothing to chance or, in this case, an opportunistic burglar who might see you as an easy target.

What are the most effective ways to secure your home?

Smart home security will not only protect you and your family, but will also add value to your home. South Africans are security conscious and a property that appears to be vulnerable will immediately be perceived as less valuable. Prevention is vital in the fight against crime, so knowing how to secure your home in South Africa is crucial for your own peace of mind and the future safety of you and your family.

Here are the areas you should focus on when looking to improve your home security:

Perimeter

Securing your perimeter should be the first thing you do, and you can do so effectively with a mix of technological and traditional security measures.

· An electric fence or wall can be a solid deterrence. If it’s a wall, it helps to reinforce it with barbed wire or spikes on top; otherwise, burglars will be able to easily climb over.

· Having visibility on the perimeter of your home is essential, so install CCTV cameras as soon as you can.

· Certain smart technologies that enable you to monitor your perimeter from remote locations will also boost your security and significantly improve the value of the home.

The gate

According to the experts on mrgate.co.za, potential weaknesses of a gate include:

· Lifting. Burglars can lift the gate to gain access to the property. You can prevent this by securing the gate with anti-lift brackets.

· The gate rack. On sliding gates, this can be forced away from the gate (usually with a crowbar), allowing it to be opened. You can prevent this by welding a flat bar onto the rack to prevent it from being moved.

· The intercom. Burglars can press this to see if the home is occupied. Certain smart technologies enable you to connect your intercom system to your smartphone so that you’ll know if someone has pressed the intercom button.

· The gate remote. Ensure you’re using a modern remote with up-to-date technology, as older remotes can be copied, or the settings replicated.

Windows

Burglar bars are essential, and should be robust. Agnieszka Gryn, regional executive at Fidelity ADT, suggests installing burglar bars on the outside of the windows, even though they may not be as aesthetically pleasing.

Doors

Main doors must be made of strong material, and reinforced, preferably with multi-point locks that can lock the door at several points.

Dogs

Investigator Brigadier Piet Byleveld says that dogs are one of the most effective security measures. As well as deterring criminals, they provide an early warning system.

Alarm system

Research by professor Rudolph Zinn from UNISA’s School of Criminal Justice and Police Practice shows alarms and security sensors to be among the most effective burglar repellents. The alarm should be installed by an armed response company, and it’s important to test it regularly and keep it maintained.

Staff

Rudolph Zinn interviewed 30 perpetrators who were convicted and incarcerated for aggravated robbery, and the majority said that they relied on inside information when deciding which homes to target. That’s why Piet Byleveld advice to screen your workers, including domestic workers and gardeners, for criminal records, and finding out why they left previous employment.

Know the enemy

Do your best to inform yourself about how burglars operate. Seek advice from the local police station if possible. Low-level thieves will usually only target homes with no security, but more “professional” burglars operate in groups; are keenly aware of security response times; and will usually survey properties before commencing with their burglary attempt.

Rudolph Zinn’s research shows that burglars targeted homes according to the following factors:

· Wealth. Victims were targeted because the burglars knew there would be valuables in the house.

· Inside information. As mentioned above, burglars prefer to target homes where information has been provided to them.

· Proximity. Burglars prefer to target homes within 10 to 30 minutes driving distance.

· Low security. Homes with substandard security were naturally a target.

Finding a good security provider

Whatever your plan is, ensure that your security provider is a registered member of the South African Intruder Detection Service Associations (SAIDSA), so you can be confident that their equipment and training meets the standards.

Source: How to secure your home against burglars in South Africa (ooba.co.za)

To list your property, give me a call. 

 

Mandates and what it means for us?

Each person within the border of a city or town has a mandate.

Each organisation and institution has a mandate.

The mandate gives you the authority to act in a certain way.

The government’s mandate is to govern. To define the law and upheld it, to protect our borders, to represent the people accurately in other countries with qualified delegates, and to prosper the nation. They also give us the Bill of Rights that governs our every move, the way we live and how we act.

SARS’s mandate is to gather the taxes and distribute it accurately to the proper authorities so that our roads, dams, rivers, and hospitals, for example, can be in perfect conditions.

The municipality’s mandate is to serve the community. Within the many branches of this institution, it is narrowed down to departments: water, electricity, parks, roads, road safety, buildings and upholding the by-laws which make every city unique.

Religious institutions are the moral compass of the people. For instance, the church’s mandate is to spread the gospel, care for the poor, take care of the elderly, look after the widow, and orphaned child.

The police’s mandate is to protect each citizen against crime.

The hospital’s mandate is to take care of the sick. Their Socrates oath is very clear in its expectation of them.

The business owner’s mandate is to bring capital into the town, deliver a service and take care of his employees.

The school’s mandate is to educate the child and prepare him for a career.

The college’s mandate is to educate and shape the student for his chosen profession.

The parent’s mandate is to teach children the way they must live so that they can prosper. They lay the foundation whereupon all other institutions build. If the foundation has cracks, the walls will be skew.

Art, culture, and sport’s mandate is to replenish, to build, to motivate and keep the spirits high. They speak to the people in different forms and beautify our land.

Charities mandates plays a vital part within the structure. They are the extended arms of each of the above branches. Support groups, soup kitchens, vegetable gardens... the list goes on. They all play a vital role on the ground level. And must be taken seriously by all other people.

These mandates should work together to form a unity within the community.

When we look at them separately, we understand their vision and mission and keep them accountable to it.

However, to be more effective, the mandates must join hands with one mission; to change the community culture and maintain a healthy environment. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to do so.

South Africa faces hardships within its borders. every town and city shows neglect while people burn and ran amok without any accountability or responsibility. Everything crumbles around us. The government cannot do it alone. The different political parties cannot do it alone no matter how great their slogans are, or the grant promises they make. Nor can all the organisations or institutions. It must be a collective undertaking.

No man is an island and the words of JF Kennedy are still true: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Instead of working against each other, we should find a middle ground. A place where we can take hands and work together as a collective. Not for our own benefit, but for the benefit of the community. The stronger the community, the stronger are our cities. 

Grace and peace to you. 

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Where we can... #WritingPrompts4Community

Where we can... Written by Leonita Coutts 

I grew up humble... very humble and I know of hardship. In today’s economic climate, it’s heartbreaking to see how many people struggle to survive. I can also add that the COVID pandemic has contributed to this. 

The feeling of hopelessness: What are we going to eat or how are we going to survive until the end of the month? I know very well. 

No one wants to experience that feeling, believe me. 

Yes, life is challenging. Everyone has their personal “devils” or challenges they have to face. It is therefore difficult to focus on others when you yourself are busy scratching cabbages from the fire. 

In my town, as in many other towns and cities, there are people who have nowhere to go. They live and sleep in front of shops, under bridges or in alleys. Grace carries them and I call them “grace-men.” We don’t always know their past or the reason they live on the streets. I don’t ask questions either. It is not my duty to judge, but to help where I can... 

It’s hot... The sun stands still above my town, and today he punishes those who venture outside. 

I’m on my way to an appointment. Our town is small. Small enough that you can walk where you want to be or else you can just hop in a taxi. Today I choose the taxi option. The heat makes me give up my love of walking. 

In the town centre, Sun is king and the reflecting light on windows makes me reach for my sunglasses. “I should have cancelled my appointment instead.” I thought, but I am here, no reason to waste time on it. 

As I searched under a tree, waiting for the time for my appointment to come, I spotted him. He half-sat against a blue, concrete trash can a few feet from Clicks across the road. In the heat, the blanket around his shoulders is noticeable. The plakkies on his feet have seen better days and I’m sure the heat beats through from the tar, burning his feet. 

I see him muttering every time someone walks past him, but everyone is deaf and blind. For a moment, I try to put myself in his position... How much courage it must take to ask total strangers for something to eat or drink? Then they ignore you because you are “invisible”. 

On the spur of the moment, I walked across the road to him. “Wait here,” I said. His eyes met mine and for a second gratitude and disbelief flashed in them. 

I walked briskly towards Ackerman and entered it. I buy a pair of plakkies, estimate that a number 9 will fit. After that, I slipped into Checkers and bought a bun and a soda and a donut as well. 

On the way back to Clicks, I see he is no longer at his spot. Might he have been startled, because I recognized his existence, I wonder? However, when I looked across the road, I saw him standing under the tree. So he spotted me earlier, in the shadows. I stepped closer and handed the bags to him and as I turned to walk, I heard a hoarse “thank you”. 

The sun had been setting for a long time, but the heat remained captive between the four walls of my house. I sit on my porch and listen to the crickets chatting with each other. I think about him and wonder where he sleeps tonight and if the stickers at least fit. I helped, because I could, I wanted to, and because I felt sorry for him. 

Deep down, there must surely be a sense of satisfaction, because today I did something for someone, just on the spur of the moment. However, the feeling here inside me is an inexplicable feeling of unfulfilment, because I wish I could do more. I know and realize that one cannot help everyone, but we can certainly try to help wherever we can. Try to make a difference in someone’s life for just one day. 

I feel a little better...  

A shooting prayer finds its way towards heaven: “Keep and watch over him tonight, Lord. Please have mercy on him.”

Copyright Leonita Coutts 2024 

Unity brings opportunities.

 

New year's message.

Immediately is an apt word to describe the start of 2024.

The one moment I was still trying to get my head around the fact that 2023 is gone when 2024 announced: “Here I am.”

And it was a good announcement for the community.

Immediate action is Grace.

It is a profound statement that, when I heard it, my spirit jumped. Witnessing how a community comes together after one phone call is something that will stay with me for a long time.

Procrastination is the enemy of 2024.

Laziness, delay, excuses, complains, procrastination they are all excuses we use when we feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and unsure of the next step. But let us get up. Fix that roof, build that bridge, grow a seed, and invest in our town. Don’t play the blame game; there are no winners in this game.

Let 2024 be a perspective shift, an immediate action for all of us. Where, instead of complaining, we do. Instead of arguing, we try to understand another person’s perspective. Instead of breaking down, let us build a future for our children.

Let us celebrate the death of procrastination at the feet of the Cross and become a people of action. Rise up for your light has come…

Let us put our laziness aside and learn a new skill, take on a new challenge and become part of something greater right there where you live. Now, more than ever,

it is vital to stand together. This is an election year, a year where your voice can make a difference in the future of our country. Make it count. Your voice matters.

Let us express hope by walking in love with faith as our guidepost.

May 2024 be a year of renewed vigour.

Grace and peace to you.

Issue 5 • January 2024 by Lynelle Clark

Mould, Moisture and Your Home

 

5 Minute read

 Mould Basics 

· The key to mould control is moisture control.

· If mould is a problem in your home, clean up the mould promptly and fix the water problem.

· It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mould growth.

Why is mould growing in my home?

Moulds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, moulds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees. But indoors, mould growth should be avoided. Moulds reproduce through tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mould may grow indoors when mould spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mould, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

 Can mould cause health problems?

Moulds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mould spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Moulds have the potential to cause health problems. Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and, sometimes, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mould are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  Moulds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mould. In addition, mould exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mould-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported because of inhaling mould. Research on mould and health effects is ongoing. This article provides a overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mould exposure. For more detailed information, consult a health professional.  You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How do I get rid of mould?  

It is impossible to get rid of all mould and mould spores indoors. Some mould spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. Mould spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mould growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mould growth in your home, you must clean up the mould and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mould but don't fix the water problem, most likely, the mould problem will recur.

Who should do the cleanup?

· This depends on several factors. One consideration is the size of the mould problem. If the mouldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3-foot by 3-foot patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below.  

· If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mould growth covers over 10 square feet, consult with an InterNACHI inspector.

· If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mould.  Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations of the EPA, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.

· Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mould.  This could spread mould throughout the building. 

· If the water and/or mould damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. 

· If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

Tips and Techniques 

The tips and techniques presented in this section will help you clean up your mould problem. Professional cleaners or remediators may use methods not covered here. Please note that mould may cause staining and cosmetic damage. It may not be possible to clean an item so that its original appearance is restored.   

· Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.

· Scrub mould off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.

· Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become mouldy. Mould can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mould may be difficult or impossible to expunge.

· Avoid exposing yourself or others to mould.

· Do not paint or caulk mouldy surfaces.

· Clean up the mould and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over mouldy surfaces is likely to peel. If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair and restoration, painting and art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

 

What to Wear When Cleaning Mouldy Areas:  

· Avoid breathing in mould or mould spores.  In order to limit your exposure to airborne mould, wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front, and others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap and prevent most of the mould spores from entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Please note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that respirators fit properly (via fit testing) when used in an occupational setting.

· Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or PVC. Avoid touching mould or mouldy items with your bare hands.   

· Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mould or mould spores in your eyes.

How do I know when the remediation or cleanup is finished?

· You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem before the cleanup or remediation can be finished, based on the following guidelines:  

· You should have completed the mould removal. Visible mould and mouldy odors should not be present. Please note that mould may cause staining and cosmetic damage.   

· You should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup, and it should show no signs of water damage or mould growth.  

· People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms.  

· Ultimately, this is a judgment call; there is no straightforward answer. If you have concerns or questions, be sure to ask your InterNACHI inspector during your next scheduled inspection.

Moisture and Mould Prevention and Control Tips

Moisture control is the key to mould control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors, ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases, mould will not grow.  

· Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.  

· Make sure the ground slopes away from the building's foundation so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.  

· Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

· Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60% relative humidity (ideally, between 30% to 50%). Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, which is a small, inexpensive instrument that is available at many hardware stores.  

· If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes, ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity:

· Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters, to the outdoors, where possible. (Combustion appliances, such as stoves and kerosene heaters, produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)  

· Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.  

· Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Actions that will help prevent condensation:

· Reduce the humidity (see above).  

· Increase ventilation and air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical.  Use fans as needed.  

· Cover icy surfaces, such as cold-water pipes, with insulation.  

· Increase air temperature.

Testing or Sampling for Mould

Is sampling for mould needed? In most cases, if visible mould growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mould or mould spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mould standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mould should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mould sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Suspicion of Hidden Mould 

You may suspect hidden mould if a building smells mouldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mould may hide in places such as the backside of dry wall, wallpaper or paneling, the topside of ceiling tiles, or the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other locations of hidden mould include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating Hidden Mould Problems 

Investigating hidden mould problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mould growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mould growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mould problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Cleanup and Biocides 

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. Using a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mould (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mould cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may show its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mould spores will remain, and these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.   

Please note: Dead mould may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mould; it must also be removed.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mould

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mould exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mould growth is to control moisture.

3. If mould is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mould and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mould growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30% to 60%) to decrease mould growth by: 

a. venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.

b. using air conditioners and de-humidifiers.

c. increasing ventilation; and

d. using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.  

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mould growth.

7. Clean mould off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials that are mouldy (such as carpeting and ceiling tiles) may need to be replaced. 

8. Prevent condensation.  Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, and floors) by adding insulation. 

9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting.

10. Moulds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, provided moisture is present. There are moulds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Article used by permission. InterNACHI's archive. 

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