Mold Prevention Tips

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a nuisance that can occur in any home, especially during the hot and humid summer months. Here are 9 ways to help prevent harmful mold from growing inside your home.

1. Locate any possible problem areas: Anywhere in your home where moisture may gather and sit for a period of time could be considered a problem area. These are the areas where mold thrives, so identify them.
2. Dry wet areas immediately: Mold cannot grow without moisture. So, dry any and all areas previously determined to be problem areas as soon as possible to stop mold from growing.
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation: Activities as simple as cooking dinner or taking a shower can promote mold growth without the proper ventilation. Make sure that all vents are working properly and even crack a window open from time to time.
4. Use mold-resistant products when possible: When building a new home or renovation a new one, use mold-resistant drywall and mold inhibiting paints to slow the growth of mold.
5. Keep an eye on your indoor humidity: The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping your indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. If you notice condensation on any pipes or windows inside your home, dry the area and address the source of the humidity.
6. Direct Water away from your home: Ensure that the ground around the foundation of your home slopes away so that water does not collect around the base and seem into the home.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters: Mold could potentially be coming from a leaky roof spurred by full or damaged gutters. Clean them and be aware of any water stains that might be the result of a flaw.
8. Improve air flow in your home: Open doors between rooms and move furniture away from walls. Cold air cannot hold as much moisture and that moisture may collect on walls or other surfaces. If air is moving it becomes more difficult.
9. Keep mold off household plants: Moist soil in household plants is a perfect place for mold to grow. Add Taheebo tea to any water you use to water your plants. This oil resists mold even in rainforests.

If you think you have a mold problem call SERVPRO® of Haddon Heights/Vorhees for a free inspection and estimate at 856-566-3388.