MOLD PREVENTION – HOW TO PREVENT MOLD GROWTH
Mold is the mere mention of which will make you cringe, but it's actually okay. Some molds are good for us and incredibly useful! Mold breaks down organic material in nature or even helps to produce life-saving penicillin; however some mold found at home (like black mold) can be really toxic when ingested by humans or pets causing severe health problems - so prevention is important! The longer that dangerous mould goes undetected within your home increases the risk of developing symptoms relating to being exposed to harsh chemicals from these spores like asthma attacks, depression, headaches etc...
Why Mold Is A Problem
The more you learn about mold, the more it's easy to see just how difficult and dangerous it is to get rid of yourself. Removing visible signs of mold in your home isn't enough--you need to eliminate its root problem or else this pesky organism will keep popping back up again and again! Mold can often be found deep within carpeting, behind walls that are hard-to-reach on account of their size (or location), or inside air vents.
Mold is one of the most difficult things to get rid of. It's not just about removing any visible signs, but also addressing and eliminating it at its source so that you don't have a repeat issue in your home or business!
Mold is a greenish-yellow fungus that can grow on many surfaces and be found almost anywhere. Mold spores are airborne, so it's possible to inhale them and cause allergic reactions or other respiratory problems with prolonged exposure. Call a certified mold technician if you have any symptoms of asthma after being exposed at your home or workplace!
Moisture is the number one cause of mold in your home. You can't completely prevent it, but with some simple steps you can easily minimize its effects on your health and property.
The best way to keep moisture out of a house is through prevention techniques such as caulking gaps around windows and doors or installing weather stripping beneath exterior doorways for easy access points where humidity could enter from outside air flowing into the room space like an indoor waterfall that will continuously drip water onto surfaces below - causing all sorts of problems including mildew growth indoors!
The best way to keep moisture out of a house is through prevention techniques such as caulking gaps around windows and doors or installing weather stripping beneath exterior doorways for easy access points where humidity could enter from outside air flowing into the room space like an indoor waterfall that will continuously drip water onto surfaces below - causing all sorts of problems including mildew growth indoors!
Read on to learn some simple ways to control moisture and prevent mold from thriving in your home or business.
8 Tips To Prevent Mold Growth
Regular Home Inspections
Small leaks can be the number one cause of mold growth in a house. That's why it is important to make sure you do an audit of your home at least twice per year, checking for high-moisture and leak-prone areas like:
- All plumbing, including faucets, toilets, and showers.
- Attic
- Basement
- Windows
- Base-boards
- Doorways
- Air vents and ducts
- Roof shingles
A telltale sign of a leak is any discoloration on the ceiling, flooring or furniture. Any frequent condensation should also be watched closely for signs that water has been leaking into your home and causing damage to surfaces like wood floors and carpet.
Water leaks in your home may not be as obvious or easy to find. If you can't safely locate the source, it's always better to call a professional and have them take care of things before they become worse than they are now! A water leak inspection might just end up being more helpful for long term benefits than having repairs right away.
Home inspections are cheap and worth every dollar if they keep your house clean of potential pests that can cause major damage later on.
Fix & Prevent Leaks
Halting the growth of mold right away can save you from a whole host of problems, including respiratory issues and allergy symptoms. A leaky pipe only needs 24-48 hours in ideal conditions to grow into an infestation that spreads spores throughout your home like wildfire. Call in professional help if you’re unable to fix leaks quickly on your own; it could be dangerous for both yourself and others around you!
Wet Areas? Dry Them Immediately
Mold thrives in wet areas, so it's important to act fast if you're experiencing any flooding or leaks. If your home has been flooded from a heavy rain storm and the water is still there 24 hours later, call an emergency plumber immediately. The longer that wet area stays damp, the more likely mold will grow on furniture and items stored inside of them like books and clothing as well as along walls/ceilings where moisture can accumulate over time.
One of the most important things to keep dry is your washing machine. It provides some of the best conditions for different types of mold to grow, but luckily there are a few ways you can prevent this from happening! Always leave your door open and cracked between washes so moisture has time to evaporate, or make sure you clean off any leftover water around rubber seals.
Don’t let wet clothes sit on the floor or in the washing machine, and clean up spills right away. Carpet absorbs liquid much more than other surfaces since it is designed to do so. If you notice a funky smell after just a few days, call for professional mold testing.
Air Flow Is The Way To Go
If you want to avoid a moldy and musty smelling house, the best thing that you can do is keep your home ventilated. Here are some simple changes in daily life habits that will help make this possible:
- Washer
- Dryer
- Shower
- Stove (hood vent)
- Air conditioner
- Heating unit
Ventilation is important for a healthy living environment. If you live in an area that experiences hot or humid weather, it’s even more crucial to keep your home well ventilated so moisture doesn't build up and create mold issues.
Ventilate as often as possible by opening nearby windows when using appliances without vents like dishwashers, clothes dryers, ovens and bathrooms fans; this will allow fresh air inside the house to circulate while drying out any areas that are too moist due to humidity which can lead to poor indoor air quality if not dealt with properly!
Use Mold-Resistant Products
Are you looking for a way to make your home feel more like new? Mold-resistant products are now available and can help protect your investment in the future. While there is no one solution that will guarantee protection, these all have many properties of mold resistance built into them so they may be worth considering.
For example, with an increased amount of moisture pressure on homes from natural disasters such as floods; it's important to take preventative measures against potential mold growth by using materials resistant thereto while also taking steps towards better air circulation within our structures.
These materials are especially effective in high-moisture environments such as bathrooms, basements, attics and laundry rooms. Moisture barriers made from polyethylene (landscaper’s plastic) can be installed to prevent moisture coming into the home through crawl spaces.
Monitor Your Humidity Levels
Keep your home at a comfortable humidity level by using the proper moisture detection equipment. You can find this essential tool in most local hardware stores, and it's important to keep you house dry as possible for optimal air quality.
Dehumidifiers are an important investment for people living in high-humidity areas or with poor ventilation. These units remove excess moisture from the air and should be placed in any of these three places: basements, attics, or kitchens.
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters are a common problem of homeowners. Mold can grow on the moist decaying organic material that gets trapped in your gutter system, and could very well be one reason why you’ve had leaky roof issues before. So if you ever notice any signs of mold or water seeping into your home through windowsills or doors, it might not just be leaking pipes!
Mold spores are often carried around by the air all day without you even knowing. They can fly through your open windows and doors in search of a good place to grow! Mold that is growing directly near your house may be releasing spores, so it’s important to get an inspection if you think there might not actually be any water leaks happening on your property.
Declutter
It's time to get your house in order and rid yourself of all clutter. Not only will you "spark joy" when cleaning up, but decluttering is also a great way to fight mold.
The more junk lying around the space, the less airflow throughout it--and remember that air circulation is important for moisture control.
The Takeaway
Mold can be a major problem in the home, but there are some simple things you can do to prevent it. You should know that moisture is one of its biggest threats and mold will grow if given any opportunity at all. If your house has been hit with a terrible case of this unwanted guest, contact an expert for safe mold removal!
Mold doesn’t have to be a problem for you and your family. Contact Mold Removal Winnipeg to schedule your appointment today.