Mold growth inside your home causes a number of health issues and if not removed impacts your overall property value. That’s why it’s frustrating when it returns even after mold remediation services. Often, it happens because you haven’t addressed the underlying cause of the problem. However, following the below tips can help prevent future incidents.
How to Prevent Mold
1. Check Your Gutter System
Keep the gutters clear of debris that prevents water from properly draining. If there is a clog, water may back up onto your roof, damaging your roof’s shingles and possibly soaking into your underlayment and insulation, prompting mold growth.
Check your downspouts as well. These need to be angled so that any runoff is directed a safe distance away from the home.
2. Find & Fix Plumbing Leaks
Hidden plumbing leaks provide the cold and dark conditions mold needs to thrive. Therefore, be on the lookout for water stains on the walls or ceiling, a musty smell in the home, or a water bill that is higher than usual. If you have any of these problems, have a professional inspect the plumbing.
3. Keep the Home Ventilated
This is especially important in parts of the home prone to high humidity levels such as bathrooms, the kitchen and laundry rooms. The longer the moisture sticks around, the more mold spores grow. Keep the air moving so the moisture evaporates quickly by using fans, vents and opening windows.
4. Use a Dehumidifier
The EPA recommends maintaining humidity levels between 30-60%. Anything above that creates conditions that allow mold to return and spread. By using a portable dehumidifier for mold remediation in rooms where moisture is common, you have more control over keeping the levels in the recommended range and preventing future growth.
5. Remove Standing Water Immediately
Whether you’ve had flood damage, a burst pipe or a leaking roof, if you find standing water around the home, call a certified professional to clean it up and dry the affected area properly following industry standards. When it has favorable conditions, mold only takes 24 to 48 hours to germinate and start spreading. So if you put off having a certified professional assess and cleanup the damage properly, even for a day, you’re exposing yourself to mold growing and/or returning.
Keep your home protected from future mold infestations by scheduling mold remediation services with the experts at Restoration 1 of Central Denver in Lakewood, CO. As a locally-owned provider of home restoration services, we’ve helped local homeowners find, remove, and prevent mold growth. Our certified team will perform an inspection of your entire home, fix problematic areas, and set you up with preventative measures to keep the property protected. Schedule an appointment by calling (720) 524-4680 or learn more about our mold services here.