Got Mold?

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

A lot of home or business owners will encounter mold growth in their property at some point. Mold is in our natural environment. The problem lies when the mold growth reaches an unsafe level. There are some things a home or business owner can do to prevent mold growth.

One way to prevent growth would be dehumidification. Removing moisture from the structure is key to preventing mold growth. There are different options available for dehumidifier systems. There is a system that can be hooked into a central climate control system. There are also dehumidifiers that can be bought and placed in areas where humidity and moisture is an issue. Dehumidifiers come with 2 options. One dehumidifier has a holding tank that needs to be emptied when it becomes full. The second kind has a drain hose that can be placed directly into an available drain. It is important to know the square footage of the space you are using the dehumidifier in and be sure the dehumidifier you are using is large enough to successfully remove moisture from that area.

A second way is controlling the climate in the home or business. Turning off an air conditioning unit can cause a spike in humidity levels in the structure. If the levels reach a high enough level they can assist in the growth of mold.

A third way in preventing mold growth is to ensure proper insulation is used in the structure. A simple vapor barrier can assist in stopping a condensation problem from becoming a mold growth issue.

Four, ensure there is no standing water within the property. Standing water is a breeding ground for mold to grow. Standing water can be present from things like a foundation leak or a empty property that has sustained a water intrusion.

A fifth way to prevent mold from developing is to be aware of the design of your property. It is important to be sure roofs are sealed, windows do not have any leaks, proper insulation is used, etc…

Lastly, it is very important to maintain your property. Check each area of the property on a regular basis, especially areas that are not seen daily, weekly, etc… Some examples of areas not seen often are empty properties, basements, crawl spaces, attics, closets, etc…

Mold can continue to grow in the right circumstances and can cause major damage to a structure. If mold growth gets severe enough it can affect the structural integrity of the home or business. Mold has also been linked with certain health issues. Therefore it is important to do what is possible to prevent its growth.