Preventing Mold Damage in Your Home
Just the word “mold” is enough to strike fear in the heart of any homeowner. Spores spread quickly and the mold removal process can be challenging. Taking some necessary precautions can prevent mold from growing and becoming a problem in your home. While you can’t mold-proof your home there are some steps you can take to make it more mold-resistant.
Identify problem areas within your home.
Mold needs long-term moisture to grow and thrive. A quick audit of your home for moisture areas will identify any problem areas. Does the basement flood? Does condensation accumulate on any of your windows? Are there water stains on the ceiling? These are all good indicators that water is accumulating in your home and that the situation should be addressed immediately before mold becomes a problem.
Proper ventilation.
Water is used throughout your home from the kitchen to the bathroom and laundry room. This can increase the humidity level of your living area. It is important to have proper ventilation in these high-moisture areas. Any appliances that involve water (clothes dryer, stoves, etc.) should always be ventilated outside instead of to the attic. Dehumidifiers can also go a long way in reducing the humidity in the room, helping to make the area less optimal for mold growth.
Monitor indoor humidity.
An indoor humidity, as recommended by the EPA, should be between 30 and 60%. A moisture meter can detect the humidity level, identifying any trouble areas of your home where mold could thrive.
Attic ventilation.
The number one cause of mold growth in the attic is improper ventilation. As already mentioned, improperly venting appliances to the attic as opposed to outside, can be a big contributor to this. Additionally, poor insulation for cathedral ceilings, air ducts and access panels can contribute to a high moisture level in the attic.
Leaking hot water tank.
Even a small leak in your hot water tank can lead to a big problem. These often overlooked leaks can not only damage the floor, but they can also lead to mold growth. Periodic checks for moisture around the hot water tank can detect any problems before mold can develop.
Being a responsible homeowner and taking these extra precautions will go a long way in making your home more mold-resistant. If you do suspect that there is some level of mold growth in your home, it is important to take action right away. Call the property damage restoration experts at Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration (603-367-0406).
