Prevent Mold Growth in your Home With These Helpful Tips
Mold in apartment
In our last blog entry, we explained how crawlspace encapsulation can help mitigate moisture issues in a home’s foundation. But crawlspaces aren’t the only places in a home that can experience unwanted moisture buildup; bathrooms, basements and kitchens may be prone to these issues as well.
If left unchecked, these moisture issues can also contribute to mold and mildew growth. This, in turn, can contribute to health problems in people with mold allergies, and potentially cause serious damage to the home. With this in mind, let’s take a moment to consider a few ways to prevent mold growth in your home.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
If you know that a room in your house is susceptible to moisture issues, consider using a small dehumidifier to prevent condensation from forming and creating a habitat for mold. Dehumidifiers are an especially good option for basements and other unfinished areas.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Your home’s gutter system is designed to convey rainwater safely away from its siding and foundation. If your gutters are leaking or your downspouts are too close to your foundation, however, they may not be able to prevent moisture intrusions on rainy days. Keep an eye out for damaged gutter sections, and make sure downspouts discharge water at least 10 feet away from your home, preferably on a downward slope.
Use Your Bathroom’s Exhaust Fan
Your bathroom’s exhaust fan constitutes its first line of defense against excess moisture buildup. Be sure to run the fan whenever you take a shower, and leave it running for a few minutes afterwards to let it remove any remaining moisture from the air.
Replace Outdated Windows
If you live in an older home, you may find mold and mildew growing on window sills after heavy rainstorms. Old single-pane windows don’t offer much in the way of insulation, and are therefore more prone to moisture issues than modern double-pane windows. Replacing outdated windows can not only help to prevent mold growth, but also save you money on your monthly energy bills.
Concerned about moisture issues in your home or a home you’re thinking about buying? Liberty Inspections is a certified mold inspector capable of testing both indoor air and surfaces for mold. We can conduct a thorough inspection using the latest technologies to identify potential sources of mold growth and offer suggestions for remediation.
To learn more, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today.