**Denver's Dew: Altitude Air Trapping Pores' Mold?**
By Franklin Everett ShawDon’t let the crisp mountain air fool you; Denver homes are secretly battling a moisture menace. It’s not a flood, a leak, or even the occasional rogue hailstorm. It’s “altitude dew,” and it’s quietly turning your dream home into a mold incubator.
Altitude dew, simply put, is condensation that forms within the air-trapping pores of building materials due to temperature differences and humidity levels specific to high-altitude environments like Denver. This seemingly innocuous moisture can lead to significant mold growth, impacting air quality and potentially causing health problems.
Denver’s unique climate exacerbates this issue. We experience dramatic temperature swings, especially during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). Warm, sunny days are often followed by chilly nights, creating the perfect conditions for condensation to occur within walls, attics, and crawl spaces. The lower air pressure at Denver’s altitude also means that water evaporates more readily, but can also condense more readily in cooler areas.
So, how do you, as a Denver homeowner, combat this invisible threat? Let’s break it down.
Identifying the Culprit: Materials Prone to Altitude Dew
Certain building materials commonly found in Denver homes are particularly susceptible to altitude dew and subsequent mold growth. Knowing these materials is the first step in prevention.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board): This engineered wood product is widely used for sheathing and subflooring. It’s relatively inexpensive, but also highly absorbent. OSB readily soaks up moisture, making it a prime breeding ground for mold. Look for it in attics, exterior walls, and under flooring.
Fiberglass Insulation: While fiberglass itself doesn’t mold, it can trap moisture against surfaces, creating a damp environment that encourages mold growth on adjacent materials like wood framing. Check for discoloration or a musty odor around fiberglass insulation, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Drywall: Especially in bathrooms and kitchens, drywall can absorb moisture from humidity. Look for water stains, bubbling paint, or a soft, crumbling texture.
Concrete Foundations: Concrete is porous and can wick moisture from the ground. This is especially problematic in Denver’s clay-rich soil, which retains water. Check for efflorescence (a white, powdery deposit) on concrete walls, which indicates moisture intrusion.
Unvented Attics and Crawl Spaces: These areas are notorious for trapping moisture. Poor ventilation prevents the escape of humidity, leading to condensation on surfaces.
DIY Mold Testing: A Denver-Specific Approach
While professional mold testing is recommended for significant concerns, you can perform preliminary DIY tests to assess the situation. However, keep in mind that DIY tests are often less accurate and can provide false negatives or positives.
Visual Inspection: This is the simplest and most crucial step. Carefully inspect the areas mentioned above for visible signs of mold, such as discoloration (black, green, brown, or white), staining, or a musty odor. Use a flashlight to check dark corners and hard-to-reach areas.
Surface Swab Tests: Purchase a DIY mold test kit from a local hardware store like Ace Hardware on Colfax or Home Depot near I-25. These kits typically include a swab and a petri dish with a growth medium. Swab the suspected moldy surface and then incubate the swab in the petri dish according to the instructions. If mold grows, it indicates the presence of mold spores. Remember that these tests only identify the presence of mold, not the type or concentration.
Air Sampling Tests: These tests collect air samples to determine the concentration of mold spores in the air. They are more accurate than surface swab tests but also more expensive. You can find DIY air sampling kits online or at some hardware stores. However, interpreting the results can be challenging, and professional analysis is often recommended.
Important Considerations for Denver’s Climate:
Timing is Key: The best time to test for mold is during or after periods of high humidity or temperature fluctuations. Spring and fall are ideal times in Denver.
Control Samples: When performing surface swab tests, take a control sample from a clean, non-suspect area for comparison.
Altitude Adjustments: Some DIY test kits may not be calibrated for Denver’s altitude. Check the instructions carefully and consider contacting the manufacturer for guidance.
Preventing Altitude Dew: A Proactive Strategy
Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than remediation. Here’s how to minimize the risk of altitude dew and mold growth in your Denver home:
Improve Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens. Install or upgrade exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Consider adding vents to attics and crawl spaces to promote airflow.
Control Humidity: Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, especially during humid months. Aim for a relative humidity level between 30% and 50%.
Seal Air Leaks: Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and pipes to prevent warm, moist air from entering wall cavities. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these leaks.
Proper Insulation: Ensure adequate insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces to maintain consistent temperatures and prevent condensation. Consider using closed-cell spray foam insulation, which is less absorbent than fiberglass.
Vapor Barriers: Install vapor barriers on the warm side of walls to prevent moisture from migrating into wall cavities. In Denver, this typically means installing the vapor barrier on the interior side of the wall.
Monitor and Maintain: Regularly inspect your home for signs of moisture or mold. Address any leaks or water damage promptly. Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
Remediation: When Prevention Fails
If you discover mold growth in your Denver home, prompt remediation is essential. The extent of remediation depends on the severity of the problem.
Small Areas (Less than 10 Square Feet): You may be able to handle small mold problems yourself. Wear protective gear, including a respirator, gloves, and eye protection. Clean the affected area with a mold-killing solution, such as a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or a commercial mold cleaner. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products.
Large Areas (More than 10 Square Feet): For larger mold problems, it’s best to hire a professional mold remediation company. These companies have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove mold and prevent its recurrence.
Local Denver Resources for Mold Remediation:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE): Provides information and resources on mold and indoor air quality.
Denver Department of Public Health & Environment: Offers information on local environmental health issues.
Local Mold Remediation Companies: Search online for “mold remediation Denver” to find reputable companies in your area. Check their credentials and read reviews before hiring. Some well-regarded companies include AdvantaClean of Denver Metro and PuroClean of Denver.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
Ignoring the Problem: Mold problems don’t go away on their own. Ignoring them will only make them worse and more expensive to fix.
Improper Cleaning: Simply wiping away visible mold is not enough. You need to kill the mold spores and address the underlying moisture problem.
Using the Wrong Products: Some cleaning products can actually worsen mold problems. Use a mold-killing solution specifically designed for mold remediation.
Poor Ventilation During Remediation: Ensure adequate ventilation during and after remediation to remove mold spores and moisture from the air.
Not Addressing the Source of Moisture: If you don’t fix the underlying moisture problem, the mold will likely return.
Altitude dew is a real concern for Denver homeowners. By understanding the risks, taking preventative measures, and addressing mold problems promptly, you can protect your home and your health. Don’t let the invisible menace of altitude dew compromise your Denver dream. Take action today!