home air quality and moisture

Good indoor air is important for your health and the health of your home. Wet homes are not durable, and excess moisture is a common cause of mold, fungus, mildew and other contaminants, which are a major cause of allergies and respiratory diseases.

Indoor and outdoor moisture sources

Moisture sources are of two types: indoor and outdoor...

Moisture indoor sources are often associated with leaky pipes, laundry and clothe dryers and baths. Moisture outdoor sources are associated with wet areas in foundations and leaks in roofs and around windows and doors.

You must fix these sources of excess moisture in your home.

See:

Basement problems basics.
Roof basics
Weatherstripping windows
Caulking Windows

Moisture and ventilation

You should fix the moisture sources in your roof, or in your basement, and repair plumbing leaks... But besides solving these structural sources of excess moisture in your home, you should also install a proper ventilation system to cope with unavoidable humidity and unavoidable sources of moisture.

Ventilation discourages the growth of mold, dilutes pollutants, eliminates odors and supplies fresh air. Ventilation is crucial to a healthy house and to your own health.

Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens are a good illustration of the crucial role of ventilation. But this very basic ventilation system, common to most homes, isn't often sufficient, mainly in colder or hotter climates. Mechanical ventilation systems and natural ventilation are also mandatory.