16 - Friday, October 28, 1988 - North Shore News CONDENSATION Too much moisture harmful to house CONDENSATION ON windows is @ common occurrence in many Canadian homes. But if the condensation is persis- tent and long-lasting, it may be a sign of too much moisture in your home. The source of this moisture should be determined. It may be generated by activities inside the home, or it may be entering the home from the exterior. Whatever the source, this condi- tion can contribute to serious pro- blems in your home. If you typically have a heavy layer of moisture on the inside sur- face of double-glazed windows, do a quick survey of the outside struc- ture of your home to ensure that water is not entering the home through cracks or open joints. You should also check the basement foundation for signs of dampness, and the attic area for leaks in the Toof. While condensation may be caused by any of the above situa- tions, in modern homes it is more likely a sign of high levels of hu- midity generated indoors. Mould or mildew in areas where temperatures are low and air cir- culation is. poor (such as closets and corners) is another indicator. Regardless of whether condensa- tion is a result of moisture being generated from inside or outside the home, excessive amounts can cause rotting of wood window frames, sills and trim. In extreme cases, the building’s structural ma- terials and insulation can be dam- aged. Condensation occurs naturally when warm, moist air meets a cold surface. During winter, the warm air of a heated home holds moisture in the form of water vapor. When the air comes into contact with a cooler surface, like a win- dow ‘or uninsulated wall, it is chill- ed. As the air cools, the excess moisture condenses out as a liquid or frost, depending on the temperature of the cool surface. The amount of moisture in your home’s air (its humidity level) is therefore crucial. Maintaining an appropriate humidity level can often seem like a balancing act: too little moisture can result in dry, scratchy throats and static electricity, while too much moisture can lead to condensation problems. Logically, the first step in reme- dying interior-generated condensa- tion problems is to reduce the amount of moisture produced in your home. Normal activities such as bathing, cooking, doing laun- dry, watering plants and breathing can ccntribute up to 20 litres of water a day to the air in a home. Fortunately, a number of simple Measures can be taken to reduce this moisture production: e Lower the humidifier setting on your furnace (if comfort will allow, turn it off completely) and limit the use of portable humidifiers and vaporizers. e Ensure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside (never to the attic) and avoid hanging clothes to dry inside during the winter. © Use the vents in your kitchen and bathrooms and make sure they are vented to the outside. Keep your pots and pans tightly lidded when cooking. ¢ Avoid storing or drying large quantities of firewood inside your house. ® Ensure that your basement is well drained and dam»-proofed. If your home has a crawl space or cellar with an earth floor, cover it with a .15 mm sheet of polyethylene to prevent the earth’s Sac Vapor Page 20 LIFESTYLES SOFA AND LOVESEAT (Chair is also available) FACTORY AUTHORIZED | This is our contemporary style sofa & loveseat with inviting pillow back and high density super sofa seat cushions. Choose from a variety of fabrics to match any decor. Many f more e Livingroom Suites to choose from at t oreatly discounted prices. “Buy direct from shite Factory ‘and SAVE" | FACTORY OUTLET 2206 Douglas Rd., Bumaby (2 uildinge, east of Thunderbird)” | Phone # 299-3172 STORE = fAon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. HOURS: Sun., Noon-5 p.m. - How to make _ great art work. . The secret is a custom frame by U Frame It. Whether you have a limited edition print, an original work, a favorite poster, or a masterpiece, a custom frame by U Frame It will make great art look great on your walls. Mona Lisa would approve. U FRAME IT We bring pictures to life 207 - 14th Street, West Vancouver 922-4814 STUDIO il Compt wih 5 Flo ONLY $159 STUDIO COUCH Sota Bed) ORLY. ( Complete with 6” Futon 179 DAVENPORT ONLY DOUBLE (Sofa Bed) ga Complete with Regular 6” Futon $999 f Also available in clear lacquer finish Cover and pillows extra STUDIO Ill (3 positions — Couch, Chaise Lounge, Bed) Also available in clear lac- - quer finish. Complete with $499 6" Futon Deskmner cover extra DOUBLE WEST END wow AT 2 AT2 Ceo) KITSILANO 2128 W.4TH AVE. 731-8226