[MassHistPres] mildew/mold in antique home

[Tucker, Jonathan]

Linda:

You are getting good advice all around, but I would emphasize that finding the source of the moisture in the house is critically important.

Before you get completely focused in on smaller potential interior causes and solutions, I would strongly recommend that you have somebody assess whether or not it is the site itself that is the source of the moisture.

If there's a high groundwater table and a perennially wet unfinished basement (complete with old well, cistern and/or privy), you may be embarking on an expensive long-term struggle that could require exterior trench drains, sump pumps, etc., or even raising the house, re-digging the cellar hole, installing drains all around, a new foundation, and resetting the house.

The fact that this 1820 structure is in good shape is very encouraging and the Cape is mostly made out of well-drained sand, but people built in all sorts of odd places, and I'd make sure.

Jonathan Tucker
Planning Director
Amherst Planning Department
4 Boltwood Avenue, Town Hall
Amherst, MA  01002
(413) 259-3040
tuckerj at amherstma.gov<mailto:tuckerj at amherstma.gov>



From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Garrett Laws
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 10:02 AM
To: Linda Miner
Cc: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] mildew/mold in antique home

Linda,

1) we do a VERY small amount of work on the cape.

2) Keeping the interior dry is crucial!

3) Is the house going to be occupied shortly? If not, try to get it breathing and dried out (by mother nature) in the spring. If yes then get the power running and buy some de-humidifiers to get the process started.

4) You should obviously hold off on insulation until the house has dried out and there is no longer a moisture issue. Additionally, it's a really good idea to think about what will happen over the long term for the house and my feeling is that foam insulation is more likely to trap water (from leaks) than dense pack cellulose. BUT, you really need to have someone look at the house as a whole to determine what the determine all of the pieces to the puzzle. After all I can only guess how many dozens times that house (at 193 years old!) has dried out after water has gotten into the interior envelope!

Basically, the mold and mildew need something to keep it alive and taking that away will start you down the right road.

Garrett Laws
Copper & Slate

On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, Linda Miner wrote:
Can anyone offer some info on 1) identification of mildew/mold in an 1820s attic, and 2) proper remediation and insulation?  The house has been vacant for about 6 years.  Other than the attic, and being closed up through 6 winters and summers, the structure itself is in good shape.   The property is located on the Cape.  Any thoughts/ resources would be appreciated.  I've read many warnings of spray foam insulation which has been widely suggested as part of the solution, but it seems counterintuitive to restoring an antique home.  Thanks, Linda.
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Cheers,
Garrett

The Copper & Slate Company, Inc.
Fine Roofing and Exterior Finish Carpentry
238B Calvary Street,
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 893-1916

Work we do:
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Where we've worked over the years:
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