Mold is one of the most common problems that can affect homes and buildings. It looks unsightly and can trigger a variety of health issues.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to prevent the development of mold in your home. This guide will cover tips for new homeowners, builders and property managers.
It isn’t just looking at home warranty reviews before buying a home warranty that is important, mold prevention and keeping your house sanitary and free from mold and pests are too. You must do your research and find reputable companies that know what they are doing.
Install Mold Resistant Materials
When building or remodeling your new house, consider using mold resistant materials. Mold resistant drywall, caulk, paint and insulation can help keep your home free of the dangerous spores that grow in moist areas. Taking this preventive measure will save you the cost and hassle of costly remodeling down the road.
Another way to reduce the growth of mold in your new house is to make sure that it has good air circulation. Mold thrives in dark spaces and likes moisture, so keeping air flowing will greatly reduce the chances of your home developing a mold problem.
Leaks can be a major cause of mold in your home, so you’ll want to check for any leaks on a regular basis and promptly repair them. You should also keep your storage areas clear and organized to avoid letting water or condensation collect in these spaces. Finally, add a dehumidifier and fans to your home, especially in damp areas like basements or bathrooms.
Check for Leaks
Moisture is key to mold growth. Leaking roofs, windows and doors create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. But even when everything seems secure, mold can still get a foothold.
The spores released by mold are not only annoying but can cause health problems, especially for those who are sensitive to it. It can also be difficult to eradicate.
Mold spores thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity. It takes only 24 to 48 hours for spores to develop on damp surfaces.
To keep your home from becoming a breeding ground for mold, you must check for leaks regularly and dry any areas that are wet within 24 to 48 hours. In addition, be sure to clean air conditioning drip pans regularly and make sure drain lines are clear. You can lower indoor humidity levels by using a dehumidifier. Finally, be sure to keep furniture and draperies away from vents to allow for air circulation.
Keep Your Home Dry
Mold spores are everywhere and all they need to grow is a food source and dampness. When inhaled in large quantities, mold spores can cause many different health problems. These range from mild to severe and include asthma, coughing and wheezing. Some types of mold produce mycotoxins which can cause poisoning
and even death in humans or animals.
The easiest way to prevent mold is to keep areas dry. This is important because mold spores thrive in moisture, especially in warm and humid climates like Louisiana.
Make sure to clean up leaks and other water stains immediately. It’s also a good idea to run fans and dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas of your home such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
It’s a good idea to keep windows open during the day, especially when it’s cool outside and during the evening. This will allow the air to circulate and dry any wet surfaces faster. You can also install flashing to prevent moisture from leaking into your home at joints in the walls or roof.
Monitor Your Humidity Levels
Moisture is a key ingredient in mold growth, and it’s not just from spills or leaks. Generally, mold spores thrive in warm, humid climates. A simple solution is to monitor humidity with a hygrometer, an inexpensive device available at many hardware stores. Keep the level as low as possible to prevent mold from growing.
Check areas of the home that often collect moisture: basements, crawl spaces, refrigerators and water tanks, windows, and even household plants. Make sure to dry these items and surfaces within 24 to 48 hours to avoid mold and condensation.
Another way to combat humidity is to use energy efficient heating and air conditioning in the winter. This keeps the house warmer and prevents condensation, which can encourage mold growth. Also, be sure to vent appliances that produce a lot of moisture-like clothes dryers and stoves-to the outside to help reduce humidity. Lastly, keep windows open during cool weather to allow rooms to fully air out.
