Molds can be beneficial when they are required to produce brie and penicillin. However, they can also be harmful, especially if they spread unnoticed into your house. Molds can grow on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in difficult-to-notice areas. Globally, around 30% of homes are impacted by this problem. This article highlights tips on how to protect your home from mold infestation.
1. Determine the problem areas in your house and fix them
Your home cannot be made mold-proof, but you may prevent it from growing. Conduct a house audit: what are the trouble spots? Does the basement flood? These are questions you need answers to. If you frequently see moisture on a window or a stain on the ceiling, you may be dealing with water damage. Fortunately, removing the carpet in the basement, getting mold-resistant items, or fixing gutters can prevent mold from developing or spreading. Or it might require significant waterproofing and excavation. Whatever the issue is, you should take action immediately. You can consider contacting a water damage restoration company to fix any problem caused by moisture.
2. Proper ventilation can prevent moisture
The everyday tasks you perform around the house may promote mold development. Ensuring adequate ventilation in your bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture location is advisable. Appliances that produce moisture should be vented outside, such as clothes dryers and stoves. Use air conditioners, but check them and clean them occasionally as the manufacturer instructs to ensure they do not create moisture on their own. If you don’t want to waste energy, simply open the windows.
3. Repair or clean the roof gutters
A simple roof leak caused by overflowing or damaged gutters could be the root of mold issues. Maintain frequent gutter cleanings and damage inspections on your roof. Inspect them after storms for water strains and fix them as necessary.
4. Provide mold-resistant products for your home
You will find it helpful to use mold-resistant drywall or sheetrock, mold-resistant paints, and other mold-resistant materials. For instance, the gypsum core drywall is covered in fiberglass, greatly enhancing the surface’s water resistance. Therefore, you can consider using it in your bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. In addition to being more less prone to mold than traditional drywall, gypsum drywall is also easier to remove and cheaper to repair.
5. Track indoor humidity levels
The EPA advises maintaining an indoor humidity level between 30% and 60%. A moisture meter available at your neighborhood hardware shop can be used to measure humidity. Additionally, you can determine if there s a problem by focusing on probable trouble spots. Condensation on windows, pipes, and walls indicates excess humidity. If you see this, dry the area right away and deal with the moisture problem. For instance, if you see water on the inside of nearby windows, you can consider switching off your humidifier. An alternative step is to invest in a good dehumidifier to eliminate the excess moisture in your indoor air, so feel free to consider this.
