How to Prevent Mold Growth?
Mold is a 4-letter word that we hope we never have to deal with in our homes. If left untreated, mold can cause some health concerns and can spread and weaken the structure of your home. Moisture is the number one ingredient needed for mold to form and grow. Though mold likes to hide behind walls, floors and wall coverings, there are things you can do in your home to prevent mold growth. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers these Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips from their website, www.epa.gov.
- Act quickly with water leaks or spills occur indoors. If damp or wet areas are dried within the first 48 hours after a water leak, in most cases mold will not grow.
- Clean and repair roof gutters regularly
- Make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation so water cannot collect or enter at the foundation
- Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and drain lines flowing properly
- Keep indoor humidity low (if possible below 60 percent relative humidity)
- If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes, act quickly to dry the wet surface. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
Ways to reduce humidity and prevent condensation include:
- Vent appliances (such as clothes dryers and stoves) to the outside of the house when possible
- Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.
- Use exhaust fans when cooking
- Cover cold surfaces such as cold water pipes with insulation
- Increase ventilation or air movement
Moisture will always be present in our homes, but quick attention to these issues can help you prevent mold growth in your home. If you notice mold growth in your home, give our mold remediation team a call at 919-834-6523. With over 45 years of experience, we have the knowledge and experience to help.
