5 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

Household mold is a common and serious issue in any home. Specific types of molds can cause severe and life-threatening conditions, and you could also lose thousands of dollars in house renovation. Luckily, there are many precautions you can take to ensure your home is mold-free. Here are five ways to prevent and combat mold growth in your home.

1. Schedule regular mold inspection

Mold can quickly grow and lead to various health issues such as allergies, eye irritation, or respiratory infections for people living in the affected area. Regular mold inspection is important to detect the presence of mold and take preventative measures to remove it. An inspection report can also offer useful insight into the possible causes of mold growth and recommendations to prevent it from reoccurring in the future.

2. Monitor indoor humidity

Mold can’t grow without water, but leaks and spills are not the only sources of moisture. Humid weather and HVAC systems that artificially heat and cool your home can also lead to mold growth. Watch out for things such as condensation and puddles in windows, walls, and doors, which are caused by humid air settling in your home.

You can also invest in a humidity monitor, such as an air conditioner or dehumidifier, to ensure humid levels in your home are low enough to prevent mold growth. The ideal humidity level in your home according to the EPA should be between 30% and 50%.

3. Ensure your home is well ventilated

Daily routines such as cooking, breathing, showering or laundry can result in excess hot air in your house. When combined with cold walls, it can result in mold growth mainly because of the condensation buildup that creates a dump environment. 

While you can’t stop breathing or cooking, ensuring proper ventilation in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom can help prevent mold growth. Ventilations help prevent humid air from getting trapped indoors and playing mischief with mold growth. Optimize ventilation by opening the window while cooking and ensure your HVAC systems are functioning properly.

4. Repair any leaks in your home

Home plumbing issues, such as leaks and floods, are the main cause of major mold problems. Therefore, when you notice a leak in your home, take care of it immediately.

Inspect your home thoroughly for any leaks or cracks that might bring excess moisture into your home. Be sure to check under sinks, beneath radiators, behind bathrooms, and in the basement. Call in a professional plumber if you notice any leaks or cracks.

5. Direct water away from your building

If the ground around your house isn’t properly sloped away from the foundation, water may flood around the walls and enter your basement or crawlspace. Finding a way to direct water from your roof and gutters away from your home’s exterior is an excellent way to prevent mold. The use of French drains, swales, and gutter systems are some of the best ways to redirect water away from your home’s foundations.

Endnote

Mold inside your house can pose a health risk and negatively affect indoor air quality. Therefore, preventing mold growth in your home is essential for the well-being and safety of your family and guests who spend time in your house. Use these tips to prevent mold growth in your home, and seek professional help if the problem persists.