Finding out your home has a mold problem is something no one wants to hear. Mold may be good for making brie or penicillin but it can be very bad especially if it has been growing undetected in your home.
Mold spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated. It can almost anywhere, carpets, clothing, food or even paper. Given the right conditions it can grow on the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes and above ceiling tiles.
Besides being difficult and costly to fix, the allergens and irritants it produces ( in rare cases toxins ) can pose a health risk. The best solution is of course to prevent it from growing in your home. Moisture control is the very simple way to be certain you never have to deal with this problem. Here are 3 tips from a Calgary mold removal company to curb moisture indoors and the mold that thrives on it.
#1
Identify the problem areas in your home and take steps to fix them. While you can’t mold proof your home you can make it mold resistant. Do a thorough check of your home from top to bottom to identify possible problem area. Is your basement prone to flooding, have you noticed condensation forming frequently on windows, investigate the source of that water stain on the ceiling. Preventing mold from spreading can be as easy as replacing a carpet in a damp basement, installing mold resistant products or repairing damaged gutters. You could face a major problem and need to excavate and waterproof the foundation. What may seem costly now it’s better than ignoring the problem before it turns into to a more extensive repair in the future.
#2
Deal with wet areas immediately Mold needs moisture to grow so don’t delay in dealing with water problems. Seepage in the basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe even a spill on a carpet should be taken care of within 24 to 48 hours. Should you experience flooding remove any damaged carpets, bedding and furniture that can’t be completely dried. Don’t leave wet clothes standing in the washer and wipe walls and floors after showering.
#3
Prevent moisture with proper ventilation Everyday activities like cooking, showering or doing laundry create a lot of moisture in the home. Use fans in the kitchen and especially the bathroom to remove moisture. Be sure those fans are properly vented to the outside and clear of debris, birds and small animals love to set up home in these spots. Check the attic for adequate ventilation, additionally with today’s energy efficient homes, trapped moisture can create a problem so think about opening a window.
Thanks to Calgary Water & Flood for their mold prevention tips.