High Humidity Can Lead to Mold Growth in Your Home
Spring is definitely in the air and here in the South, it comes with warmer temperatures and increasing high humidity levels as we head into the summer months. While the warmer weather gives us a chance to enjoy outdoor activities, it also brings excessive moisture which makes our homes more susceptible to allergens such as dust mites and mold. It can also threaten the structure, surfaces and condition of your property.
Mold is always a major concern for homeowners and it can be found in a number of different areas in your home including damp basements, behind bathroom walls and under baseboards. If you are looking for ways to prevent the growth of mold, here are some common sources:
• Gutters and roofs—keep them cleared of debris
• Foundations—check for cracks and make sure the soil slopes away
• Plumbing leaks—address and fix the leak as soon as you notice it
• Air conditioner drip pans—regularly check to make sure the water is evaporating
• Humidity—we can’t stop it but we need to keep indoor humidity levels in check
Too much humidity in the home can lead to condensation which provides breeding ground for mold growth. If you aren’t sure whether or not your home has a humidity issue, here are some things you can look for:
• Fogging up of mirrors or windows
• Condensation found on windows
• Moisture on the ceiling
• Stains on the ceiling
• Peeling of paint or wallpaper
• Smell of moisture or mildew
• Excessive creaking of floor boards
If you notice any of these signs or suspect high humidity in your home, here are a few things you can do:
• Keep humidity levels between 30-50% inside your home
• Install exhaust fans in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room (make sure the fan’s capacity is sufficient for the size of the room)
• Purchase a dehumidifier for your basement/crawlspace if high humidity levels remain a problem
• Make sure crawlspaces are equipped with a vapor barrier
• Ensure weather stripping on windows and doors are intact to prevent cool or warm air from escaping and excess humidity from creeping in
• Use ceiling fans to create air flow
• Indoor plants such as Peace Lily, Reed Palm, English Ivy and Boston Ferns can help control some levels of humidity
• Be sure your AC unit is the appropriate size for the size of your home. Oversized units can cool too quickly preventing it from regulating humidity levels
• NOTE: newer, energy efficient homes do have a tendency to have increased humidity levels because they are sealed tight to prevent energy loss also means that they can seal in a lot of moisture
If you notice mold in your bathroom, basement or other areas of your home, give the mold remediation experts at PHC a call. We can contain, treat and clean the mold quickly and efficiently, returning your home pre-loss condition safely.
