We’re just days away from 2019 and now is a perfect time to get your mold prevention resolutions in order.
Now, if you’ve never had an issue with mold growth in your home you’re probably rolling your eyes and scoffing at the idea of wasting your resolutions on mold prevention but let me take a minute to convince you.
Mold growth can cause a wide variety of problems ranging from structural damage to your home to affecting your health. We don’t want to scare you because it’s certainly a problem that can be solved, but if you don’t have to, wouldn’t that be better?
That’s why we’re here to help and let you know some changes you can make in the upcoming year that will keep you and your family on the path to health and happiness.
Mold Prevention Resolutions
Add Weather Stripping
Moisture is the number one factor in every mold growth problem. Mold needs moisture to survive and it’s attracted to its presence. Throw in a food source and you have a breeding ground for mold.
You will never be able to eliminate all moisture from your home, but you can reduce any unnecessary moisture with a few changes to your home.
Weather stripping around your doors and windows is a great way to prevent rain and snow from creeping in and settling around the openings. It’s an inexpensive addition that will not only help with mold prevention but with your heating and air bills as well. It’s a win-win!
Up Your Insulation Game
Insulation can make or break a mold growth problem.
If you have excellent insulation throughout your house, you have less chance of moisture accumulating from the elements and changing temperatures. However, certain types of insulation contain an ingredient known as cellulose. While mold can find a food source in almost anything, cellulose is at the top of the list of mold’s favorite foods to eat.
If you have fiberglass insulation on the other hand, you’re in luck. Mold spores travel through the air and find other surfaces to land upon and grow. The pieces of fiberglass however are sharp and mold spores can’t attach to them.
With quality insulation of the fiberglass variety, moisture will have a tougher time getting inside, which, in turn, will help prevent mold.
Do Regular Spot Checks
Mold colonies grow quickly and if you don’t keep an eye out for patches of mold inside your home, it can become a much bigger problem. Regular spot checks for mold will help keep the chances of mold to a minimum.
It’s important to know the signs of mold though because mold doesn’t necessarily show itself to the naked eye right away. Mold colonies tend to grow in dark areas with higher moisture contents. This makes your basement, bathroom, laundry room and attic prime real estate.
Look in darker corner and underneath appliances like your washing machine or dryer to check for any mold growth. Also, pay attention to any potent odors that appear. Mold has a very distinct musty smell and if you smell it, there’s a very good chance you have mold.
If you do spot checks on a monthly basis, you’ll have a better chance of finding mold sooner and taking care of the problem much quicker.
Mold Solutions
If you’ve found this article because you have mold growing in your home, and it’s too late for prevention tactics at the moment, you’re still in the right spot. Contact us for any questions you have regarding mold and what your next steps need to be for the remediation process. Our team of professionals are happy to help.
Here’s to a mold-free home in 2019!
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
