[Strawbale] Moisture control

[dfugler at cmhc-schl.gc.ca]

Mr. Davis et al,

The first thing you need to do for moisture control is find out how much 
you have. Measure it. Here is some advice on how to buy and calibrate (if 
necessary) a hygrometer. They should be about $10.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/62027.pdf
Exhaust fans from wet areas are a good idea, or drawing exhaust air from 
the rooms using a heat recovery ventilator. Opening a window might or 
might not be helpful, depending upon the humidity level outside. 
Ventilating the house usually dries it out during heating season. 
Dehumidifiers (or a properly sized air conditioner) work best in 
mid-summer in hot climates. 

However, the best thing to do is measure the humidity in your home and act 
accordingly. Having a hygrometer or two around the house gives you the 
information on which to act. If the hygrometer shows a safe and 
comfortable humidity range, then what you are doing is working well.

Don Fugler
CMHC Policy and Research