Preventing Household Mold

Published by: Elizabeth Gormley
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

    A mold problem in a house can take a serious toll on your finances and health, and it can lower the value of your home significantly.  So why not take the preventative steps to make your home a mold-free zone?  It is all about controlling moisture, and if you follow some easy steps, you will never have to worry about unsightly spore intrusion that can make you or your family members uncomfortable, or even quite sick.
    Humidity is a catalyst for mold growth.  It can be measured technically with a device called a “relative humidity sensor,” which measures air moisture.  If the level in any area of your home (including basement and attic) is close to or exceeding 55% Relative Humidity, it is grounds for dangerous mold colonies and must be fixed.  At this point, a dehumidifier(s) is necessary.  Be sure to use and maintain the device properly so that it is most effective.  It is wise to buy more than one small machine for the various rooms, rather than one single large one to dehumidify the problem areas, or entire home.
    One of the most common reasons for mold in a home is faulty plumbing, which is often the cause of rusting and excessive condensation around pipes.  Sometimes it’s tough to tell whether a pipe is leaking.  Is there a dank odor?  Are there water stains?  Are toilets running, or faucets dripping?  Are water bills excessive?  Regardless, all pipes should be insulated.
    Most interior mold problems begin on the outside of the house.  Bad drainage and irrigation occur often with stucco or wood facades because these are porous building materials that absorb water.  Keep the sprinklers pointed away from the house.  Seal the exterior, including the roof shingles.  Plants and tree foliage shouldn’t touch the house.  Clean the gutters regularly.  If water seeps through the outside, it won’t be long before the inside is affected with unsightly, dark spores.
    Regularly cleaning your home is important because cobwebs and dust trap mold spores.  Be thorough because interior mold can start behind appliances like the refrigerator.  Bathrooms shouldn’t be carpeted because of their susceptibility to moisture.  Area rugs should be washed regularly. 
    Ventilation in general is key.  Let your home breathe.  Areas like the attic and basement should be well insulated and dehumidified.  Crawl spaces at the home’s foundation should be maintained by covering the soil with waterproof polyethylene plastic.  Close crawl space vents in the summer and open them in the winter.  Soft materials like cloth furniture, paper, books, and clothes are sources of food for mold.  It is wise not to store these things in mold-prone areas.
    Always remember that mold thrives in moist places.  If you control the moisture, you will control the mold, and avoid the problems that will multiply. 


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