Spring Moisture Management
Interior Ventilation is CRITICAL for Moisture Management
Winter is characterized by cold and wet weather and is followed by spring, which can be rainy at times. This week in particular here in Wisconsin is supposed to be very rainy! A rainy spring means that the ground is oversaturated, and this leads to increased humidity levels in your home. It is imperative for you to keep your home humidity in check to avoid the problems that come with increased humidity. Fortunately, there exist effective ways for you to reduce home humidity.
PROPER INSULATION + ADEQUATE VENTILATION IS KEY!
Contact MadCity Environmental today for more information on how to ensure your home has proper insulation and adequate ventilation to avoid multiple harmful house moisture issues.
Finding solutions to moisture problems, be they condensation or water problems, is often a difficult, time-consuming and expensive undertaking. The first step in any situation is to identify the source of the problem. This may not be easy because two and often more things may be working together to create the problem.
Sometimes as people attempt keep out the cold, while keeping in the warmth, many homeowners caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors. Unfortunately, if not done correctly and/or without proper ventilation, these methods can have a negative effect as the same practices that trap heat in the home can also trap high levels of moisture.
Another common condition contributing to moisture problems in Wisconsin homes is the existence of cool surfaces with which interior moisture vapor naturally comes in contact. These include poorly weatherized and insulated windows and poorly insulated exterior walls and ceilings.
CONDENSATION SOLUTIONS
Cool Surface Condensation Problems
In less energy-efficient homes, cool surfaces are readily available for water vapor to condense and collect on. Warming these surfaces by adding insulation or cutting down on the amount of cold air that can get to them by caulking and weatherstripping will lessen condensation problems.
Window Surface Problems
Condensation on window surfaces in cool or cold months can be controlled by adding layers of glass in the form of storm windows or using double- or triple- glazed window units, installing a plastic film on the outside or inside of the window frame (a less expensive way to add storm window protection), repairing broken glass, and sealing any leaks in and around the window with weatherstripping and caulking on both the inside and outside.
Exterior Peeling Paint and Ceiling/Wall Discoloration Problems
Peeling exterior paint and discolored interior walls and ceilings (usually in the form of mold or mildew growth) are good indications that condensation is occurring inside wall cavities and attics. During winter, cold outside air collects in these areas and can cool attic, ceiling, wall cavity and interior wall surfaces to the point where condensation occurs. Adding insulation to these areas will warm these surfaces and thus help prevent condensation.
Sealing Interior Cracks and Holes
When you add insulation, be sure to repair, caulk or weatherstrip any holes or cracks in ceilings, walls and floors and along baseboards. These are prime areas for moisture migration to occur. Moisture vapor moves with air, and any cracks or holes that allow air to flow freely through them are potential trouble spots.
Basement Wall Condensation Problems
Adding insulation to basement walls has advantages similar to adding it to wall cavities and the ceiling: it eliminates cold surfaces where condensation can occur, and it cuts energy costs.
Contact John at 608.480.0367 – MadCity Environmental – to learn more!
Ice Dam Prevention & Remediation
MadCity Environmental consultants are
ice dam prevention and remediation experts.
We strive to not only help our customers remedy a current problem, we also work hard to prevent future issues. The most important first step is to notice a small problem before it turns into a big mess.
Contact MadCity Environmental today at 608-480-0367
to prevent or remediate ice damming in your home.
Ice Dam Warning Signs
• Icicles forming on the edge of your roof
• Ice build up on the top gutter, roof, or lower edge
• Ice forms in soffit vents
• Icicles forming behind the gutters
• Ice forming on siding or exterior walls
• Ice or water inside or around window frames
Ice Dam Prevention
Preventing ice damming in your roof is simple, in principle: keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. Take care of trouble spots and you will enjoy a winter free of icicles—and the damage they can do to your roof.
• SHORT TERM SOLUTION – KEEP SNOW OFF THE ROOF
About the easiest solution is to keep snow off the roof. People with low roofs can use snow rakes, also known as roof rakes – rakes on a long pole – to clear away the snow. But people with two- or three-story homes may not be able to reach their roofs.
• LONG TERM SOLUTION – ATTIC INSULATION AND VENTILATION
MadCity Environmental recommends spraying a 2-inch layer of expanding insulation foam on the attic floor, being careful not to encapsulate electrical equipment or plumbing, and then blowing in several inches of cellulose of other fibrous insulation over that. This will keep heat from getting into the attic from below and if heat does get into the attic, good ventilation will give it a way out of the attic rather than through the roof.
• ADDING INSULATION IS THE BEST INVESTMENT
The payback is fast and profound. Not only will is keep your home warm all winter long, it will also keep your house cooler in summer.
Typical Wisconsin winter weather is what causes ice dams – heavy snows and freezing cold. When a layer of snow builds up on a rooftop, heat from inside the attic melts the bottom-most layer of snow, sending meltwater dribbling down toward the roof eaves. Typically the eaves extend out from the house and are not heated by warmth from the attic. So on particularly cold nights, with the furnace inside working overtime, meltwater reaches the unheated eaves and it freezes. Soon, the accumulation of ice there creates a dam and water builds up behind it, leaking beneath the shingles and into the house, causing damage every step of the way. Ice damming can be prevented.
Ice dams are an ongoing nuisance and can cause extensive damage to soffit cavities, fascia boards, roof sheathing, gutters, and to the most outer portion of living area walls. This ice build-up can absolutely be alleviated, but every house tends to have a different situation as to why this ice dam is there in the first place.
Contact MadCity Environmental today at 608-480-0367
to prevent or remediate ice damming in your home.
Home Spring Cleaning
Dear Family, Friends & Clients,
Here are a few easy home spring cleaning tasks to do while many of us are staying close to home during these uncertain times. Not only will this help us mentally + physically to be a even just a little bit productive during this time, it will also ensure our homes are sanitary + germ-free = proper cleaning of indoor spaces can help remove irritants that trigger allergies and asthma.
Spring Cleaning Tips – Clean the interior of your house thoroughly. While doing so, be conscience to check the condition of everything you clean, this is the time to correct small issues before they grow in to large ones.
Doormats
Trap more dirt by using two mats, one outside the door and one inside. To refresh, hose off and air-dry mats. Vacuum indoor ones on both sides — going over the back will push trapped dirt out onto the floor where it will be easier to pick up.
Cell Phone
Bad news: Your cell phone probably harbors more germs than your toilet seat. That’s why you should give it a once over with an alcohol wipe to zap germs, as well as other electronics, like your TV remote and computer mouse.
Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags cut down on wasteful plastic, but they can get grimy with time. Run your reusable bags through the washer regularly to remove any lingering food bacteria, turning them inside out before you toss them in. Pay attention to the bag’s fabric when selecting a dryer setting.
Kids’ Toys
Don’t overlook the convenience of your dishwasher. It can take on more than just plates, including your children’s (and pet’s) plastic toys. Just choose the crystal or quick cycle and skip the heated dry. For stuffed animals, check the care tag first and then gather in a mesh bag or pillowcase and throw in the washer on a gentle cycle.
Kitchen Sink
Got kitchen stink you just can’t kick? Try running a couple of lemon rind slivers through your garbage disposal and follow with cold water to dispel the smell.
Microwave
Enough with the tomato sauce stains — this trick will make cleaning ’em up easier. Place large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it sit to cool for 15 minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe out the inside and outside with a sponge.
Countertops
Dig out the granite polish to restore shine and help repel stains on your kitchen surfaces. For daily wipe-downs, use a specialized cleaner, like GH Seal star Weiman Granite & Stone Daily Cleaner & Polish. The mild formulas cut grease and remove surface stains without the damaging effects of vinegar or ammonia, and they won’t leave behind a dull film like ordinary dish soap can.
Cutting Boards
If you think that nasty mark is permanent, you’re wrong. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to remove food stains and smells. Want an extra cleaning oomph? Sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.
Fridge
You probably wipe down your fridge’s interior shelving on the regular already, but don’t forget about the rest. Pop out the door shelves and bins, and wash in warm, soapy water to get rid of food bacteria and spillage.
Pots and Pans
Soften burned-on residue by adding water and dish liquid to your cookware and letting it simmer on the stove. Use Brillo pads to remove any remaining stuck-on bits. Ketchup (yes, really!) helps dissolve tarnish on copper pots and other copper cooking accessories. Just massage the red sauce over the surface and add a pinch of salt to your polish if you come across exceptionally stubborn spots.
Oven
Use your appliance’s self-cleaning function to remove stubborn, baked-on grime. If your oven doesn’t have one, place a hot, wet cloth on top of burned spots to help soften the gunk. Then scrub with a heavy-duty pad and wipe dry.
Kitchen Cabinets
Sticky kitchen grime is a mix of dust and grease that builds up over time. Run the exhaust hood over your range every time you cook to keep grease from settling. To de-gunk, use Parker & Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cream because it cuts through dirt and leaves wood moisturized. Do an extra pass around door and drawer pulls and other places where grease collects.
Stainless Steel
To make this surface sparkle again (see ya, fingerprints), mix a solution of 1 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 quart hot tap water. Using a microfiber cloth, rub the detergent solution onto the marks in small sections, going with the grain. Rinse with clean hot water only, and dry immediately with a clean cloth.
Junk Drawer
Start small and pick your stash spot. Empty it out and suck up dust with your vacuum’s nozzle. “Toss or relocate any items you no longer need or that don’t belong there,” Forte says. Everything else goes back, but this time in an organized manner. Repurpose pretty plates and bowls to store cords, stamps, and other odds and ends. A nonslip liner will keep them in place.
Shower Curtain
Yep, you can wash a plastic or vinyl curtain in your washing machine. Do it on the gentle cycle with detergent and add a couple of bath towels for extra cleaning power. Then hang it to dry. To keep the curtain cleaner longer, spritz it a few times each month with a bleach-containing all-purpose cleaner. Then just let the shower rinse it off (before you hop in).
Grout
Trust us when we say this 15-minute task makes a huge difference in your bathroom if you have white (not colored) grout. Spray grout with Good Housekeeping Lab pick CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner. Let it set for several minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse.
Shower Drain
To freshen drains (not unclog them) and help keep them free-flowing, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated vinegar. It will foam and bubble. Let it stand for 15 minutes — longer does not work any better. Follow by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds. This is especially good for seldom-used drains, like in a guest bathroom.
Furniture
Pull furniture away from walls and vacuum behind and under it. Do the woodwork and air vents while you’re back there. Then switch the upholstery tool on your machine to go over both sides of cushions and underneath them. The crevice tool can help degunk along the trim and stitching.
Curtains
Put your dryer to work and toss drapes, curtains, and even throw pillows in the dryer for 15 minutes on the “air-only” cycle, then rehang immediately to avoid wrinkles.
Ceilings
Spring cleaning season is all about focusing on the spots you forget about the rest of the year. Grab an extendable duster and attack ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, moldings and more
Mattress
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to pay attention to the thing under the sheets. Press firmly with your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean the top and sides. After cleaning, rinse with a damp cloth, bolt dry, and sanitize with a disinfectant spray like Lysol. Steam from a garment steamer or iron will also kill dust mites near the surface. Vacuum afterwards.
Closets
Go through clothes and shoes from the season that’s just ended — and remove anything stained, in need of repair, or worn out. Make a second pass through spring and summer clothes as you take them out of storage. Try on anything you’re unsure about before giving it closet space.
Washing Machine
Before you start to notice an odor in your appliance, disinfect it by running the special washer cleaning cycle with bleach or using a washing machine cleaner, like GH Seal star Tide Washing Machine Cleaner.
Dryer
More than 15,000 fires start in home laundry rooms every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (yikes!). Beyond removing the fuzz from your dryer’s filter after every load, pull out hard-to-reach lint with the crevice tool on your vacuum to suck up debris. Vacuum under, around, and behind the dryer as well.
Vacuum Cleaner
Yes, you have to clean your cleaners. Replace the bag, clean the dust cup, and replace or wash the filters. Snip threads snarled in the brush with scissors or a seam ripper.
Broom
Another cleaner that needs to be cleaned! Clear any dust bunnies stuck on your broom’s bristles by swishing the broom head around in warm, soapy water, or vacuum it with the end of the vacuum hose.
Windows
Wait for an overcast day and start on the shady side of the house, as direct sun can lead to streaks. Raise blinds or shades and wash windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Then lower the blinds and vinyl shades and dust with a duster like Swiffer and finish by vacuuming fabric shades and drapes.”
Patio Furniture
With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to get your outdoor furniture ready for lounging. To do this, add a squirt of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water, then wipe down tables and chairs. Finish it all off with a spray of water from the garden hose.
Thank you to Good Housekeeping for these spring cleaning tips.
Insulation Removal
Start with a home evaluation and get a game plan. Mold is simple = no moisture = no mold growth!! Keep moisture barriers intact to protect the integrity of your home.
Insulation damaged by mold must be removed to prevent further damage and contamination throughout the home. This will not only protect your investment, it will also help to keep you and your family healthy.
Proper Mold Remediation
Many contractors just spray or add chemicals over the old tainted insulation, BUT the insulation must actually be physically removed to be remediated properly.
Benefits:
• Improve Air Quality
• Control Moisture
• Reduce Condensation
MadCity Environmental has proven methods to remove and clear out all of the old insulation. Once the mold has been properly remediated and removed, then we can air seal and re-insulate your home. This will keep your family warm and comfy this winter, plus you will save money on your heating/cooling bills all year long!
Contact MadCity Environmental today at 608.480.0367 to schedule an in-home consultation.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan Installation
Keep Moisture Out!
Bathroom exhaust fans are important for removing moisture and bad odors, and preventing the growth of mold and mildew in your bathrooms, and reducing condensation on the windows in your home. It can also prevent wallpaper and paint from blistering and peeling and doors and windows from becoming warped.
Benefits:
• Control Moisture
• Reduce Condensation
• Prevent Mold Growth
• Mirrors Free of Fog
When properly installed an exhaust fan can reduce moisture load in the entire home. MadCity Environmental can also install humidity sensors and timers to help control mold growth. After installation MadCity Environmental will conduct a flow-pan test to verify proper cubic feet of air movement (cfm) for your home.
Contact MadCity Environmental today at 608.480.0367 to schedule an in-home consultation.
