West VirginiaWeatherizationField Standards

March 2009

Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program

4800 Moisture Remediation, Assessment, and Repair

4810 Mold and Mildew Problems

The use of DOE funds for the removal of mold and other related biologicalsubstances is not an allowable weatherization expense. Generally, DOE fundsshould not be used to test, abate, remediate, purchase insurance, or alleviateexisting mold conditions identified during the audit/estimate, the workperformance period, or the quality control inspection. Other funding sourcesshould be sought to cover the cost of cleaning or cleaning moldy surfaces. All homes shall be inspected for previous and existing moisture problems usingthe Mold Procedure/Checklist Form to assist in identifying mold and moisture

related problems in homes.

In West Virginia, excessive moisture is often a problem. Common measures for

dealing with potential moisture problems include:

  1. Repair or installation of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans;
  2. Installation of ground moisture barriers of six mil black plastic underenclosed foundation mobile homes, houses receiving sidewallinsulation, or any house with excessive dampness in the crawl space;
  3. Repair or installation of dryer vents to be properly vented to beyondthe perimeter of the crawl space or basement;
  4. Installation of attic ventilation and crawl space ventilation, but onlywhen appropriate;
  5. Establishment of a Building Tightness Limit to ensure air sealingmeasures do not tighten the home beyond acceptable levels;
  6. Installation of continually operating exhaust fans in extremely tighthomes; and
  7. Replacement of downspouts and/or gutter sections to divert moistureaway from the dwelling.

4820 Energy Related Mold and Moisture

Moisture, mold, and mildew can seriously affect the health and safety of theclient and crew. Steps must be taken to alleviate moisture problems. The WestVirginia Weatherization Assistance Program shall ensure that regularweatherization work is performed in a manner that doesn’t contribute to theincrease of any mold problems, and when the work is performed properly, canalleviate many mold conditions.

The Weatherization Assistance Program is not a mold remediation program.The use of DOE funds for the removal of mold and other related biologicalsubstances is not an allowable weatherization expense. If necessary,Weatherization Assistance Program services may need to be delayed until theexisting mold problem can be corrected or referred to another agency forfunding of remedial action.

The most common sources of moisture are leaky roofs and damp foundationsfrom ground water. Other moisture sources include unvented dryers; unventedgas appliances such as ranges or decorative fireplaces; and showers inbathrooms without exhaust fans. One of the largest sources of household watervapor is the occupants themselves, through respiration and perspiration.Therefore, the number of people in the home is an important factor. The type ofclimate in the region is also important. A region that has a lot of rain andhumidity, like West Virginia, or extreme temperatures is more likely to have amoisture problem.

The following steps are recommended in addressing moisture problems withinthe West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program:

  1. Assessment of Moisture Conditions.
  2. All homes prior to weatherization shall be inspected for previousor existing moisture problems. Identifying and eliminating thesources of the moisture should be the first priority when amoisture problem is found.
  3. The Mold and Moisture Assessment Findings form shall becompleted and given to the client and placed in the client file.Give special attention to the following areas:
  1. Look for evidence of condensation on windows and wallsindicated by stains or mold. Inspect closets, especially thosethat are connected to outside walls. Clothes may need to bemoved or removed in order to inspect the walls.
  2. Check for any standing water, open sumps, open wells, or“wet weather springs”, dirt floors, water stains, etc. inbasements. Also, check to see if firewood is stored in anyconditioned space or the basement and, with the client’spermission, remove the wood to a sheltered space outside.Ask the client if laundry is hung to dry indoors during thewinter months.
  3. Check for leaking water supply lines or waste pipes.
  4. If there is a high efficiency furnace present, the condensatedrain line should be installed in accordance with the HVACinstallation standards.
  5. Inspect to determine if attic roof sheathing shows signs ofmold or mildew.
  6. Inspect the top plates of all walls and chase-ways while inthe attic. Balloon frame type walls, or bypasses, if leftuntreated can move moisture from the basement orcrawlspace directly to the attic.
  7. Inspect the structure for the possibility of a “roof over”. If anewer roof has been installed over an existing older roof,then the crew must extend plumbing or exhaust any vents tothe outside pipes through the new roof and properly seal thepenetrations.
  1. Existing Moisture, Mold or Mildew - Denial of Service.
  2. If an existing moisture, mold or mildew problem is found, theagency must determine if the moisture problem can be fixedunder the scope of weatherization or if there should be a Denial ofService because of the severity of the problem (typically 10square feet or more of affected surface).
  3. If it is determined that the problems are too severe under thescope of weatherization, a Denial of Service form shall besigned at the time of inspection and left with the client and acopy placed in the client file.
  4. Client education must be given to the client to inform them ofthe health and safety problems associated with mold ormildew and the possible self-help solutions they can performat a later date.
  5. The agency should try to refer the client to other programs oragencies that may be able to assist in resolution of theproblem.
  6. 3. Existing Moisture, Mold or Mildew – Elimination underWeatherization.
  7. If an existing moisture, mold, or mildew problem is found and theagency determines that the job can be completed or cleanedunder the scope of the Weatherization Assistance Program, then:
  8. The agency will have the client sign the Hold HarmlessStatement informing the client of the existing problem(s),leaving a copy with the client and a copy in the client file.
  9. Because air tightening may cause an increase in relativehumidity, client education should include information aboutany adverse health effects if moisture problems are leftuntreated and also include possible solutions.
  10. A dwelling that has a CFM50 greater than the BuildingTightness Limit is no guarantee that moisture will not be aproblem in that home.
  11. The agency will repair or eliminate the moisture problem andweatherize the dwelling in accordance with programregulations.
  12. Containment of the work area is not necessary if the affectedarea is less than 10 square feet of surface area. Vacatingpeople from spaces adjacent to the work area is notnecessary, but is recommended when children less than 12months old are in the house. People suffering from anyhealth conditions should be kept away from the area beingcleaned.
  13. Repair or Elimination of Moisture Sources.
  14. In the course of weatherization, measures that help reduce thehumidity levels in the house may be installed. Examples of thesemeasures are venting dryers to the outside, venting existing bathor kitchen exhaust fans or installing moisture barriers on dirtfloors. Repair of moisture problems that might 1) result in healthproblems for the client 2) damage the structure over the short- orlong-term, or 3) diminish the effectiveness of the weatherizationmeasures, must be done before the weatherization job iscompleted.
  15. Moisture problems can be reduced or eliminated by controllingthe source of the moisture. This can involve:
  16. Installing a ground vapor barrier of six mil black plastic on acrawlspace floor.
  17. Venting dryers to the outside of the dwelling.
  18. Sealing the foundation.
  19. Providing positive drainage away from the foundation.
  20. Repairing the roof, flashing, gutter, and downspouts.
  21. Educating the client about the sources of moisture that theyare able to control.
  22. Removal of unvented space heaters.
  23. Moisture problems can be reduced or eliminated by ventilatingareas where excessive moisture is produced, such as bathroomsand kitchens. This should include installation of a high qualityproperly sized exhaust fan in the subject area and informing theclient of the related moisture issues and the proper operation anduse of the fan.

4830 Dryer Vents

  1. Electric and gas dryers must always be vented to the outdoors.
  2. Mobile home dryer vents must be extended through the skirting to the outdoors.
  3. Dryer venting must be of rigid or flexible metal vent pipe. No more than two 90° elbows may be used in the vent system. Flexible metal vent pipe may be used if it does not exceed six feet in length.
  4. Gas dryer vent pipe should not be installed with sheet metal screws or other intrusive fasteners that will collect lint (according to NFPA 54).