Houses in the United States now cost over $350,000 on average. This is made it difficult for some people to buy a home, but it has served as a great investment opportunity for others.
Although there are many positive attributes of owning a home, it also comes with a large number of responsibilities.
One of the most prominent is preventing mold from growing. Although it may seem difficult to prevent mold, it’s not as complicated as many people believe.
Let’s explore the key factors about mold prevention you need to know about.
So, What Causes Mold?
It all comes down to moisture. Mold needs moisture to grow and thrive, so if you can control and manage the levels of humidity in your home, you’re well on your way to mold prevention.
High levels of humidity are a major source of water vapor that can lead to mold growth. The most common sources include leaky pipes, excess condensation on windows, and wet walls.
What Are the Different Types of Mold?
Mold comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some common types found in homes include Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as “black mold“).
Although these types may look different, they all require the same conditions to grow.
Can Mold Be Harmful?
Initially, you may not be aware of mold in your home since it can grow in hidden areas.
Prolonged exposure to different types of mold can lead to health problems and illnesses such as coughing, sneezing, skin rashes, and other respiratory issues. Therefore, it’s important to detect the presence of mold immediately and take the necessary measures to prevent it.
How Can I Prevent Mold?
To tackle these issues, there are several basic steps you can take. You will also be pleased to know that they are fairly straightforward.
Let’s explore some of the most notable.
Inspect Plumbing Regularly For Leaks
Fix any leaks that occur as soon as possible to prevent standing water from accumulating.
These areas can quickly become a breeding ground for mold. Unfortunately, even homes with new pipes are prone to leaks. So, get in the habit of performing regular checks so that you can catch problems before they get out of control.
Waterproof Your Basement
Interestingly, many people overlook this as an option.
When you waterproof your basement, you can completely prevent outside moisture from getting in. This will substantially help when it comes to preventing mold from growing inside this area of your home.
Check All Areas of the House For Signs of Mold
Look out for discolored walls and ceilings or musty smells.
If you spot any of these, then it’s likely that mold is present. In this instance, it’s best to call a professional for advice or to treat the area yourself with special cleaning products.
Dehumidifiers Can Help Reduce Moisture Levels in Your Home
These are particularly useful during hot summer days when the humidity levels tend to be higher. Even if you don’t live in a region with a humid climate, you can still benefit from using them.
With no searching, you can also find one that is relatively inexpensive.
Regularly Check For Water Damage
This is especially important in areas of your home that are prone to flooding, such as basements and attics.
If you find any evidence of water damage, it’s best to call a professional right away to get the problem fixed before mold can grow.
What Should I Do if I Find Mold?
If you do find mold in your home, it’s important to identify the source and act quickly. To ensure that all traces of mold are removed, it is best to use specialist cleaning products and call a professional if the situation is more serious.
This will help you get started on the right track.
What Should I Look For in a Professional?
Not all professionals are created equal. So, it’s essential that you take the time to find the one who is ideal for your situation.
Taking a look at their past reputation is something that you cannot neglect.
Past client feedback will help you avoid working with people who don’t meet your needs. Checking how they respond to customer complaints is also essential. This will provide insight into what you can expect if things go wrong.
Of course, you should also hire someone with a substantial amount of experience in the industry.
They should have a proven track record of success if you are to hire them. It can often mean the difference between whether or not you get the results you want.
Have they worked with people like you in the past? Hiring the wrong professional can sometimes do more harm than good. Be sure to take a look at their billing structure.
This will help you avoid financial surprises in the future. Never work with someone you are not comfortable communicating with. If they don’t seem easy to get in touch with, move along with your search.
Knowing How to Prevent Mold Is Easier Than It Seems
Although it may seem complicated at first, knowing how to prevent mold is a straightforward process. Just be sure you keep the above tips in mind so you can make the decision that is best for you.
Looking for more information about what we can do? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
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