How to Prevent Mold Growth

Although molds are part of the natural environment, they should be avoided indoors. Excessive mold growth can cause potential health problems as they produce allergens that can cause sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, and skin rash. Aside from being a cause of health problems, they are also unsightly and can damage your home.

Here are some ways to avoid mold growth in your home:

Five Tips To Control Mold Growth

Identify the problems areas in your home

Do an audit of the problem areas in your home. Mold usually grows in damp areas like the basement, top of ceiling tiles, or windows. You can simply rip up the carpet in a damp basement and repair damaged gutters to prevent mold from spreading.

Check hidden areas as some mold growth may not be obvious. Usually, the backside of drywall, underside of carpets, and pipe chases are trouble areas. Remember that early detection will save you more money than leaving mold continuously growing unchecked.

Avoid moisture with proper ventilation

Simple routines like taking a shower, cooking dinner, and doing the laundry may encourage mold growth in your home. Ensure that these activities don’t attract mold by having proper ventilation in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and other areas with high levels of moisture.

You can use dehumidifiers in humid climates, or vent moisture-producing appliances to the outside instead of the attic. Make sure that they also don’t produce moisture by cleaning and checking them regularly. To ensure that your home doesn’t hold moisture inside, you can open the window or install an exhaust fan.

Dry wet areas immediately

Remember that mold cannot grow without moisture, so make sure to dry all wet areas right away. Check for leaky pipes, seepage in the basement after heavy rainfall, and spills on the carpet – these should all be dried in 24 to 48 hours.

If you experience a flood, remove all bedding, furniture, and drenched carpets immediately. Avoid leaving wet items lying around the house and dry the walls and floor after taking a shower. Also, don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine where mold can grow and spread. You can hang them in areas with good circulation to dry quickly.

Make sure you have mold-resistant products

You can use mold-resistant drywall and mold inhibitors for paints to avoid molds from spreading. They are essential in areas prone to wetness like kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. You can also opt for mold-resistant gypsum boards to prevent moisture absorption.

Monitor humidity levels indoors regularly

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends indoor humidity levels should be between 30 to 50%. You can use a moisture meter to regularly monitor humidity and pay attention to usual problem areas like pipes, windows, and walls.

Efficient Mold Remediation

Strictly Tile offers high-quality mold remediation services that will prevent molds from spreading and damaging your home. You’ll get tried-and-tested methods that will stop molds from causing potential health problems to you and your family.

Request a quote by calling us today at 206-475-8883 or filling out our online form.