Floor Heat Vent Fan
How do I stop moisture and mold from forming in walk in closet?
I live in Alaska and the problem only occurs in the winter; the two walls of the closets that are the worst are outside walls. One of the walls backs against a unheated cold attic space. There is access to a cold attic space through the ceiling of this closet also. The closet is very cold in the winter. It is
directly off the master bath which is used for 3 showers in the AM. We recently installed a new larger exhaust fan, wo heat, in the shower area (it is bigger than required for the square footage of space). We recently replaced all the exterior wood siding with cement board, put on a new roof and replaced all the windows in the house. We have baseboard heat and there is a small heat vent in the closet, but does not appear to be putting out very much heat, if any. The house is 30 years old and two story – the closet is on the second floor, off the master bedroom. We do have a uninsulated crawl space under the house. How do I fix the problem?
Is it naturally humid in your area during the winter? What is the humidity in that closet?
When you replaced the siding, did you check the insulation at the same time?
Can you add insulation from the attic side to the closet wall? Since you said you have access to the attic through the closet, I’m guessing you should. Also is that hatch access insulated? If it leaks, then the cold air could be coming in from the top.
With a heat source in the closet, it should not be cold. That indicates there is a lack of insulation somewhere and / or an air leak from the cold sides coming in.
To check for air leaks, take an incense stick, or candle, and gently pass it across the walls. If the smoke / flame starts blowing, then you’ve found your air leak. Incense sticks are a little easier since they don’t get hot and well, if you drop it, it won’t set fire to the area. =)
Does the heater actually work? Is it possibly clogged or frozen? If you have a touchless / contactless / spot thermometer, check the temperature of the register to see if it is providing heat.
If mold has already formed, can you prime it with Kill-Eze (spelling?)? Its used to kill mold and prime surface areas before applying a coat of paint.
Cold air sinks, so insulating the crawl space won’t solve the cold closet upstairs.
If your crawlspace is meant to be cold, then insulating it may not be a good idea. If it is not, the insulation along the foundation would be a good idea.
But that makes me wonder. If you have baseboard heat (I’m assuming water), then are any of the heating pipes running through the area? I only ask, cause that is how most houses that I have seen with baseboard are setup.
8213 Windway Dr