7 Tips for Mold Prevention

Mold is not only a danger to one’s home but to their health as well. It’s important for all homeowners to take steps to prevent mold, as leaving it unaddressed can lead to serious problems. Below are some simple mold prevention tips homeowners can use to protect their homes.

Immediately Remove Water

Mold grows when there is moisture, meaning it’s important to address wet areas as soon as possible. Whether this is a small puddle in the basement, wet carpet from a window left open, or a leaky pipe, homeowners should work to dry up the water quickly. Other areas to watch for are wet clothes in the washing machine or the floor after a shower. Any amount of moisture left alone for too long can lead to mold.

Improve Ventilation

Good ventilation can help prevent mold. Some key areas to focus on are the bathroom and kitchen, as both can produce steam. If possible, homeowners should install ventilation fans in both rooms to push the steam outside. Another option is opening windows when cooking or showering, allowing some of the steam to escape outside.

Clear the Air Vents

Air vents play a major role in helping to keep a home ventilated properly. However, over time, these vents can become clogged. Homeowners should take some time to make sure there is nothing blocking the vents, such as furniture or other belongings. They should then look to remove dust or other debris by cleaning their vents for better efficiency.

Monitor Humidity Levels

Humidity is a common cause of mold when left untreated. A simple home humidity monitor can tell homeowners about the level of moisture within the home and help them with mold prevention. Then, if they notice that the humidity is too high, they can turn on a dehumidifier to remove some of the moisture from the air.

Take Care of the Roof

When not taken care of properly, roofs can allow water to seep into the home and eventually cause mold. One common reason for this is clogged gutters, which lead to water backing up and seeping into the house. Taking time to clean the gutters and inspect the roof for damage can help prevent water from getting inside and causing damage.

Properly Seal the Home

If the home uses an air conditioning unit in the summer, it’s important that homeowners properly seal the home. This means ensuring they closed the windows and doors completely, along with other tasks like installing door sweeps on all exterior doors. By properly sealing the home, homeowners help to keep the cool, dry air inside and the warm, humid air outside.

Prevent Seeping Water

Finally, homeowners should look to prevent seeping water in the lowest level of their homes. For some, this is a basement, for others a crawl space. If the homeowner notices small puddles on these floors, there are a few ways they can address the situation. For example, they could install a sump pump or cover the floor with a vapor barrier.

Address Mold Problems in Virginia Today

If Virginia homeowners are experiencing mold problems in their homes, Steamatic is here to help. Steamatic can quickly spot signs of mold and implement mold prevention solutions to address them. To get started, please contact Steamatic today and schedule a consultation.