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+ Homeowner’s Manual

331 Cityview Boulevard, Suite 300, Vaughan, ON L4H 3M3 [email protected] • www.lormelhomes.com

Homeowner’s Manual 2


Dear Homeowner,

On behalf of Lormel Homes, I would like to welcome you to your new home. We are delighted and excited that you chose Lormel Homes to be a part of your family.

Moving into a new house can be difficult and stressful at times, we know that you and your family will enjoy your new Lormel home as well as the great neighbourhood that you will now be a part of.

At Lormel Homes we go the extra mile; our goal is to strive to be the best when it comes to servicing our homeowners. We have created a successful Service Department that our homeowners can rely on for their Warrantable and Contractual needs.

Although we make every effort to deliver our homes free of deficiencies, we recognize that some items in your home may require follow up work. We kindly ask for your cooperation with these inconveniences and in managing your service requests so that we may schedule service in an orderly and timely manner. We look forward to working with you throughout your warranty period.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns with the warranty of your new home.

Sincerely,

Customer Care Manager 905-832-2023 ext. 216


Like all new homes in Ontario, your home is protected by the provision of the Tarion Warranty Corporation. Your home has been built in accordance with and to the standards prescribed by the Ontario Building Code, and building standards as required by the local municipal authorities and the Tarion Warranty Corporation. Our goal is to ensure that attending to your warranty service requirements in a planned and coordinated matter fulfills these government requirements. You can help us achieve this goal by adhering to and complying with the procedures outlined within this document.

After completing the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), a service date will be scheduled with your Site Coordinator to perform services for deficiencies noted at the time of the PDI. In order for Lormel Service Department to help clear deficiencies throughout your new home successfully, we have a few simple guidelines that we ask our homeowners to follow:

1. Coordinate a time and date when you can be available for service at your house. This can either be scheduled before or after your closing date. We recommend that you have this service booked within five to seven days after your PDI date.

2. Once all items on the PDI are cleared, your Site Coordinator will schedule another meeting with you to go through each item documented on the PDI to confirm that the service is completed to your satisfaction. You can then start filling out your 30-Day Form.

3. Once you have completed filling out the Tarion 30-Day Form, please drop off a copy of the letter to the site trailer. The site coordinator will schedule a service date with you to complete work noted in the form. This will be one full day of service scheduled Mondays to Fridays (8am to 3pm). Lormel Service will not send service letters to Tarion; you will be responsible for submitting the 30-Day Form to Tarion Warranty. This step also applies to the Year-End and Second-Year Form.

4. Requests for repair work/deficiencies must be submitted in writing only (telephone calls and/or verbal submissions will not be accepted). You can send your letter either by fax to 905-832-2583 or email to [email protected].

Please ensure the following items are included in your letter: Attention: Lormel Service Department, the lot number, civic address, your first and last name, and a telephone number where you can be reached during the day.

After Sales Service Warranty Information

+ Repair work must be done during normal business hours

Since Lormel does not employ many of the sub-contractors doing the work, we ask that there is at least one homeowner present while the repair takes place. We will try to do our best to schedule appointments on days or at times that are convenient for you. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to determine exactly how long any given repair will take. The nature of the serviceman’s day is such that it is often difficult to schedule appointments with any great precision. Your patience and understanding would be appreciated in the event that servicemen or tradesmen arrive later than expected.


Similar to any type of Warranty, there are exceptions or limits to your coverage. For this reason, the following outlines what are considered to be non-warrantable items or actions affecting the Warranty.

• Damage or destruction caused by fire, wind, rain, hail, freezing, lighting, insects, acts of God or other acts not within the control of the Builder.

• Normal weather of exterior finishes.

• Installation of Air Conditioner, air filters, humidifiers, etc. by any contractor other than the original heating sub-contractor will void the warranty on your mechanical system.

• Defects arising from condensation, contraction, expansion, and other occurrences common to the type and grade of material employed, provided that such material is of a grade generally acceptable within the building trade.

• Damage of concrete porch, slabs, walls and garage floors caused by de-icing products (salt or calcium de-icer).

• Locating survey and boundary lines.

• Damage of driveway caused by heavy or sharp objects after closing.

• Efflorescence (white powder) on concrete and brick walls.

• Sanding, painting, wall papering or refinishing of any drywall repairs.

• Exact colour match of any replacement material.

• Variation in colour and shading on trims, wood flooring, oak stairs, pickets and handrails.

• Plumbing blockages other than those caused by construction debris.

• Damage of plumbing fixtures due to abrasive cleaner and careless use.

Occurrences within the home that are not cover by the Tarion Warranty Corporation, nor are the Builder responsible for such Occurrences:

• No repair or replacement for which the Builder is liable, pursuant to their warranty shall be undertaken by the Homeowner without a written consent from the Builder. Should such repair or replacement be made without obtaining consent from the Builder, the Builder shall be fully relieved and discharged from all of its obligation and warranties to the Owner with respect to such repair or replacement.

• During your pre-delivery inspection, certain deficiencies may be visible and you are expected to make careful note of these items for rectification. Those items will generally be the Builder’s

responsibility to correct. In the days following your occupancy of the home, it is not uncommon for considerable minor damage to occur as a result of the move-in process. Movers often bang furniture, appliances and cartons into walls, doors and cabinets, causing surface damage. It is often in some cases where the ceramic tiles are cracked or scratched by heavy items being dropped on them. Many times this will not be noted by the homeowner until some considerable time later. For all of these reasons, we can only accept for damage of a surface nature to those items (i.e.: Tiles, Tubs, Floors, Sinks, Cabinets, Countertops, Carpet or Vinyl) identified within your Pre-Delivery Inspection.

Exceptions to Warranty


According to Tarion Warranty Corporation, an emergency is defined as “any warrantable deficiency within the control of the builder that, if not attended to immediately, would likely result in imminent and substantial damage to your home, or would present an imminent and substantial risk to the health and safety of its occupants”. During this period, it is important that you provide the builder and their servicemen access to your home. Examples of emergency situations include:

1. Total loss of heat between September 15 - May 15

2. Gas leak *

3. Total loss of electricity *

4. Total loss of water supply *

5. Sewage stoppage *

6. Plumbing leakage that requires complete water shut-off.

7. Major collapse of any part of the home’s exterior or interior structure.

8. Major water penetration on the exterior or interior walls or ceiling.

9. A large pool of standing water inside the home.

10. Any situation where, in the opinion of Tarion, the home is uninhabitable for health and safety reasons.

* Situations due to failure of a municipality or utility to provide the service are not covered under warranty because they are not within the builder’s control.

Emergencies


Total Loss of Heat

• Check function of thermostat. Has the main floor thermostat been switched to the “OFF” setting?

• Has the master electrical power switch been shut off (generally located near furnace in basement)?

• What is the temperature inside/outside of the home? If outside temperatures are moderate (fall/spring) the home will not cool down to an unreasonable temperature so we suggest making a service call during business hours.

• For high efficiency furnaces, check the exterior air/exhaust vents to ensure they are not blocked by snow since this condition can trigger a shutdown of the furnace.

Gas Leak

• Evacuate the home immediately and the appropriate gas utility should be contacted.

Total Loss of Electricity

• Determine whether electrical failure is an area-wide situation and if so, the local electrical utility will handle the problem in their usual manner. You do not need to contact the Builder.

• If part of the home is off, check the circuit breakers, ground fault interrupters, etc.

• Only in a case where there is no electricity in the entire home (unique to your home only) will an emergency service be required.

Sewage Stoppage (blocked main sewer)

• Determine whether an entire blockage exists. Odour in basement and sewage spilling into the basement from the floor drain are typical indicators.

• Where a fixture (sink, toilet) is blocked but all other fixtures function normally, a regular service call on the next business day is required.

Plumbing Leaks

• Determine the nature of the leak and whether shutting off individual water line or fixture valve will temporarily solve the problem. Where a leak cannot be stopped in this manner and the homeowner has other plumbing fixtures, this situation is not deemed an emergency and can be handled by a normal service call.

• In a situation where the entire house must be shut down at the main shut down valve or where the service from the street is broken/frozen, etc. The homeowner should contact Lormel Homes immediately.

Major Water Penetration

• Assess the location and severity of the leak.

• Where the leak is minor, such as through windows or minor seepage through basement cracks (with no major/continuous accumulation of water), the homeowner should be able to contain the situation until a service call can be arranged.

• Lormel Homes should be contacted immediately when continuous water penetration through walls and roof may cause severe damage to interior finishes. Temporary measures will be required to stop or reduce water penetration to a manageable level until the exact cause can be determined before permanent repair takes place.

Emergency Check List


The following guide is set up as a seasonal maintenance routine that we ask each homeowner to follow. All items may not apply to your home.

Service vs. Maintenance: Lormel Service Department is designed to provide homeowners with optimal customer service to fulfill the contractual and statutory obligations properly. However, we are often called to perform certain routine items; unplugging toilets, fixing dripping faucets, changing a light bulb, replacing furnace filter, etc. These are considered normal maintenance requirements in the home that the homeowner is responsible for in order to prevent major problems in the future.

Spring

Homeowner’s Seasonal Maintenance Guide

• Remove winter cover from air conditioning unit; inspect air conditioning unit, vacuum or brush the outdoor coil and wash; service as needed.

• Check water heater for leaks, etc. • Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement and water

ponding. Keep soil at least 200mm (8in.) below the top of the foundation wall and ensure that the direction of the grading will allow water to flow away from the house.

• Test smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors.

May

• Open outside hose connection and check for leaks. • Clean and check windows, screens and hardware • Check that air intakes and exhaust are clear of

debris, nests, etc. • Check exterior finishes (siding, trims, eaves

troughs, etc). to ensure they are secure. • Check caulking for soundness, cracking,

detachment and signs of water or air penetration (remove and replace if necessary).

• Lubricate rubber or plastic weather stripping around doors & operable windows.

• Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) (e.g. exterior outlets, bathroom or main electrical panel).

March

• Clean or replace furnace filter. • Check/clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash

or replace filter. • Clean the mechanisms of the humidifiers. • Check attic for signs of moisture and even

distribution of insulation. • If possible, carefully remove snow/ice from roof

overhang/vents. • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter

(GFCI) (e.g. exterior outlets, bathrooms or at main electrical panel).

• Check sump pump, float, and discharge line and test electrical panel.

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

April

• Check eaves troughs and downspouts. Clean if necessary.

• Clean window wells, drainage swales or catch basins of leaves, snow and ice build-up.

• Clean and/or replace furnace filter. • Check/clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash

or replace filter. • Inspect basement for signs of water seepage/

leakage, dampness or musty smell. • Check for missing, loose or cracked shingles.


Summer

August

• Air out damp basement on dry, sunny days.

• Clean air conditioning filter, vacuum or brush the outdoor coil and wash.

• Inspect driveways and walks.



June


• Check roof flashing, valleys and vents. Check for missing/damaged shingles.



• Clean range hood filter.

July


• Clean air conditioning filter, vacuum or brush the outdoor coil & wash.

• Clean & test all exhaust fans; lubricate if necessary.


Homeowner’s Seasonal Maintenance Guide (continued)


Fall

• Check exterior caulking for soundness; cracking, detachment and signs of water or air penetration (remove and replace if required).



November

• Check attic for signs of moisture and even distribution of insulation.

• Clean or replace furnace filter.

• Clean/clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace filter.

• Check for condensation and humidity.

• Clean and test all exhaust fans; lubricate if necessary.


September

• Check exterior finishes (siding, trim) and eaves troughs to ensure they are secure; check exterior brick mortar joint and repoint if necessary.

• Check movement of garage doors and lubricate if necessary.

• Check caulking for soundness, cracking, detachment and signs of water or air penetration; remove and replace if required.

• Have furnace/heating system serviced including heat recovery ventilator and humidifier.

• Check clothes dryer vent and remove lint and other obstructions.


October

• Check eaves troughs and downspouts; remove leaves and other debris.

• Shut off exterior water supply and drain all exterior water lines.

• Install winter cover for air conditioning unit.

• Check roofing and flashing for wear and tear.

• Lubricate rubber or plastic weather stripping around doors and operable windows; replace weather stripping if damaged.



Winter

February



• Check and ensure that air intakes, exhausts and meters are clear of snow.

• If possible, carefully remove snow/ice from roof overhangs/vents.



December

• Check air ducts, remove covers and vacuum dust from vents.


• Clean or replace air filter.




January



• Check and ensure that air intakes, exhausts and meters are clear of snow.





If you plan on being away from home for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that you turn off the water to the house. The main shut off valve is located in your basement.

If you plan on being away for more than two weeks during the summer and fall months, remember your lawn will need water during that time.

If your grass is newly laid, it will require daily watering during the first week in order for it to begin growing properly. You must water regularly from that point on.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!


During the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), all water shut off valves were shown to you. Please make sure everyone in your household knows the locations of the main shut off valves and how they work. In the event of a plumbing emergency, you must close the main water shut off valve for the house at once and contact the plumber. The number to the plumber is listed in the emergency contact letter.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing

Keeping your home heated at a normal level will help prevent pipes from freezing. If you are away during the winter months, the heat should not be set lower than 65 degrees F (approximately 18 degrees C). In general, if you and everyone in your household will be away for more than two days, all your main water valves should be shut off just in case a leak may occur during your time away from home.

Plumbing System Maintenance

Test Toilet for Leaks

Step 1 Remove the toilet tank lid and put one dye strip into the tank. Step 2 Wait 15 minutes and then look into the toilet bowl. If the water is coloured, you have a flapper leak. Step 3 Replace flapper. Toilet flappers should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Most blockages in plumbing drains, including toilet drains are progressive. They begin slowly and get worse over time until the drain is completely blocked. Use a plunger at the first sign of a slow drain. The simple step can prevent most serious drain blockages.

Clear Toilet Drain Blockages

Always keep a keep a plumber’s plunger on hand to use in the event of a stoppage of a toilet. Usually, a few vigorous plumbs with the plunger will free the obstruction. Stoppages that are not construction related are the responsibility of the homeowner. If you are unable to clear the obstruction yourself, we suggest that you contact a licensed plumbing contractor.


Maintain proper humidity conditions within your home It is recommended that the humidity level stay in the recommended range for your region throughout the year. Problems related to humidity level variations can be minimized by proper ventilation, dehumidifying or heating.

Regularly vacuum the floor To prevent sand or abrasive dust from accumulating and scratching the floor finish, vacuum sand off immediately. Remember that wood and water don't mix!

Never wash your floor with lots of water Do not leave water or any liquid to dry on your hardwood floor. Wipe up any spots or spills immediately. Excess humidity directly applied to your floor may permanently damage it.

Be sure to keep pet's nails cleaned and trimmed They could damage the finish of your hardwood floor.

Sharp and pointed objects can cause damage to your hardwood floor Never use wax, household detergents or soap, as they will leave a greasy film on your floor. Use wood care maintenance products specially designed for the care of your hardwood floor. Always clean our hardwood floor lengthwise following the wood grain.

Avoid wearing high heels on your hardwood floor Do not wear shoes that are covered with dirt, gravel or abrasive dust.

Use adequate floor protection Use felt pads under all furniture and chair legs in order to ease their movement and to prevent scratching the floor. Use protective mats at doorways.

Protect the floor by carefully moving heavy pieces of furniture Carry your furniture or place them on a rug, wrong side up, and slide the rug.

Hardwood Floors Maintenance


What is Condensation and how does it form?

• Newly constructed homes may temporarily exhibit a higher potential for condensation as moisture in plaster, cement and other building materials escapes into the air during the first heating season.

• Condensation occurs in your home when moist air comes into contact with a surface, which is at a lower temperature. Moist air contains water vapour – referred to as humidity.

• Condensation forms first on the coldest surfaces of a room; usually on glass surfaces of windows and doors. These areas are generally cooled by lower exterior temperatures during the winter months much more easily than the walls, which are kept warm by insulation. If it is cold outside and/or warm and humid inside, condensation may occur on your windows resulting in fogging, water or ice on the windows themselves, or even a puddle of water on the window frame or sill.

• A small amount of condensation appearing on a surface may not necessarily be a problem, depending on the amount of moisture that forms. Condensation can be short-term during a severe cold spell. Steps should be taken to avoid condensation problems wherever possible as moisture may lead to damage and mold growth.

Maintenance for Condensation and/or Frost on Windows

Promote good ventilation in your home:

• Use the kitchen exhaust fan or range hood to remove humidity generated by cooking.

• Use bathroom fans while bathing or showering. Keep the fan running until the humidity is below the set point. The exhaust fan should be left running for a period after bathing or showering to remove excess moisture from the bathroom.

• Ensure that your principal fan is set to run twice a day for four-hour periods and the furnace fan is set to the “ON” position.

• When ventilation is not effective at lowering the humidity sufficiently, you may need to use a dehumidifier to further reduce humidity levels.

How to avoid condensation problems:

• Reduce moisture generated in your home.

• Shut off humidifier if you are using one.

• Check the lint trap in your clothes dryer is clean. The lint trap should be inspected and cleaned before each use.

Promote good air circulation in your home:

• Open blinds and drapes so that air can circulate.

• Direct heat towards exterior walls and windows.

• Where condensation at window sills is a persistent problem, remove any objects on the window sill as they prevent air from circulating and removing the moisture.

• Move furniture so it is not touching the outside walls. This will improve air circulation around the cooler outside wall and reduce condensation potential.


Introduction

This information is intended to assist you to identify the signs and probable causes of moisture and moisture-related indoor air quality problems in your home, and to propose practical solutions.

Many household problems can be solved if you do one or more of the following:

• Adopt strategies to prevent excess moisture in the home;

• Perform maintenance or minor repairs;

• Hire a professional contractor to make major repairs.

Tenants: Report all plumbing leaks and moisture problems immediately to your building owner, manager, or superintendent. In cases where persistent water problems are not addressed, you may want to contact local or provincial health or housing authorities.

Homeowner’s Guide to Moisture and Air: Problems and Remedies


After reducing moisture sources, ventilation may be used to improve indoor air quality. All ventilation systems should be balanced so that the amount of air coming in should equal the amount of air going out, using intakes sized appropriately to allow sufficient air supply to all exhaust devices.

Types of Ventilation

Passive Ventilation In the winter, open one or more windows for a short time. This can provide temporary ventilation, but is not always effective or economical.

Exhaust-only Ventilation The minimum is exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen running for hours per day. Caution: when using large exhaust fans, combustion appliances with chimney may not operate properly.

Air Quality Problems

The air you breathe in your home should be clean (i.e. as free from pollutants as possible). For your health and comfort, your home should have an exchange of air between the indoors and outdoors. Without the air exchange, your home can accumulate moisture, mold can become a problem, and you can experience poor air quality.

Mold growing in your home can release mold spores, toxins from mold, and moldy odours.

Harmful chemicals can be released from synthetic fabrics, furnishings, and household products. Additional contributing sources of indoor air pollutants are cigarette smoke, burning candles, or improperly maintained or vented combustion devices, such as gas or propane cooking stoves, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces.

The exchange of stale air with fresh air reduces potential air quality problems.

Ventilation Options


You can clean small areas of mold yourself using an unscented detergent and water. The mold area is considered “small” if there are fewer than three patches, each patch smaller than one (1) square meter. If you have more than three patches or the areas are larger, you need a trained professional to assess your house. You may also need a trained contractor to clean extensive areas of mold.

Many ventilation options can affect the performance of combustion appliances, especially when large fans are used. Learn more by consulting CHMC’s About Your House series or consulting a competent heating and ventilation contractor.

You can protect yourself from the worst effects of combustion appliance spillage through the use of a CSA certified carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm.

Clean-up Methods

Moldy ceiling tiles and carpets should be removed and discarded. Drywall that remains stained after cleaning with detergent and water may need to be removed. Try washing fabrics. If the mold odour or stain persists, discard.

The proper cleaning procedure involves removing the mold. Chemicals, such as bleach and fungicides are not recommended. It is important to remove all mold residues as they can cause allergies or illness.

When cleaning:

• use household rubber gloves;

• use a mask, rated N95, capable of filtering fine particles;

• use protective glasses;

• rinse well with a clean, wet rag;

• dry immediately.

Solutions


Problems in All Living Areas

Practical Solutions

• Discontinue use of humidifiers

• In summer use a dehumidifier

• Fix sources of moisture in basement or crawlspace

• Caulk basement floor to wall joint

• Install and use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans

• Cover aquarium

• Reduce number of potted plants

• Circulate air between rooms

• Properly insulate cold surfaces

• Seal large air leaks

• Reduce stored item.

• Open drapes

• Ensure one inch gap at the bottom of closets and doors; leave closet doors open

• Provide heat to all areas

• Install a balanced ventilation system — and use it regularly

• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly

Possible Causes

• Humidifiers

• Excessive moisture from basement or crawl space

• Many moisture-producing activities by occupants

• Too many people/pets

• Uncovered aquarium

• Large number of plants

• Firewood stored inside

• Poor air circulation between rooms or within a room

• Cold surfaces due to inadequate insulation

• Large air leaks at electrical fixtures, window frames, etc.

• Closed drapes preventing warm room air from warming window surfaces

• Closet contents stuffed against exterior walls

• Rooms kept too cool

• Inadequate ventilation

• Air conditioner poorly maintained

Typical Signs

• Condensation on windows

• Rotting window sills

• Damaged gypsum board

• Musty smell

• Mold on walls

• Moldy drapes, carpets or furniture

• Mold in closets


Problems in Your Basement

Practical Solutions

• Cover earth floor in crawl space or basement with polyethylene or install a cement floor.

• Fix cracks and leaks in basement, along with leaky plumbing and appliances.

• If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

• Fix landscape grading around the house.

• Repair sump pump and install a tight-fitting cover.

• Do not humidify the whole house unless absolutely necessary.

• Remove carpets.

• Store firewood outside the house and minimize stored materials in the basement.

• Install dryer vent to outside. • Do not hang clothes to dry in

the basement. • Install bathroom fan exhausted

to the outside. • Provide sufficient heat to the

basement. • Have footing drains inspected

and improved, if necessary. • Dehumidify basement during

the warm months. • Remove ceiling tiles

if they have mold.

• Insulate cold water pipes.

Possible Causes

• Earth floor in crawl space or basement.

• Cracks in walls or floors.

• Leaky appliance or plumbing. • Rain entering wall.

• Flooding. • High water table.

• Groundwater running down walls and across floors into sump.

• Improper exterior grading of ground near basement walls.

• Sump pump not operating properly.

• Open sump pump.

• Humidifying device on your furnace.

• Carpet on concrete floor. • Firewood stored in basement.

• Unvented dryer. • Wet clothes hung inside.

• No exhaust fan in bathroom. • Items stored against wall

or on floor. • Unheated basement or

crawlspace. • Blocked footing drains.

• Flue gas condensation leaking from chimney.

• Spillage of combustion gases from furnace or water heater.

Typical Signs

• Wet or damp floors or walls.

• White powdery stains on exposed concrete walls or floor.

• Stains on carpet.

• Condensation on windows. • Rotting window sills.

• A stuffy, damp smell. • Mold on joists behind

insulation. • Mold developing on stored

items (i.e. cardboard, clothing, etc.).

• Mold in cold cellar. • Mold in corners of outside walls

or ceiling.

• Water seeping through cracks in chimney.

• Condensation dripping from cold pipes.

• A damp or wet basement, especially if heated, may generate multiple signs.


Practical Solutions

• Turn on fan when showering or taking a bath.

• Install a bathroom fan exhausted to outside (windows only cannot be relied upon).

• Allow fan to run for 15 minutes or longer to remove moisture.

• Squeegee or towel dry surfaces in the shower stall or bath enclosure after use.

• Close bathroom door when showering.

• Install a humidistat that turns exhaust fan on and off automatically.

• Fix leaky plumbing.

• Supply adequate heat and ventilation.

• Caulk shower stall, tub and sink.

• Properly insulate walls and ceilings.

• Consult a professional contractor for replacement of moldy walls.

• Have vent ducts properly installed.

• Remove carpet.

• Install a 6-litre toilet – these do not sweat.

• Clean surfaces regularly.

Possible Causes

• Too much moisture in bathroom.

• Moisture from hot baths and showers.

• There is no bathroom fan.

• Bathroom fan not being used.

• Un-insulated fan ducts.

• Backdraft damper on fan housing inadequate.

• Leaky plumbing.

• Plumbing leaking behind walls.

• Dampness from wet bath mats, towels and drying clothes.

• Inadequate ventilation.

• Temperature kept too low.

• Seal lost around shower stall or tub.

• Un-insulated vent ducts.

• Un-insulated toilet tank.

Typical Signs

• Condensation on windows

• Condensation or staining on walls or ceilings

• Water dripping from exhaust grill

• Mold between ceramic tiles

• Rotting window sills

• Damaged gypsum board under windows

• Bulging gypsum board

• Peeling paint or wallpaper

• Musty smells

• Visible mold damage, staining or growth on floor or carpet

• Curling floor tiles

• Water pooling around toilet, sink or tub

• Unexplained increase in water bill

• Mold on walls or ceiling

• Condensation on toilet tank

• Mold under toilet tank

• You may not see signs in your bathroom, but the moisture may end up in other parts of your house.

Problems in Your Bathroom


Practical Solutions

• Control overall house humidity.

• Install and use a quiet kitchen exhaust fan vented to the outdoors.

• Cover liquids and foods when simmering or boiling.

• Use range hood exhaust while operating stove.

• Caulk sink and fittings to counter.

• Repair leaks.

• Occasionally clean condensation pan.

• Keep items a few inches away from walls.

• Open cupboards occasionally to allow heat in.

• Keep compost or garbage in covered containers under the sink.

Possible Causes

• Excessive moisture in home. (there are moisture sources in other areas) No kitchen exhaust fan over stove.

• Prolonged or continuous simmering and boiling of foods and liquids.

• Combustion moisture from gas ranges.

• Leaks around sinks and fittings

• Plumbing leaks.

• Garbage or wet items contributing to moisture.

• Mold growing behind refrigerator condensate pan.

• Items in cupboard against outside walls preventing air circulation.

• Temperature too low or fluctuating.

Typical Signs

• Condensation on windows, ceilings and/or walls.

• Damaged walls under windows.

• Peeling paint or curling tiles.

• Moisture under sinks or kitchen counters.

• Rotting cabinetry under sinks.

• Mold in cupboards and corners of interior surfaces of outside walls.

• Musty odours.

Problems in Your Kitchen


Practical Solutions

• Run humidifier for a short time, monitor the RH*, ensure room dries after use.

• Control humidity throughout house.

• Keep air registers unobstructed.

• Leave bedroom door open to allow better circulation or trim bottom of door to create a gap.

• Windows may need upgrading.

• Open drapes or blinds to warm surfaces.

• Do not store items in closet from floor to ceiling on outside walls.

• Open closet door to allow air to circulate, or install louvered doors.

• Provide heat to bedroom.

• Keep furniture 6”/15cm from outside walls, ducts and cold air return.

• Reduce furnishings.

• Consider hard surface flooring.

• Properly insulate cold outer walls and ceiling.

Possible Causes

• Frequent use of room humidifier.

• Excessive house humidity levels (moisture may be coming from another part of the house).

• Lack of air circulation within room.

• Energy-inefficient windows.

• Closed drapes and blinds preventing heat from reaching windows.

• Lack of air circulation in closet.

• Inadequate gap at bottom of closet door.

• Bedroom temperature much lower than in other rooms.

• Bed and bedroom furniture too close to outside walls, preventing air movement.

• Too many furnishing preventing air movement.

• Old, musty carpet.

• Inadequate insulation in outer walls or attic.

Typical Signs

• Condensation on windows.

• Rotting window sills.

• Mold around window sills.

• Damage or stained, peeling paint on gypsum wallboards or ceiling.

• Peeling wallpaper.

• Cracked or bulging ceiling.

• Musty odours.

• A damp, musty closet.

• Mold in closets, surfaces of outside walls, behind furniture or hanging artwork, etc.

• Water dripping from ceiling fixtures.

Problems in Your Bedrooms


COMMONLY SOLD DE-ICING PRODUCTS (INCLUDING SALT) MAY DAMAGE THE SURFACE OF NEW CONCRETE. Please be aware of this possibility if you choose to use these products. Slight surface flaking will NOT affect the structural integrity of the concrete. This is cosmetic damage only.

What causes the damage? Concrete is porous, and will absorb moisture when you artificially thaw the surface. When it re-freezes, the water absorbed by the concrete will expand. This can result in minor surface flaking.

Preventative measures If you choose to use these products, always clean off the resulting water before it has a chance to soak into the concrete.

Apply a water sealant to concrete surfaces during the summer to minimize any chance of damage.

WARNING!

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