07 Nov 15 Essential Mold Prevention Tips
Mold Spores can be found all around us, indoors and out. Our eco-system actually uses mold to consume organic material.
Mold problems can arise indoors because of the dead organic materials in our homes. This means that mold can grow on everything: carpets, clothes, paper, food, and even behind walls.
Using your senses is the best way to identify a mold problem . One indicator is a musty odor. Mold can smell foul and come in many colors, including black, gray and orange. A sign of mold is watermarks on walls and ceilings.
Two main reasons you should be concerned about mold prevention are:
First, mold removal can be difficult and expensive.
Second, mold can cause allergies, irritations, and mycotoxins which can harm your health. Mold spores can be inhaled easily into the lungs. It is dangerous to live in homes with high levels of mold.
Mold Can Compromise Your Health
It is possible to prevent mold growth. Mold growth in your home is possible by limiting moisture, warmth, or food. While it can stop mold from growing, it won’t kill existing mold. Mold spores will not grow again if they aren’t nourished, warm, or moist.
What can you do if mold is growing in your home and you are concerned?
Below are the top 15 mold prevention strategies.
Top 15 Mold Prevention Tips
Tip #1: Check Your Home for Problem Areas
Mold-proofing a home is not an easy task. You can however take proactive steps to identify potential mold problems.
Is the basement flooding?
Are you noticing condensation on your windows often?
Is there a water stain in the ceiling due to a persistent leakage?
Is your basement damp?
Is water able to seep into the foundation of your home?
These questions will require some initial costs, but they are worth it if you prevent future mold problems.
You should also consider mold prevention products if you are planning on building a new house or remodeling your existing home.
Traditional drywall is composed of gypsum plaster core that is pressed between piles paper. This makes it very susceptible to mold. Traditional drywall absorbs moisture, which can lead to mold. Traditional drywall is porous and can only be removed by tearing it out.
Mold-resistant drywall, on the other hand, is paperless. The gypsum core has been covered with fiberglass to make it water-resistant, making it less susceptible to mold growth.
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and kitchens should all be protected from moisture by using moisture-resistant drywall.
Tip #2: Dry Wet Material Immediately!
Mold cannot grow without moisture, and if the conditions are right it can start growing in 24 to 48 hours.
Keep this in mind as you tackle these areas immediately.
- Do not leave clothes or other items that are wet in your home. Dry them outside as soon as possible.
- Carpet and floor spillages can be dried.
- After washing your clothes, dry them by drying them in the dryer.
- Heavy rain can cause seepage in your basement. Contact a company immediately to waterproof the basement.
- If there is a flood, you should dispose of any carpets, bedding and furniture that has been damaged by water. It is best to contact a restoration firm to handle the cleaning and drying process.
Mold Prevention Tip #3 – Clean, Disinfect and Dry Surfaces
Regular vacuuming and cleaning are essential to remove any potential sources of mold growth. Bathrooms and other areas in your home where moisture is likely to build up are worth special attention. Disinfectants and other cleaners can be used to clean non-porous surfaces like tile, stone, or laminate.
Tip #4: Repair water leaks
Water leakages in roofs, windows or other parts of your home should be repaired as soon as possible. Constant leaks can lead to moisture buildup, which will eventually lead to mold growth.
Mold Prevention Tip #5 – Use Area Rugs!
Use area rugs and washable flooring surfaces in areas of your home susceptible to moisture. You should wash area rugs regularly.
Tip #6: Increase air flow!
Increase the airflow in your home to prevent moisture buildup. Lack of good airflow can lead to excess moisture on your floors, walls, windows and windows. Open doors between rooms to increase air circulation. Move furniture away from walls and open closet doors.
You can also open your windows to let fresh air flow inside. Installing an HVAC system with an outside air intake is a good idea if you don’t have one.
Mold Prevention Tip 7: Proper Ventilation
Excess moisture can be caused by routine daily activities like washing clothes, taking a bath, and cooking.
Proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture.
Vent appliances that produce moisture (clothes dryers, stoves) outside. Not to the attic or crawl area.
Use AC units or dehumidifiers in humid climates. However, make sure that they don’t create moisture by regularly checking them and cleaning them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Homes that are energy-efficient can be prone to retaining moisture in the interior. It is essential that you keep the windows and exhaust fans open in your bathroom, especially when you are showering.
Tip #8: Keep Your Storage Area Dry!
Many homeowners have a place where they keep books, clothing, camping gear, and other items.
You should check the humidity in your storage area and ensure that it is not too dry. Most of the materials that you store are good sources of mold growth.
It is best to use your garage, a shed that has been built well and prevents moisture intrusion or a dry storage area, not your home. Also, ensure that there is enough air circulation in the storage area.
Mold Prevention Tip 9: Control Humidity
Condensation on walls, pipes and windows are indicators that your home is humid. Dry the area immediately if you see condensation. If necessary, invest in a humidifier.
Buy a moisture meter at your hardware store to measure humidity in your home.
Ideal indoor humidity should be between 30-60 percent. To prevent condensation from building up on windows in winter, humidity levels should be below 40 percent
Tip #10: Check your Attic!
Exhaust fans should not be directing air into your attic. This can cause excess moisture, which can lead to mold. You also need ventilation in your attic, so make sure to check this.
Insulation is essential, especially in cold climates. Snow accumulation on roofs can cause ice damning issues that will lead to moisture problems.
Tip #11 for Mold Prevention: Check Your Crawl Space
The majority of homes in the Southern United States are equipped with crawl spaces.
Crawl areas can be a breeding ground of mold due to the high humidity.
Mold growth in your crawl space is an issue because it can also affect the indoor quality.
You should clean up any excess moisture or mold in your crawl space. Wall-to-wall, 14 mil vapor barriers should be placed over the ground, upsidewalls, and 6 inches below floor joists. This will prevent any future mold problems. A dehumidifier can also be installed to control humidity.
Mold Prevention Tip #12: Prevent Basement Condensation!
Basement walls and floors can become moist and cause mold growth.
You can prevent future moisture problems and condensation by improving air circulation.
It is a good idea to insulate basement walls properly to prevent condensation and keep them warm.
A final tip: If you suspect that moisture has penetrated into your basement via seepage, it is worth hiring a contractor for waterproofing.
Tip #13 for Mold Prevention: Keep Water away from Your Home!
The best way to stop water seepage from your basement or crawlspace is to make sure that the water surrounding your home slopes away enough from your foundation.
Avoid placing plants or gardens too close to the foundation. This could lead to water rushing towards your home.
When watering your lawn with a sprinkler make sure it does not touch your home or the area adjacent to your foundation.
Mold Prevention Tip #4: Keep your Gutters and Downspouts Clear Of Debris!
Your roof could be blocked by debris in the gutters and downspouts. You can prevent water accumulation by cleaning your gutters and having them checked for damage. You should also inspect your ceiling for water spots, especially after severe storms.
Also, ensure that the area below your downspouts has a proper grade to allow rainwater to flow away from your foundation. You can extend your downspouts if the water isn’t flowing away from the foundation.
Tip #15: Check your plants for mold!
Plants help keep your indoor air clean. Mold can grow in the soil and on the leaves of house plants, which can lead to higher levels in your home.
Taheebo tea can be added to house water as a mild remedy for mold growth. This tree’s oil, which is resistant to fungi even in rain forests and helps prevent mold growth in soil, can be purchased at natural food stores.