Every home is susceptible to mold, so learning how to prevent mold is something that every homeowner should be aware of. Mold can grow anywhere where moisture and darkness exists. Thus, attics and basements are the most common areas where mold is found, but it’s certainly not limited to those spaces. Some types of mold are mere headaches while others could create unhealthy living conditions. Here are a few mold prevention tips to help you avoid mold in your home.
Use a Dehumidifier
A great way to prevent mold is to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers collect moisture out of the air, creating a dryer environment that makes it harder for mold to grow. They come in different sizes, so choosing the right dehumidifier for your space is important. When the moisture is collected out of the air, a dehumidifier’s tank fills up. Most machines have an automatic shut off system when the tank becomes too full, so you must empty the tank to restart the system. Most also have the option to automatically connect to a drain so that emptying a tank is not necessary.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Many spaces become moist due to lack of ventilation. This is especially true in attics, basements, and bathrooms without windows. Moisture in the air becomes trapped and builds over time, promoting mold growth. If you notive high moisture in certain spaces, contact a professional about improving ventilation. In attics, this might involve adding ridge vents. Bathrooms can benefit from a simple fan that vents to the outside.
Direct Water Away From Home
Allowing water to pool up around your home can cause a myriad of issues. In addition to deteriorating building materials and attracting pests, water can also seep into your foundation and create prime conditions for mold growth. French drains, gutters and soil grading can help direct the water elsewhere, keeping your basement dry.
Remove Damaged Materials
Many people make the mistake of cleaning up wet or mold-damaged materials but not completely removing them. Unfortunately, a simple cleanup won’t normally do the trick. To be safe, materials that have been exposed to mold or moisture need to be disposed of entirely. This includes drywall, wood, and other building materials.
Remember these Mold Prevention Tips for a Safe Home
Most of us don’t think about mold until we come across it in our homes, at which point it becomes a costly problem. As a homeowner, mold should be a forethought instead of an after thought. Take the steps above to prevent mold and you will save yourself the stress and expense of dealing with it. We hope these mold prevention tips will help keep your home dry and safe.