From: KATHLEEN D MULLEN <kathleen.mullen@wisconsinhistory.org> Subject: Re: Question? Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2017 22:20:45 +0000 Message-id: <DM5PR06MB292489F101A6206D72838ED59E0F0@DM5PR06MB2924.namprd06.prod.outlook.com>
Hi Gary
100% of the time a mold problem means there is an underlying water problem
-- probably due to humidity in this case.
Contrary to what one might expect, raising the temp lowers the relative hum
idity, and lowing the temp raises the relative humidity -- but at a certain
point in Wisconsin Winter, it shouldn't matter because it's so dry already
.
A couple of thoughts -- it's odd that this is happening in winter. Is someo
ne running a humidifier?
Otherwise, it's probably the result of a mold bloom happening over the summ
er -- that you are seeing the results of over the winter. You mention sheet
rock and wood -- those are good, breathable materials. Any chance there wa
s waterproofing put in there during the construction? In that case, the sla
b might be sucking up water and then there is nowhere for it to go except t
o be further sucked up in it's gaseous, humid form by your collections. Is
there a break between the slab and the earth around it, like a barrier of
crushed rock?
At an outside possibility -- something somewhere is leaking, and you haven'
t seen it yet.
Before you do anything else -- get a data logger (PEM II from the image per
manence institute is great -- both spot reads and records, and you don't ne
ed to buy separate software to use it, it's available for free online) and
monitor the humidity. If it's above 50%, put in a dehumidifier, or multiple
dehumidifiers and make sure they are emptied regularly. When or if it drop
s below 50%, turn them off. If the temperature is below 65 degrees Farenhei
t, make sure it's a "low temperature dehumidifier" otherwise they don't wor
k -- the coils freeze up below 65.
Happy to chat more. 608-264-6489. Hope this helps!
Best,
Katie
________________________________
From: localhistory-request@listserve.uwec.edu < <localhistory-request@listser
ve.uwec.edu> on behalf of Gary Kunz <kunztwo@centurytel.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2017 3:12:34 PM
To: localhistory@listserve.uwec.edu
Subject: Question?
We recently finished construction of an addition to our museum. Mostly wo od with some sheet rock interior. Cement floor. No windows. Cathedral ce iling. Just in the process of designing and adding exhibits. Potential pr oblem. Old museum was built in 2000. Basically, the same construction at above. First winter we had problems with mold. Are concerned about same t his winter. Some discussion as to what temperature we should maintain in n ew construction. There is naturally going to be more humidity. Some feel that the temps should be kept low, below sixty degrees. Others feel it sho uld be seventy or above. Any experts out there? Gary Kunz, Fall Creek Historical Society.