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RSS FeedThursday, March 10, 2011
Why Are My Walls Peeling?
Have you ever experienced that feeling of chagrin from seeing a wall of your home beginning to peel or blister? It can be frustrating not to know why the paint peels, or how to repair it. The most common reason for peeling paint is moisture. Proper house ventilation is vital to prevent damage from excessive moisture. Other effects, such as discoloration or fungal growth can also be caused by exposure to moisture.
In the winter, moisture can more easily accumulate in a home while it is closed to retain heat. The higher the room temperature, the more moisture the air will hold. Some of the main sources of moisture are leaky water lines, and the use of faucets and showers; dryers can also contribute if they are not adequately vented through to outside the house. Moisture gravitates to areas of low vapor pressure, such as cold wall gaps, which makes it important that walls be properly protected with vapor barriers. Other contributors to moisture entering walls are faulty caulking around entryways, leaky roofs or rain gutters, and loose metal flashing at base foundations.
Houses built after 1978 are less likely to have ventilation problems because contractors are now required to take precautions. These precautions include using double felt barriers in walls and FHA weep hole metal flashing at the base of a foundation so that moisture can escape properly and the house can breath. Homes built before 1978 are more subject to problems since builders did not need to follow the new requirements.
Whether your house was built before or after 1978, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your house is free from any problems:
1. Have a roofer check for leaks in your roof, and if necessary, add roof vents and rain gutters.
2. Keep your home properly ventilated; keep the kitchen and bathroom windows open when in use.
3. Check for decay in old stucco, wood siding, vapor barriers and check for rust in metal flashing.
If you have any questions, or would like one of our specialists to come and check out your home, call us at: (845) 878-3444.
