No one wants to hear that their home has a mold problem. The good news is that it is possible to prevent mold growth by following a few simple guidelines. Not taking active measures to prevent mold can result in hidden mold growing for months, or health problems for those in your family with asthma or allergies. The effort you make now to prevent mold will pay off when you never have to deal with a mold cleanup in Cedar City.
Address Causes of Condensation
We at Ally1 Disaster Solutions recognize that today’s homes are built tightly sealed to be more energy efficient, but if the air inside our homes cannot escape we may be at risk of developing a mold problem. Condensation is a common problem in newer homes and can provide the moist environment mold needs to thrive, especially during the winter months.
Ventilate areas of your home that are generally higher in humidity like bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Basements may require a dehumidifier, as the cooler temperatures there can lead to condensation. Allow your home to air out every so often by opening a window when the weather allows.
Act Quickly After Water Damage
If your home has been damaged by water from flooding, a leaking pipe or overflowing toilet, the most important thing you can do to prevent mold and additional damage is to clean up the water as soon as possible. Mold can start growing as soon as 24 hours after water damage occurs. Identify the source of the water, take any necessary action, then begin flood cleanup. Ally 1 Disaster Solutions is available 24/7 for water damage emergencies because time matters.
While you may be able to act between the 24-48 hour window if you have a leaking pipe, if your home has been flooded from the outside cleanup cannot begin until floodwaters subside. Take extra precaution after flooding to reduce the possibility of mold growth.
Identify Potential Hazards Outside Your Home
Keeping water away from your foundation can help prevent water damage and mold growth, especially in basements. Clear gutters in the spring and fall, and keep an eye out for mid-season clogged gutters. Direct downspouts away from the home’s foundation, and ensure that other conditions are not allowing water to pool near the foundation.
Check for leaking faucets or malfunctioning sprinkler systems. Remember to turn off any hoses when not in use to prevent a hose from splitting or leaking at the faucet connection. Make sure any hoses to your air conditioning unit are also in good shape and not leaking.
Circulate Air to Reduce Humidity and Prevent Mold Growth
The humidity in your home should be kept at a reasonable level between 30 and 60 percent depending on the outdoor temperature. Maintain a safe level of humidity by allowing air to circulate inside your home. Forced air heating and cooling systems can easily keep the air moving throughout your home, or you can utilize fans and open windows when appropriate.
Keep doors open to allow air to pass from one room to another, and to allow humidity to dissipate as it spreads throughout your home. It is best to send excess moist air outside, but opening doors can help when weather does not permit opening windows.
Remember that mold spores are everywhere, including inside our homes. By reducing the moisture inside our homes we are reducing the risk of mold spores taking hold on surfaces and becoming mold growth. And by preventing mold growth, we are also protecting the health and safety of our homes. If you are concerned about in your home don’t hesitate to give us a call at Ally1.
