Mold Basics

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

Mold Basics

-The key to mold control is moisture control.

-If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.

-It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips

-When water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.

-Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.

 -Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.

 -Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.

 -Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores. 

 -If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Bathroom Tip

Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold. If there’s some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum.