Mold can be beneficial in some ways, such as making cheese and penicillin and for the decomposition of organic matter in nature. But, mold can quickly become a serious problem for homeowners and business owners if its growth goes undetected. Mold spores can easily grow anywhere indoors and spread to carpets, drywall, ceilings, furniture, clothes, etc., putting your health at risk and costing you time and money to get rid of. To prevent that, you need to be proactive! How can you prevent mold growth from occurring?
Without moisture present, mold cannot grow. Therefore, the key to preventing the growth of mold is to control moisture. With these tips, you can learn how to control a moisture problem indoors and prevent the growth of mold:
Carry out a spot check and identify the problem areas
If mold proofing was a thing, there would be no problem, to begin with. You may not be able to mold-proof your home or business, but you can make efforts to make it mold-resistant. The first thing you want to do it to carry out a spot check. Checking parts of your home or business will help identify possible problem areas. Is there a musty smell coming from somewhere inside? Is there a water patch somewhere on the wall or ceiling? Does the basement flood? Is there frequent condensation on a window? These are signs that all point to mold growth. Doing a check now can save you big money and time later on.
Deal with water damage immediately
Remember, mold cannot grow without moisture present. If you have a leaky faucet, sink, washing machine, roof or even a flooded basement resulting from heavy rains, you want to make sure that you handle these issues right away. Depending on the size of the area and the extent of the damage, water can be dried within 24-48 hours, using highly specialized drying equipment.
Ensure that there is proper ventilation
You’re always busy carrying out routine tasks in the home. Cooking, doing laundry, and even taking a bath can cause moisture build-up. You want to make sure that you provide proper ventilation in any moisture-prone areas. Consider using an AC unit and dehumidifiers, and be sure to schedule regular maintenance of these units periodically to ensure that they don’t produce moisture.
Consider getting mold-resistant products
Unlike traditional drywall, composed of gypsum plaster core pressed between piles of paper, newer drywall products are being made mold-resistant. Drywalls available today are paperless and the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making it mold-resistant. If you are building a home or getting renovations done, consider using mold-resistant drywall products. Traditional drywall might save you money at the beginning, but it is harder and sometimes impossible to remove mold growth once exposed, and the cost to remove and replace it might end up being more than getting mold-resistant drywall at the outset.
How humid is too humid?
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. And how do you know what percentage of humidity your space has? Purchasing and using a moisture meter from your local hardware store can assist you in measuring and monitoring the humidity level. In addition, look for areas where there may be condensation; windows, pipes, walls, etc.
Protect your home from water
Water can get into your crawlspace or basement and promote the growth of mold if the ground around your home or building isn’t angled away from your foundation. You want to ensure that the water is shifted to flow, not into your crawlspace or basement, but away from it.
Roof and gutter maintenance is important
Something as simple as a leaking roof or filled gutter can result in mold growth. Have regular roof inspections and maintenance. Check for the need to repair. The same goes for your gutters. You want to ensure that your gutters are regularly maintained and repaired when necessary.
Improve airflow indoors
According to the EPA, as temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Lack of sufficient airflow means that excess moisture will appear on walls, windows and floors. Open your windows and doors and consider placing furniture and décor away from walls. This will help to improve airflow indoors.
These preventative tips we have shared can help you avoid the stressful, tedious and expensive process of removing mold damage sometime in the future. If you think you have mold and are looking for a mold remediation expert, H2O Drying Solutions is the one to call. Our team of friendly, professional, dedicated technicians can give you the best advice and help you get rid of the mold immediately.
Now that you have some preventative tips, stay tuned for our upcoming e-newsletter article about the effects of mold on your health, and how to remediate mold in your home or business.
