Green Home Design for Moisture Control

Prevent Water Damage with Sustainable Home Design Ideas

Oct 29, 2009 Brenna Coleman

Knowing how to prevent water damage is vitally important for sustainable home design, as moisture and mold can not only compromise building integrity, but also health.

Green home design involves much more than using recycled building materials and integrating energy efficient design into a home; it also involves creating a safe and healthy indoor environment, constructed of materials that will last. One of the most basic ways to do this is to prevent water damage, thereby preventing the byproducts of water damage, such as mold and rotting wood.

The Importance of Moisture Control for Sustainable Home Design

Allowing moisture in the house, whether through condensation on surfaces, water leaks, or rainwater, can potentially lead to both health problems and a deterioration of the actual house. Green home design should not overlook important issues that affect the long-term well-being of the inhabitants and the house itself.

Mold is one of the most dangerous results of water damage. Mold can form in the walls, in the ceiling, anywhere that a surface is exposed to moisture or humidity for long periods of time. Both mold spores, and toxic chemicals given off by some molds to destroy competing microorganisms, contribute to asthma and other respiratory problems.

Failing to prevent water damage can also contribute to the deterioration of the house. Too much moisture can cause wood rot. It can also lower insulation performance; leading to higher energy costs, completely contradicting one of the main purposes of sustainable home design.

Indoor Green Home Design Issues to Prevent Water Damage

There are many ways to prevent water damage. They may cost money and time in the beginning, but like other green home design decisions, they are well worth the expense in the long run. The simplest step for moisture control, and possibly the most effective one, is to watch out for plumbing leaks. If one is suspected or possible, immediately have it checked out to prevent further water damage.

Another useful move to prevent water damage is to have a fan installed in the bathroom as well as above the stove in the kitchen, and then use them. Moisture forms on glass and counter top surfaces for every bath or shower taken, every pot of boiling water, and every load of dishes washed. Fans can neutralize the negative effects of indoor water and humidity.

Investing in high performance windows is also an integral factor in sustainable home design. High performance windows are better than standard windows for preventing condensation on the interior surfaces. They are also much more equipped to block air flow, which can lead to indoor moisture, as well as the loss of heated or air conditioned air.

For more humid climates, insulating cold-water pipes and toilet tanks is a wise green home design choice to prevent water damage. Warm-weather humid air combined with cold metal pipes leads to more indoor condensation.

Structural Green Home Design Issues to Prevent Water Damage

How a green home is built can greatly reduce moisture by protecting the home from rainwater and outside moisture. The quality of the roof is essential to prevent rainwater from entering the house, and possibly becoming trapped within ceiling cavities and walls. Make sure there are no holes or potential holes in the roof and that the flashing details are placed correctly. Also, adding a roof overhang will help to prevent water damage by forcing rainwater to fall a few inches away from the house, rather than directly onto the exterior.

When building a green home, if possible, slope the ground around the house to encourage rainwater to flow away from the home and the foundation. Proper drainage around the exterior is also vital for green home design.

The use of a vapor retarder is also essential for preventing water damage. A vapor retarder will slow the movement of water vapor through permeable surfaces. Either a layer of polyethylene or a vapor retarder paint applied onto walls and other surfaces will help control moisture, although whether to apply to the interior or exterior of walls depends on the climate. In general, in cold climates, it should be on the interior, for warm and humid climates, on the exterior.

Sustainable, healthy living is the result of the diligence and care of proper sustainable home design. These design tips can greatly increase the durability and quality of a home.

Sources:

Wilson, Alex. "Your Green Home: A Guide to Planning a Healthy, Environmentally Friendly New Home." (New Society Publishers, 2006).

The copyright of the article Green Home Design for Moisture Control in Green/Simple Living is owned by Brenna Coleman. Permission to republish Green Home Design for Moisture Control in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Its Rainwater vs. Green Home Design	Flashing Details Help to Prevent Water Damage	Window Quality is a Part of Green Home Design
Use a Roof Overhang to Prevent Water Damage	Moisture Control is Important to Prevent Wood Rot