As a homeowner, you might have concerns about mold in your home. Mold damages the surfaces that it grows on, which are often permanently stained by the mold. Exposure to mold causes health symptoms that range from bothersome to severe depending on the individual and the level of mold exposure. Knowing how to prevent mold growth at home helps to keep your home and family healthy.
Find a Strategy to Prevent Mold Growth at Home
Mold and other types of fungi grow on indoor and outdoor surfaces. They thrive in a wide range of environments, though one of the most important elements required for mold growth is moisture. Moisture in and around your home may be due to standing water, saturated materials, or high humidity levels in the air. Keeping unnecessary moisture out of the home is important to prevent mold growth at home.
1. Ventilate Your Home
Ventilation fans are found in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. They provide a convenient way to pull humidity out of the air. Homes without ventilation fans tend to be more humid for longer periods of time. This is one of the reasons why mold growth is so common in bathrooms. Running your HVAC system regularly is also an easy way to reduce the humidity level throughout the home.
2. Find and Repair Water Leaks
Between leaking pipes, faucets that drip, and damaged seals around the base of toilets, your home may have excess moisture. This increases the humidity level in the home, which can cause water damage and lead to mold growth. To prevent mold growth in your home, repair these issues as soon as possible. Order a mold inspection and professional mold test after repairing a leak.
3. Clean Frequently and Thoroughly
Even when you take steps to control moisture, mold may still grow in different areas of your home. Remove mold as soon as possible. Regular cleaning is important to kill mold spores, including mildew that may be growing in the kitchen and bathroom. If you identify mold on walls, baseboards, carpet or other areas, professional mold remediation may be required.
4. Order a Mold Inspection
Even when you do your best to prevent mold growth at home, there is a chance that it may be established in hidden areas. A professional mold inspection identifies the presence of mold spores in the air and on various surfaces. Through an inspection, you can learn if mold is an issue in your home.
Understanding how to prevent mold growth in your home is essential for the proper care of your property and the well-being of your family. These steps are easy to follow and can help you to avoid situations that may put your home and family at risk.
H&J Freile Home Inspection, Inc. offers several types of mold testing to meet your needs and budget. Contact us to schedule an inspection.