Preventing Mold Before it Becomes a Problem

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Basic Mold Prevention Measures

Mold is one of the most concerning afflictions a home can sustain. Removing a severe infestation can be time consuming and expensive. This is why it is important that homeowners understand basic mold prevention measures.

1. Finding Sources of Water Damage
Mold consists of tiny fungal spores and filaments that thrive in cool, damp conditions. Naturally, water damage from leaks around windows, roofing, or appliances can create an ideal environment for mold to develop. Sometimes, the wettest areas are hard to find because carpets or other materials that prevent drying can also hide the buildup of moisture. A musty odor is often the most obvious sign of an infestation. If water has damaged areas of your house that are covered by drywall, you should contact an expert who can assess the extent of your problem.

2. Ventilation
If you have located areas of concern for mold growth in your home, you should make sure that these are well ventilated and exposed to dry air. If you live in a region that is particularly humid, or if you find that wetness does not evaporate from certain spaces in your household, a dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from the air.

3. Inspection
While mold prevention is significantly easier than removal, there is always a chance that you have missed key indicators in your home. Hiring an environmental quality professional is the best way to be sure that you have eliminated sources of mold growth. An expert can test for the presence of hazardous molds, as well as assist in determining whether your situation requires immediate remediation.
If your Valley Brook, OK home has suffered unnoticed or untreated water damage, there is a good chance that mold has developed as a consequence. Mold prevention should be an essential part of your home maintenance routine. An established infestation, however, requires the careful handling of an expert.