Humidity can wreak havoc on an abode A DROP of water on a window may not seem threatening at first glance, but condensation and the problems associated with it can create conditions in homes rang- ing from simple nuisances to serious defects. Fortunately, according to Gury St. Arnaud, president of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, controlling moisture in your home doesn't usually require professional consultation or structural changes. Armed with the correct knowledge and a nose for hunting down the problem you can mitigate the effects of moisture in a new or existing home — even in today’s tighter, more energy-efficient homes. Occasionally, excessive humidity is present in new homes. New con- crete, for example, contains a great deal of water that is given back to the air over a period of several months. This situation can be exacerbated -when a home is closed up at the beginning of a-heating season and “natural ventilation: cannot carry off the water suspended in the air, With extra ventilation trom exhaust fans or open windows, the problem will most likely disappear after the first heating season. Many moisture problems in exist- ing homes are a direct result af exces- sively high indoor humidity, which can be measured with a psychrometer or other humidity gauge. If indoor relative humidity exceeds 50% dur- ing cold weather, action should be taken to reduce it Hf no means cf nicasuring relative humidity is available, excessive con- densation on double-glazed windows in cold weather is a good indicator of high humidity. If the condensation has been occurring over a long peri- od, the bottom rails of window sash will be stained by collected water. The first step in reducing indoor humidity is to look for large sources of moisture. A damp basement can increase indoor humidity substantial- ly. The problem could also be traced to poor drainage around the house which can be corrected through prop- er grading and the channeling of dis- SOURCES OF indoor humidity may include numercus house plants, an unvented clothes dryer, green firewocd stored inside, stoveto clothes hung to dry in the basement. charge from downspouts away from the house. Other sources of indoor humidity may include numerous house plants, an unvented clothes dryer, green firewood stored inside, stovetop cooking without using exhaust fan, and a humidifier or wet clothes hung to dry in the basement. If there are no unusual moisture sources the high humidity may sim- USO GAS FI pe THE W REGENCY ply be a result of living habits which are difficult to change. In cold cli- mates the solution may be to provide more ventilation dy using existing exhaust fans or adding exhaust fans to the kitchen bathrooms or laundry When a forced-air heating system is p cooking without using exhaust fan, and a humidifier or wet -used a small duct may be connected to the return side of the furnace duct system to draw in outdoor air. In warm climates it may be necessary to reduce the capacity of the air condi- See Extra page 24 FLOOR TILES & HAND PAINTED WALL TILES | ND a Wrought iron furniture U30 FLUSH g i This beautiful Regency Gas availab Bavfront of Flush faceplate styling. Delivering 30,000 BTU of incredible heat, your Regency can keep Mexican Pine Furniture your family warm...even during power outages. Call today for great savings on Regency. Clay pots, suns, moons, sconces JMapltG S200) j Traditional Mexican glassware : 1485 Welch St. Mon Thru Friday Regency” i North Van 8:30am to 5:30pm . FIREPLACE PRODUCTS : ‘Tel 990-9055 Sat. 9:00am to 5:00pm _ _ | JOE’S FIREPLACE PRODUCTS r A Fm ECDL ETN 1394 Main Street N. Van 984-4059 "fi keronal Nova iY [Corom: ‘| One pe with Seat - 258658 $389 New Cashon 901 b44 $186 Conserver : Hydra 2,9 Gal 902305 7 901500 901649 ‘89 599 $139 at does ir take to puta smile on your cheeks? Guaranteed low prices? An incredible selection of quality bathware? Expert advice you can count on? Whatever it takes to make your bath fix-up a success, you'll find it at Thunderbird Home Centres. Come to Thunderbird and we'll puta smile on your cheeks. Ve Prices in effect uncil Oct 17,1995 Prices for White toilets * Seats extra HOME CENTRES Thunderbird... Where Beautiful Kitchens & Baths Begin 1626 Lloyd Ave, North Vancouver 987-4250