The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development has just announced that it will cost $20 billion over the next decade to fix the country's unhealthy and energy-wasting homes. That's all very well, but there needs to be a primary focus on their state of repair and extent of subfloor dampness.
Over the years I have found many older buildings with excess dampness and subsequent mould growth. One significant source of exterior dampness which has had little cognisance is that of subfloor ground leading to severe interior dampness. Another is that of internally-produced moisture from such things as clothes dryers vented to the inside, drying clothes on the inside and a lack of ventilation with windows not being opened. Another is that of unflued gas heaters.
The number one focus should be on dealing with subfloor dampness and lack of ventilation problems and also to try to educate home occupants in the ways in which they can assist in keeping homes drier and more comfortable.
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