Mold is a common problem in homes with moisture issues. When water and moisture are present, signs of mold and mildew may begin to develop. Maintain a dry home to avoid property damage and health problems that occur because of mold. Keep your home healthy and safe with these tips to prevent mold growth.
Prevent the Growth of Mold With These Tips and Tricks
Pinpoint Problem Areas in Your Home
To prevent mold growth in your home, first, identify the problem areas. Are there areas in your home that have suffered water damage previously? Are there leaks when it rains? Do you notice water stains anywhere? These are areas that you want to examine more closely.
Depending on the extent of the problem, you may need to install mold-resistant products, have damp carpeting removed, and repair leaks. If you’re dealing with a significant amount of mold, hire a professional for remediation.
Dry Damp Areas to Prevent Mold Growth
The root cause of mold is moisture. Prevent mold growth in your home by thoroughly cleaning up and drying wet areas. Water in your home may be from leaks, flooding, or even condensation from the air conditioning unit.
Check Your Ventilation
Believe it or not, your everyday routine may be contributing to the production of mold in your home. If your home is poorly ventilated, normal activities like taking a shower or doing laundry lead to excess moisture in the air and mold growth. When bathing, showering, or cooking, turn on ventilation fans. In rooms with higher humidity, a dehumidifier will help to decrease moisture and the likelihood of mold.
Use Mold-Resistant Products in Your Home
Use mold-resistant materials to reduce the risk of mold. If you are in the process of renovating or building a new home, choose mold-resistant products like sheetrock, drywall, paints, insulation, and caulk.
Clean and Repair Your Gutters
Clean your gutters regularly so that water is properly directed away from the home when it’s raining. Have your guttering inspected by a professional who can repair or replace damaged sections. Damaged gutters can cause roof leaks and mold growth.
Monitor the Moisture to Prevent Mold Growth
Monitor the humidity in your home to prevent moisture issues. Humidity indoors should be between 30 and 60 percent. Purchase a moisture meter at your local hardware store to keep track of moisture levels in your home.
High humidity levels create an uncomfortable indoor environment and contribute to mold and mildew growth. To improve indoor air quality, purchase a dehumidifier for an especially humid room or install a whole-house dehumidification system, if necessary.
Buyer’s Edge is a home inspection company based in Western North Carolina. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request an appointment.