Mold spores exist in the air of every house, making it impossible to “mold-proof” a home, but by taking steps to prevent moisture, it is possible to avoid its growth. Once spores are exposed to moisture, mold will spread rapidly, making it a challenge to remove; it can create problems within 24 hours.
Prioritizing resistance can stave off the need for remediation and home repair along with the possibility of health concerns. The fungus can be associated with severe respiratory issues for individuals found to be well otherwise.
The damage to a home can be extensive, making it necessary to act fast at the first sign of a problem. Red flags of mold and mildew can be subtle. Some of these include:
- Visible mold growth
- Dampness
- Rotting wood
- Staining on the ceiling or walls
- Peeling wallpaper
- Foul odors, musty smells
- Furnishings stained.
Unfortunately, often when these signs appear, the mold and mildew have already taken hold. It is wise to reach out to a qualified mold removal company for an inspection.
A reputable team like Tempe mold removal will not only check the common areas beneath the sinks and in the basement but will look at areas where it’s known to hide and along the exterior parameter of the house. Let us look at some suggestions for protecting your household from mold.
Tips On Protecting Your Household from Mold Growth
Prevention is the key to keeping a house safe and those in it healthy, but that does not mean constantly bleaching surfaces from top to bottom. You can prevent mold and mildew growth before it takes hold. Consider these suggestions when trying to protect your home.
· Remediation will be a priority if the spores have already become established.
Once spores find moisture, they will start to grow and spread rapidly. It is suggested that they can turn into a severe problem as quickly as 24-48 hours, making it necessary that a homeowner contact a remediation specialist to avoid continued growth.
While homeowners are permitted to clean what they find to be small mold patches, professional remediation is necessary once they begin to spread. Learn basic mold tips and removal facts at https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/what-is-mold.
Remediation specialists assess the issue and develop a strategy for eradicating it. That can involve tearing out areas affected by growth, cleaning the fungus from surfaces, and devising a method to stop its spread.
This can help avoid a potentially worse problem by searching hidden areas and allows a fresh, clean start. The aim from this point is to prevent it from coming back.
· Pay attention to the humidity in the house.
Mold thrives in damp or humid spaces. Humidity monitoring is essential to mold prevention. When the humidity level inside the home reaches higher than 60 percent, mold will start to grow. For ideal prevention, the level should fall between “30 and 50 percent.”
The areas to pay special attention to for high humidity include the basement, attic, crawl spaces, and exceptionally damp areas. That can also include the bathroom.
· A dehumidifier is beneficial.
When the humidity is consistently above 60 percent throughout the house, a surefire way to maintain adequate levels is to incorporate the use of a dehumidifier. This helps to keep the air dry, removing the moisture to lower the humidity and prevent mold growth.
· Add ventilation to the attic.
The attic humidity can be much higher than the rest of the household due to warm air rising from beneath the space, getting trapped in the room, and condensing. That creates an environment for mold and mildew to develop and spread rapidly.
Preventing this would mean moving this stagnant air with adequate ventilation. When the attic has a natural circulating air flow, the humidity will be pulled from the space, and mold can be avoided.
· The bathroom should have a fan installed.
In the same way, the attic needs ventilation to keep moisture out; bathroom fans are designed with the same concept. The vents pull the moist, steamy air to the outside. Most bathrooms do not have windows to release moisture. The space can stay damp for extensive periods creating a breeding ground for mold growth.
The fan can not only pull the moisture from the air, but it can help to dry the wet surfaces, including the floors, shower, and linens. After showering, it is a good idea to have a squeegee to help eliminate some of the excess water.
· Be proactive with the materials you use.
Some materials you use have a greater potential for mold growth, while others are more resistant. If you see problem areas with considerable growth, seek guidance from removal specialists on how to be proactive.
You can use water-resistant wallboard, for instance, as a preventive. Also, primers applied beneath paint can inhibit spore attachment on surfaces. It is also suggested to install porcelain floors as a choice to inhibit ground surface growth.
Disposing of items regularly prone to attract mold and mildew known to thrive in wet areas is essential. Products that will encourage mold growth include the following:
- Air filters
- Sponges
- Indoor houseplants
- Shower loofahs
- Cutting boards (wood)
- Hand towels
Mold will grow in hidden, damp, dark, cool corners of any area of the house. Still, it is suggested that these everyday household products are known culprits for harboring growth, and a simple fix is not having them, changing them out regularly, or inspecting them consistently to resist the fungus in your home.
Air filters are a must, but these need to be changed regularly to avoid mold collection and prevent health-related issues. When doing periodic checks of these products, inspecting surfaces throughout the house for visible signs of a problem is beneficial.
You should also pay attention to unusual or foul odors, a musty smell in the home. This is a sign of mold growth, meaning it is time to contact a professional removal service for an assessment. Go here for guidance on how to test for toxic mold.
· Keep carpeting and rugs out of damp spaces.
Carpeting makes it easy for dirt, debris, particles, and mold and mildew, to hide in the fibers. It is more difficult for growth on other types of floors like tiling or wood. It can happen with these alternatives, especially between tile and in the caulking.
But if you intend to have carpeting, area rugs, or even throw blankets, it is wise to avoid having these items in rooms known for dampness, like basements. If you have rugs in the bathroom, you might want to avoid high-pile varieties or shags, which are more prone to mold and mildew collection.
Final Thought
Even if you follow all the preventive techniques, are proactive in making the home as resistant to mold as possible, and perform routine inspections diligently, there is still a genuine possibility of finding mold lurking at some point.
A priority is to act quickly when you do notice any sign of an issue by contacting a qualified removal team for an assessment.
While homeowners are permitted to clean a small patch of mold growth, it is challenging to know if that small growth is all that is hiding there. Larger areas need to be handled by professionals. You will not know if what you are seeing has spread unless the experts inspect.
