Mold; Prolonged Occupancy - Thor Motor Coach 2011 Avanti Owner's Manual

Chapter 5 - Health and Well-being
WHAT ARE MOLDS?
WHAT FACTORS
CONTRIBUTE TO MOLD
GROWTH?
HOW CAN MOLD
GROWTH BE
INHIBITED?
EFFECTS OF
PROLONGED
OCCUPANCY
36
collide on wall surfaces, thus creating condensation.
• Use a fan to keep air circulating inside the vehicle so condensation and mildew cannot
form in dead air spaces. Allow air to circulate inside closets and cabinets (leave doors
partially open). Please keep in mind that a closed cabinet full of stored goods prevents
circulation and allows the exterior temperature to cause condensation.
• The natural tendency would be to close the vehicle tightly during cold weather. This
will actually compound the problem. Simply put, you need to remove some of the
warm air, and allow some cool air to get inside the vehicle, so the furnace will not
recycle humid interior air.
• Use fluorescent ceiling lights and minimize prolonged use of the incandescent lights,
which produce heat and contribute to condensation in the roof above the ceiling
lights.
Molds are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in virtually every environment,
indoors and out. Outdoors mold growth is important in the decomposition of plants.
Indoors, mold growth is unfavorable. Left unchecked, molds break down natural
materials, such as wood products and fabrics. Knowing the potential ricks is important
for any type of owner to protect their investment.
For mold growth to occur, temperatures, indoors and outdoors, must be between 40
degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit and also have a source of moisture, such as humidity,
standing water, damp materials, etc. Indoors, the most rapid growth occurs with warm
and humid conditions.
By controlling relative humidity, the growth of mold and mildew can be inhibited. In warm
climates, use of the air conditioner will reduce the relative humidity. Vents are located
in the bathing and cooking areas and constant use is advised during food preparation
and bathing, even during colder weather. Additionally, opening a window during these
activities will assist in ventilation. In extremely humid conditions, the use of a dehumidifier
can be helpful. If using a dehumidifier, please read and follow all manufacturer instructions
and recommendations to the use and cleaning of the dehumidifier.
Frequent use of your RV or regular cleaning is an important preventative measure.
Further, any spills should be wiped up quickly and dried as soon as possible. Avoid leaving
damp items lying about. On safe surfaces, use mold or mildew killing products. Check
sealants regularly, and reseal when necessary to avoid water leaks. Proper preventative
maintenance to the RV and its accessories, as described will provide the best protection
to the RV.
For more information, please see "Tips to Controlling Condensation" on page 33.
Your motorhome was designed primarily for recreational use and short-term occupancy.
If you expect to occupy the motorhome for an extended period, be prepared to deal with
condensation and the humid conditions that may be encountered. The relatively small
volume, and tight compact construction of modern recreational vehicles, mean that the
normal living activities of even a few occupants will lead to rapid moisture saturation of
the air contained in the motorhome, and the appearance of visible moisture, especially
in cold weather.
Just as moisture collects on the outside of a glass of cold water during humid weather,
moisture can condense on the inside surfaces of the motorhome during cold weather
when relative humidity of the interior air is high. This condition is increased because the
insulated walls of a recreational vehicle are much thinner than house walls. Estimates
indicated that a family of four can vaporize up to three gallons of water daily through
breathing, cooking, bathing, and washing. Unless the water vapor is carried outside by
ventilation, or condensed by a dehumidifier, it will condense on the inside of the windows