If you’re like most people, you know that mold growth inside a house is a huge problem. While mold spores are present everywhere – they’re in the air, on the ground and on virtually all surfaces – actual mold colonies are present in more than 50 percent of American homes. Mold colonies can pose serious health risks, so it’s in your best interest to stop spores from finding great places to congregate… but how?
Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home This Fall and Winter?
There are five things you can do to help prevent mold growth in your home this fall and winter. Although drier air (thanks to your home heating system) will help keep spores at bay, you still need to:
- Open your windows or run fans. Circulating air prevents mold spores from settling, so when the weather is nice enough, crack the windows this fall and winter. When it’s too cold, running the fan on your HVAC system or using ceiling and floor fans periodically is a good idea.
- Use your exhaust fans. When you do something as simple as boiling water or taking a shower, you’re introducing water vapor in your home. That water vapor can cling to walls, seep into drywall or dampen dark, hard-to-reach corners – and that’s exactly what mold spores thrive on. You should run your exhaust fans every time you use the kitchen or the bathroom (and even for a while afterward) to clear out any damp air that doesn’t belong in your space.
- Check your gutters and drainage. Don’t let debris build up in your gutters; pools of water or wet leaves can sit against your roof’s fascia, where moisture can seep in and create a breeding ground for mold. Likewise, overflowing gutters can’t guide water away from your foundation; instead, the water can pool around your foundation and make its way into your home, creating a damp environment that mold loves.
- Repair leaks immediately. Water leaks never get better – they only become worse with time. Whether you’re experiencing a roof leak or a pipe leak, your best bet is to call out a professional and have it repaired immediately, before mold can settle in.
Do You Need a Disaster Remediation Expert in Washtenaw County or Jackson County?
If your home has already been damaged, we can help. Check out our services and call 734-352-9183 for your free disaster remediation quote today. We offer:
