Do you know how to help prevent mold growth?

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Calhoun County 269-963-3033

Mold, while it can be good - it's essential for making penicillin for example - it can also be very, very bad. Especially when growing undetected in your home.

Mold can grow anywhere, on any surface, like carpet, clothing, food, paper and even in places you can't see. Such places as areas inside of your walls around leaking pipes or condensation, the backside of drywall and above ceiling tiles. Mold spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated. Not only is mold difficult and costly to fix, it can also produce allergens and irritants(and rarely toxins) that may compromise you or your families health.

So what do you do if you're concerned about mold growth in your home?

The best approach is preventing mold before it becomes a problem. The key to mold prevention is simple: Moisture control. Here are some ways to curb moisture in your home.

• Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. Your routine domestic activities could be encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure something as simple as cooking, showering or doing laundry doesn't invite mold by ensuring those areas of your home are properly ventilated. Vent appliances that produce moisture to the outside of your home.
• Dry wet areas immediately. Mold cannot grow without moisture, so be sure to dry wet areas right away. Water from a leaky pipe or a heavy rainfall should be dried within 24-48 hours. If you've had flood damage, remove carpet, furniture and bedding if it cannot be dried completely.
• Improve air flow in your home. As temps drop the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home you may begin to notice the extra moisture on your windows, walls and floor. Increased circulation is created by opening doors between rooms, moving furniture away from walls and open doors to closets that may be cooler than the rooms they are in. Letting fresh air in helps to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

If you find mold in your home be sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Calhoun County at 269-963-3033