Though mold can grow at any time of the year but summer is the most challenging time. Factors such as summer rains, high humidity levels, and cold indoor temperatures due to AC usage can make its growth more prevalent. While causing allergies, respiratory issues, and flu-like symptoms, mold can destroy your wallpapers, wooden furniture, and carpets. Therefore, it is essential to prevent mold in the house before it causes extensive damages.
Why Does Mold Grow?
The combination of moisture and darkness provides an ideal environment for mold growth. Once mold grows on a surface, it releases its spores into the air, which can easily spread to other parts of your house. To avoid this, thoroughly clean the surface even if a small bit of mold is found.
Sources of Moisture in the Home
Moisture is the major reason behind mold growth. It can be found in the internal and external surfaces of your home, including:
- Leaks in the roof or foundation, basement, attic, and crawlspaces
- Pipe leaks
- Poorly maintained gutters, drains, and downspouts
- Humidifiers
- Leaking showers
How to Prevent Mold in the House
Follow these tips to eliminate moisture, thus preventing mold growth:
- Prevent Water Leaks
Water leaks can contribute to mold growth. Therefore, fix the leaky pipes, shower, roofs, and walls to prevent mold.
- Keep the Roof Gutters Clean
Roof leaks can encourage mold growth. Hire a professional to inspect your gutter regularly and replace it as per their recommendations to prevent mold growth. Also, check for stains on your gutters following rainy days, as they indicate leakage. Ensure that your gutters are cleaned regularly.
- Prevent Moisture with Proper Ventilation
Your routine household activities, including taking a shower, cooking dinner, and washing clothes, might encourage mold growth. To avoid this, provide proper ventilation in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. You can run exhaust fans or open your windows while cooking and showering to enhance ventilation.
Dry the moisture-producing appliances such as stoves, clothes dryers, etc. Use dehumidifiers and AC units to control moisture in the air, but check them regularly to ensure they don’t produce excessive moisture and clean them as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep Condensation in Check
Check the areas of your home that produce condensation, including concrete walls, windows, and metal pipes. Insulate your home, especially the areas prone to condensation.
Besides following these tips, thoroughly inspecting your home is the best way to identify leaks and other sources and signs of mold growth.
Contact Worthy Home Inspection to schedule a professional home inspection if you suspect that your house has mold growth. We will thoroughly inspect all areas and systems of your home and provide a fair and unbiased report.
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