Mold. It can grow anywhere, even in places you may not be able to see. It is both costly and difficult to fix while also being a concern to one’s health. So what is to be done about mold in the home? Since mold cannot be completely eradicated, the best approach is prevention before the problem can occur. Mold prevention can start with one simple thing: moisture control.
Identify & Take Action
Does your home suffer leaky pipes? Frequent flooding? There is no real way to mold-proof your home. However, by acting quickly when you spot water leaks or intrusions, you may be able to prevent mold from growing.
Wet, damp materials that are allowed to set for 48 hours will most likely produce mold growth. Drying the materials within this time window is your best bet to prevent this from happening. Mold growth cannot occur without moisture. Seepage from a heavy rainfall, leaky pipe accumulation, or even spills should be dried immediately.
- Don’t install carpets in areas of water usage;
- Dry shower walls after showering;
- Repair all leaks as soon as they’re discovered;
- Make sure roof gutters are cleaned and inspected regularly to prevent leaks;
- Do not allow wet clothes to sit inside the washer or leave damp clothes lying around the house;
- If you spot frequent moisture or condensation on windows, then act fast to dry the surface.
Proper Ventilation
Vent all appliances that produce moisture, making sure it leads to the outside of the home. Moisture being redirected to the attic serves no purpose aside from mold relocation.
- Clean AC units and dehumidifiers often to ensure they release no moisture;
- Open a window or run the exhaust fan while taking a shower or cooking;
- Keep the crawlspace, basement, and attic are properly ventilated and insulated;
- Do not allow furniture to block air vents;
- Increase air movement throughout the home and be sure to dust and vacuum often.
Controlling Humidity
The recommended indoor humidity by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sits between 30 and 60 percent. If you see condensation on windows, pipes, or walls, then that could be a sign of high humidity levels. To measure humidity, you can purchase a moisture meter from a local hardware store. You can use air conditioning units and dehumidifiers to keep humidity relatively low. Just make sure to keep those AC unit drip pans clean and free of obstruction.
Sufficient Sloping
Mold prevention does not end inside the home. Make sure the ground outside slopes away from the residence. This will ensure water does not collect and allow seepage to enter your home’s foundation or basement.
Household Plants
Plants are a great source of clean air. They can also make beautiful décor. However, plants need moist soil to survive and as a result are perfect breeding grounds for mold. Before you toss out that fern, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea when watering it. Taheebo oil can help hinder the growth of mold inside the soil. You can find the oil at your local natural food store.
Don’t Wait, Act Now
Mold prevention is a serious precaution you cannot hesitate to act on. If you suspect you have a mold problem, then do not ignore it. It will not simply go away and waiting can actually make things worse. If the affected area is any larger than 10sqft, it will require the help of a mold remediation expert. Should the area be small enough to handle on your own, then make sure to heed these tips:
- Do not use bleach to clean up the mold. Bleach is mostly comprised of water which will only give the mold the moisture it needs to continue growing;
- Always use the proper protection before coming in contact with mold;
- Clean up and dry all mold-covered surfaces before painting to avoid imminent peeling.
Mold prevention may be as simple as the removal of damp carpet, using mold-resistant products within the home, or repairing damaged plumbing. It’s also possible you may need major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the issue, it’s best to act sooner rather than later to keep costs low. A mold remediation company can help you assess the problem and come up with a solution.
It always pays to be well prepared for whatever the future brings. This is also why you should have a restoration company you know and trust. Mission Restorations has experts in fire, water, and mold restoration. If ever in need of services, don’t hesitate to call the best damage restoration team in Charlotte and its surrounding areas at 704-727-2000.
