How to Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home

Key Steps to Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home

Few things are more upsetting and worrisome to a homeowner than discovering a patch of mold growth. The fungus spreads quickly and easily. You might notice it on the wallpaper, in the insulation, on the walls of a crawlspace, or on carpeting. Mold can even grow underneath wood flooring and other hidden places. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent mold spores from sprouting in your home.

Identify Areas of Frequent Moisture Buildup and End the Influx of Water

Mold needs moisture. If you have a bathroom that consistently fogs up when someone takes a shower, there is a good chance that ventilation is insufficient. Maybe there is a roof leak that you have meant to fix. The basement window may be leaking, which results in wet spots around the area.

Some fixes are easy. Install a good-quality gutter system that leads water away from the home. Fix a roof leak. Leaky windows also need to be repaired. If necessary, consider replacing a window that consistently leaks even though you have tried to make repairs. Now is also an excellent time to fix the bathroom vent or install one for the first time.

Reduce Moisture in the Home

In addition to fixing leaks, cut down on the moisture inside the house. The simple act of doing laundry can lead to moisture build-up in a basement or laundry room. Cooking on a cold day can do the same. While you may not be able to have a window open all the time, consider asking experts to install dehumidification units. These are not the little machines you get at the hardware store. Invest in commercial-grade equipment, and do it right.

Another pro tip is to double-check your insulation. If rooms are too cold, condensation develops quickly. This can be troublesome in bedrooms. Sometimes there is not enough wall or attic insulation. In this case, you can make the room warmer naturally by replacing what there is or adding insulation to it. Work with a contractor to get input on which option is appropriate for your situation.

Professional Mold Remediation and Restoration

Already existing patches of the mold need to go. Preventing additional mold growth begins with removing what is already there through remediation. Experts in the field will take care of it the right way. They ensure that no spores enter the rest of the home or the ductwork. After removing the fungal growth, replace drywall with mold-resistant products. One option might include specialty sheetrock that you can paint with products to heighten resistance to future mold growth.

Stay Vigilant

There is no such thing as an utterly mold-proof home. Spores are all around you in the environment. Keeping them out is virtually impossible. Every time you open a door or window, you allow them in. Similarly, every time you come in from the outside, there are probably some mold spores that cling to your clothes. The trick is to avoid the development of conditions that favor mold growth.

Mold Growth Experts

Learn more about preventing as well as treating mold by talking to the friendly experts at Healthy Air USA today. Contact us today.