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When it comes to your home, a musty smell of dampness is definitely undesirable.  Dampness can produce mold on hard surfaces, mildew on soft surfaces, and potentially even lead to health or safety issues.  But before dampness in your home can put a damper on your spirit, here’s the 411 to help you detect it, deal with it, and avoid it in the future.

Identifying dampness

The geographical region of where you live could be a predictor for dampness in your home. Check with your Realtor or local public library for information on the humidity and rainfall in your area. Damp homes are often caused by an influx of water from the outside or by increased humidity from showering, drying clothes, and cooking. If water is entering your home from the outside, you may be able to determine where by looking for water tides on painted walls or white salt deposits (called efflorescence) on brick.

Dealing with dampness

If your home is showing signs of dampness, it is important to address these issues as quickly as possible to mitigate any significant damage or health issues. The first thing to do is locate the source of the problem. Check for obvious causes such as blocked gutters, missing tiles, objects stacked against an external wall, leaking pipes, or damage to your roof or foundation. If you cannot find the source, hire an expert to help. Once you have identified the problem, it is time to seal the deal. Depending on the complexity and severity of the problem, there may be some solutions you can take care of yourself (e.g. caulking a window to keep moisture out), whereas others may be better suited for a professional (e.g. fixing leaks to pipes or addressing foundation problems).

Avoiding dampness

Prevention is key. Here are some steps you can take to keep dampness away from your home:

• Limit moisture during humid weather by keeping windows and doors closed.
• Use an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier to keep humidity below 60%.
• Ensure all vent fans are clear and connected directly outdoors and not to the attic.
• Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to control humidity.
• When possible, consider limiting the boiling time of water, covering saucepans when cooking, and discontinuing use of portable gas heaters.
• Position the downspout runoff so it’s directed away from the foundation of your home.
• Increasing or improving the insulation of your home and around pipes.

Is the air in your home making you sick? It can be as innocuous as a persistent cough, rash or headache. But, for the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory disease, the effects of indoor air contamination can be far more serious. The very air you breathe could be affecting the comfort and health of your family. Recognizing the symptoms of poor air quality is the first step toward fixing the problem. Bad air can be the cause any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Cold or flu symptoms such as coughing, congestion and sneezing
• Redness or irritation of the eyes
• Irritation of the nose or throat
• Dry, chapped or irritated skin
• Allergies
• Asthma attacks

Your home may have bad air if you or your family continuously experience any of these indicators, primarily when spending time at home.

In some cases the cause is obvious. Cigarette smoke and pet dander, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, are common culprits. But in many cases, the source is hard to identify. You may be able to locate the source by centering your attention in rooms where symptoms are more severe. Your basement is a good place to start, as basements are breeding grounds for mould, another leading cause of poor air quality. Look for damp areas, mould and mildew and dust accumulation. Is there a musty smell in the air? Is drywall, carpet or drapery stained or discoloured? Chemical fumes from a recent renovation or fumes from an attached garage or workshop could also be to blame.

Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas caused by combustion sources like gas appliances, wood stoves/fireplaces and automobiles. Initial warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include sore throat, dizziness, headache and sleepiness - prolonged exposure can be fatal. Carbon monoxide detectors are available commercially and are required by law in some Canadian districts.

Solving the problem can be as easy as removing the source. Mould can be destroyed by cleansing the area with a mixture of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Wash the area thoroughly and let it stand for about 15 minutes before rinsing. To avoid recurrence, ensure that the affected area remains free of moisture. Contaminated carpet, underlay and furniture should be removed and discarded.

Routinely change furnace and air conditioner filters and keep your home clean and dust free. When removing the source is not possible or proves ineffective, there are other measures you can take:

• Improve ventilation in affected rooms
• Humid air can cause and exacerbate air quality. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier
• An air filtration system can be installed in the home

When symptoms are severe it is best to rely on a professional. Hire an environmental consulting company to analyze the air in your home, identify the cause and recommend a solution.

Your home is your haven, and your bedroom is your retreat.  At the end of a busy day, you want to be able to forget about the outside world and focus on getting a good night’s sleep.  Does your bedroom beckon you with a restful and relaxing ambiance?  If not, here are some simple ways to create a bedroom that is comfortable, peaceful, and perfect for catching quality zzz’s. 

1. Clean and de-clutter
   

   Clean your bedroom to help clear your mind.  Tidy away clothes, papers, dishes and anything else that is not conducive to relaxation.  Get into the habit of hanging clothes in the closet or putting them in the laundry basket rather than heaping them on the nearest chair.  Now all you have to do is vacuum, dust or polish, and you’ve made a great start.

2. Decorate for relaxation
   

   Keep the colours in your bedroom neutral using soft, light tones.  If you prefer a little more colour, you can contrast the walls with deeper, dramatic shades in your accessories, such as pillows and throws.  Add some greenery – a healthy plant can act as an air filter and absorb potential toxins from furniture or carpets.

3. Create a breeze
   

   Consider installing a ceiling fan in your bedroom.  Ceiling fans can add an attractive decorative touch while providing a soothing breeze and ventilation.  Ceiling fans are also great for muffling external noises, so you can drift away to sleep uninterrupted.

4. Lose the lights
   

   Exposure to even moderate levels of light at night can throw off the body's internal clock.  Consider room darkening shades or curtains to help keep the light out while you rest.  When adding light is necessary, use soft white lights or candles to help create serenity.

5. Play some soft sounds
   

   Classical music can set a tranquil mood.  A CD of natural sounds (waves or rain), or even a small water fountain in your room can provide a calming effect and quiet an active mind.  Some people find a white noise machine to be comforting as well.

6. Keep distractions out
   

   Keep the computer, T.V., and PDA out of the bedroom.  Stimulating the mind before trying to get a good night’s sleep is counter-productive.  Electronic devices can be very distracting.  It’s important to make a mental separation between your bedroom and the outside world so you can concentrate on sleeping.

7. Set up snug bedding
   

   There’s nothing more inviting at the end of a day than falling into a comfortable bed with a good quality mattress, clean sheets and plump pillows.  Cool cotton sheets are lovely to slip into in the summer, while flannel provides winter warmth and jersey knits offer a happy medium, cozy without being too heavy, suitable for the spring and fall.

   Now all you have to do is keep the temperature just right. Most people sleep best in a slightly cooler room.  Adjust the windows and/or thermometer to find the optimal temperature for you.  Sleep tight!