5 Tips for Mold Prevention

Exposure to mold spores causes allergic signs, including runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itching, wheezing, headache, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Repeated mold exposure may increase sensitivity, resulting in more severe allergic symptoms. Mold issues are worse indoors because they impact indoor air quality. Rotten smell, contaminated carpets, asthma or allergy flare-ups, warped walls, fungus on furniture, and funky AC filters are signs of mold in your home.

Mold flourishes where there’s moisture, including around windows, pipes, or leaky roofs, and where a flood was experienced. Since mold treatments are costly, prevention is the best option. This article outlines five tips for mold prevention.

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1. Conduct regular mold inspections

Mold spores travel through the air and are invisible to the naked eye. It mainly grows in areas that aren’t visible, including inside walls. A professional mold inspection is the best way to ascertain that there’s mold in your home or office. Even if mold isn’t growing in your space, a mold inspection can help identify the areas at risk for mold by revealing leaks and other moisture spots in your home.

With the help of a mold remediation company, you can remediate these issues to prevent mold and other costly damages. A mold inspection can also help spot mold early and keep it from spreading.

2. Maintain low indoor humidity levels

At times, dampness or humidity in the air can produce sufficient moisture for mold growth. The EPA suggests that indoor relative humidity should be maintained at less than 60% and, if possible, ideally between 30% and 50%. Clammy and moist air, mildew smell, foggy windows, visible mold, intense allergies, and rotting wood are signs there’s high humidity in your home.

An increase in humidity may be caused by poor ventilation, inadequately sealed or vented rooms, and daily activities like cooking and running appliances. You can reduce your humidity levels by increasing ventilation, buying a dehumidifier, drying wet places immediately, insulating your space correctly, and taking care of the plumbing.

3. Use mold-resistant materials

Mold-resistant materials are an excellent way to prevent mold. Drywall is one of the best ways to inhibit mold growth in bathrooms or basements with a lot of moisture. Treating your framing with a fungicide and antimicrobial sealer and ensuring proper insulation in crawl spaces and attics can also help keep mold away.

You can invest in silicone caulk and treat it with biocide to make it more mold-resistant. Mold-resistant paint, stucco, carpet, shower pan, drywall tape, and wood can also help prevent mold growth.

4. Increase home airflow

Moisture and airflow go hand in hand. As temperatures go down, the air holds less moisture. Without excellent airflow, that excess moisture might appear on floors, windows, and walls. Increasing circulation can prevent mold growth effectively and improve indoor air quality.

Opening windows, installing fans, adding a dehumidifier, and moving furniture from walls can help improve air circulation and avoid moisture problems. Letting in fresh air reduces moisture and keeps mold at bay.

5. Repair or clean roof gutters

A mold issue could be due to a leaky roof whose gutters are damaged or full. Have the gutters inspected and get them repaired immediately. Watch out for water stains after rains or storms because they could indicate a leak. Get the gutters cleaned regularly for better performance.

If ignored or not prevented, mold can be dangerous and costly to remediate. Use these tips to prevent mold growth.

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