How to prevent mold in your home

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

In this picture a water heater had been leaking over a period of time causing massive mold growth and damage to the drywall.

Mold!        

Most hear the word and think ‘YUCK!’. It’s easy to forget that mold can ever be a good thing! We use it to make some cheeses and even penicillin.  It is one of nature’s beneficial decomposers.  Mold can, and does, grow anywhere – as anyone in Oregon knows only too well! But, it’s easy to forget any of the good reasons for mold when we find it in our homes.  Decomposing our carpets, or drywall, or floorboards…

To flip the old adage, a good defense against mold is a good offense. Its best to prevent mold growth before it becomes a problem.  And the best offense is: moisture control.  Easier said than done, here in Oregon, I know!  Mold can be costly to fix, but relatively easy to prevent. Here are a few ways you can help curb indoor moisture issues, and the mold that thrives on it.

• Identify potential problem areas in your house.While you cannot ‘mold-proof’ your home, you can take measures to make it more ‘mold-resistant’.  Inspect your home for problem areas: does your basement flood? Do you experience condensation on windows? Invest a little time and money now to address such issues.
• Dry wet areas immediately. Mold needs moisture to grow – taking a moment to wipe up any standing/pooling water can prevent mold growth.
• Proper Ventilation.Every day household activities can encourage mold growth: cooking, showering, and doing laundry…making sure your kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room are properly ventilated can help keep moisture down, and thus keep mold from taking root.
• Utilize ‘mold-resistant’ products in your home. Whether building a new home, or renovating an older home, consider using mold-resistant drywall or sheetrock in high-humidity rooms.
• Clean or repair gutters.A mold problem may be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking due to a clogged or damaged gutter. Cleaning your gutters regularly and having them inspected for damage can help prevent water from invading home.

These are just a few of the often simple measures you can take, as a homeowner, to help protect your property, and your family against the potentially harmful effects of mold in your home.  If you do suspect or find mold in your home, call your Mold Remediation Specialists at SERVPRO.