No homeowner wants to find mold in their home. The negative impact mold has on our health is well-documented. Mold can cause sickness in otherwise healthy people and worsen the symptoms of allergy and asthma sufferers. Because mold thrives in damp conditions, taking steps to reduce moisture will help prevent mold growth in the home.
Reduce Excess Moisture to Prevent Mold in the Home
1. Repair Leaks to Prevent Mold Growth
A water leak creates ideal conditions for mold growth, so it’s important to repair water leaks around the home quickly. Find hidden leaks by doing a periodic inspection of areas that are out of sight. Examine pipes that are hidden beneath cabinets and check the attic for possible roof leaks.
2. Ventilate Moist Areas
Mold is likely to grow in areas that accumulate moisture. Turn on the ventilation fan or open a window to dry out a damp, humid bathroom. Use the vent hood while cooking to remove odors and humidity generated while preparing food. Your kitchen, bathroom, and clothes dryer should vent to the outside.
3. Maintain Low Humidity to Prevent Mold Growth
To prevent mold in the home, humidity levels should remain at 50 percent or lower. Use a hygrometer, available at the hardware store, to determine the humidity level. If condensation forms on your windows, the humidity level is too high in your home. An air conditioner and dehumidifier will reduce humidity levels.
4. Address a Damp Basement
A damp basement is likely to grow mold. If your basement is only damp after storms, stormwater isn’t draining away from the home as it should. You may need to clean your gutters, add downspout extenders, and assess the grading of the ground around your foundation. If your basement is always damp, you need a different strategy to prevent mold growth at home. Use a dehumidifier and if that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need a sump pump installed.
5. Clean Quickly After Flooding
Clean and dry your house quickly after flooding to prevent mold growth in the home. Discard carpeting; it is likely that mold will grow before it completely dries out. Run a dehumidifier and a fan in the flooded areas to remove moisture as quickly as possible. If the flooding is extensive, call a water damage restoration service for professional help.
Robertson Home Inspection offers home inspection services to the Piedmont Triad. Contact us to request an inspection.