We all love summer, but the truth is — it seriously increases the chances of mold growth in our homes. In fact, some mold spores are completely inactive during cold months, and they start growing rapidly once it gets hotter outside. Summer is also the time when we lock up and leave our homes to go on vacation. Combine all that with heavy summer rainfall, and you have the perfect conditions for mold to grow and spread.
Mold is also quite dangerous for your health. It can cause respiratory problems, nausea, headaches, etc. Fortunately, there are ways you can detect it and certain things you can do to prevent mold from ever occurring in your home.
How to Tell If You Have Mold
For starters, there are two main signs of mold that you need to watch out for — moisture buildup in certain places and the characteristic musty smell. Obviously, the smell is the biggest giveaway. Besides that, mold can sometimes be invisible at first glance (under carpets, inside walls), so the smell is all you have to go off.
If you suspect there’s mold in your home, you need to do a thorough check-up of your home.
- First of all, check all windows and see if there are any droplets on there, as that’s a telltale sign of a humid, mold-friendly environment.
- Secondly, go to the bathroom and kitchen, and check if there’s any leakage under the sink and around the bath and toilet.
- Also isolated rooms that aren’t used that often may have moisture/water, ventilation issues and can develop mold quickly, so give those a quick look too.
- Next, check if the air conditioning drain lines are working properly. They can sometimes clog up and cause problems.
- Finally, give your gutters and downspouts a quick look, as they can sometimes get clogged up or damaged due to some weather conditions. They need to be working properly and direct the water the right way.
In case you notice any moisture buildup in these places, Contact Mold Solutions as soon as possible.
Mold Prevention
Here’s what you can do to prevent mold from occurring in your home:
Repair All Faulty Pipes and Faucets in Time
If you don’t want your walls, ceiling, floor, or furniture to get soaking wet and develop mold, you need to make sure that every leak is attended to in a timely manner. That also means you have to perform regular check-ups, especially after hail storms and other more extreme weather conditions.
Ventilate
Proper ventilation is key in mold prevention. Firstly, you should regularly open your windows and let the air in, especially during humid days. Still, try to maintain a nice and cool internal temperature at all times. In addition, make sure the A/C, all exhaust fans, and ventilators are facing the right direction and working properly. You should also consider getting a dehumidifier, as it can help you keep the moisture at bay.
Clean Your Home Regularly
You should clean your home regularly to ensure there’s no leftover dirt or food that might cause mold. And if you plan on leaving your home to go on vacation, make sure you clean it beforehand.
