7 Ways to Prevent the Spread of Mold in Your Home
Mold is a fungus that can grow in damp environments. It thrives when there are high levels of moisture in the air, an abundance of organic matter to feed on, and limited exposure to sunlight or wind.
Mold starts with spores which are carried through the air until they find a suitable place to land and begin growing. When mold begins forming indoors, it will start out small but quickly spread throughout larger areas if left unchecked. Mold spreads by producing millions of microscopic spores which float through the air until they come into contact with surfaces that provide food for them such as water-soaked wood or any other type of porous material like drywall, insulation, wallpaper or carpeting. As long as these conditions exist, mold will continue spreading until it is removed completely.
To make sure you prevent the spread of mold, there are several precautions and prevention methods available to homeowners in Massachusetts and Connecticut, that should be implemented into your everyday home maintenance routine:
Prevent The Spread of Mold by Following These Recommendations:
1 - Keep humidity levels low
Humidity develops when water becomes trapped in the air. Mold needs both moisture and organic food to grow, so humidity levels that are too high can contribute to mold growth.
There are several ways you can keep the level of humidity in your home low - Check for water leaks and repair them as soon as possible since this will relieve pressure on any porous material which can lead to mold growth. It's also important to make sure that all your indoor appliances are working properly and to keep them off the floor. By keeping all your electrical appliances off the ground, you will reduce their moisture levels which can lead to an increase in humidity.
2 - Use Biological Eradication
Biological eradication is a process that uses both sanitation and natural means of fighting back against mold. Natural materials such as eucalyptus extracts and tea tree oil are used in combination with sanitation methods like fumigation, vacuuming and washing to completely remove all forms of mold from the home.
3 - Make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated
If you notice condensation on the walls or a musty smell in the air, then you know that moisture is being trapped somewhere that shouldn't be. That's because mold thrives on damp surfaces and needs both humidity and organic matter to grow. Fixing this problem means improving ventilation in your bathroom so that air circulation is increased which will dry out any water leakages as well as reduce humidity levels.
4 - Carry out a monthly home inspection
Being proactive when it comes to the prevention of mold growth in your home is crucial to keeping healthy, clean and well-ventilated air inside your home. Monthly inspections should include a thorough check for any signs of water damage in the structure of your home such as cracks in the foundation, bulging bricks, and tiles which don't appear to be sitting correctly. Should you find any of these signs be sure to contact a mold removal specialist to inspect your home for mold growth.
5 - Don't store items inside your home that could become damp
Mold requires water to grow, so you should avoid storing any items that become damp inside your home. This includes materials like cardboard boxes or old furniture which are especially prone to mold growth if they are stored inside of your home for an extended period of time.
6 - Get rid of everything in your home that has been affected by mold
If you've already found mold in your home, then the worst mistake you could make would be to leave it untreated. Mold can spread quickly throughout porous materials like carpeting, insulation, and drywall if left unchecked. As soon as you notice any signs of mold growth it's time to call in a professional by searching online for a mold removal company near me - anything that has been affected by mold must be removed from your home as it can quickly lead to a full-blown infestation if not dealt with promptly.
7 - Use mold-resistant materials inside of your home
When choosing materials for your flooring, wall or ceiling coverings, and even furniture you should look for those that are resistant to mold growth. You can easily do this by choosing materials like ceramic tiling, marble, or even galvanized wire mesh for your ceiling. These types of materials all have the added benefit of helping to improve airflow inside your home which also reduces humidity levels and helps prevent mold growth.
Stay Proactive and Prevent Mold In Your Home
It's important to stay proactive and prevent mold from taking over your home. If you notice anything that might indicate the presence of mold, be sure to take steps to get rid of it before it spreads and becomes a bigger problem. Use these 7 ways to prevent the spread of mold in your home and enjoy healthy living!
Signs of Mold in Your Home?
If you see any signs of mold in your home, it's important to get a professional to come and remove it for you. The longer the mold stays around, the more likely it will be able to cause health issues. Signs of mold include black spots, dark patches, or even a musty smell. It's best to call in the professionals at Advanced Basement Waterproofing in MA and CT to come and investigate - if any mold is found, they'll remove it immediately without causing any damage to your home.
Musty Smell? Call The Professionals At Advanced Basement Waterproofing today! Call (413) 536-8023 or submit a mold removal request online.
