More than half of US homes have mold, which tends to ruin a home’s appeal. Besides that, certain mold types are dangerous and can lead to life-threatening health issues. That is why homeowners need to be careful when it comes to mold. Discussed below are some of the measures you can take to prevent mold growth in your property.
Repair Leaks
One of the major causes of mold growth is water leaks. Every now and then, inspect your plumbing system to ensure there are no leaks. Investigate your pipes under the sink, in the basement, and behind the toilet. Even a tiny leak that you may assume is inconsequential can still lead to a severe mold problem. The reason why inspections are necessary is that leaks can go unnoticed for a long time. And by the time you are aware, the issue has already escalated. Inspections allow you to detect and fix issues early before they get worse.
Open Your Windows
Try and keep your home ventilated as much as possible. Areas like the bathroom and kitchen are particularly prone to mold growth because of moisture. As you take a shower or when you are cooking, open a window or two for a few minutes, allowing moisture to flow out of your home instead of building up. If you are worried about letting out the heat, another alternative is investing in air vents.
Monitor Outdoor Drainage
Your landscaping plays a big role in keeping mold away from your home. Ideally, water is supposed to drain away from your home. But if your landscaping is not done correctly, you may have issues with improper draining, leading to serious mold issues. Instead of water draining away, it seeps through your home’s foundation. That is one of the reasons basements are a hot spot for mold. Unfortunately, if this is what is causing mold in your home, you cannot avoid it. You will have to find a good contractor to audit your property and develop a solution for your drainage issues.
Clean Up Spills
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent mold growth is by keeping your home dry. If you spill any liquids, clean up. The same applies to wet items as well. For instance, if you have been rained on, do not just remove damp clothing and leave it bundled up on your floor. And if your home is carpeted, this is a mistake you cannot afford to make. Carpets absorb moisture quickly, which is hard to dry up. Give it a few days, and soon you will notice a funky smell which means mold is growing.
Call a Mold Remediation Company
There are times when you suspect you have mold, but you can not see it. Maybe you have noticed that funky smell, but you cannot locate any mold in your home. In such cases, you may need mold testing Reno NV-located. The experts will test your home and let you know if your home is infested and the steps you can take to limit mold growth.
For the sake of your health and that of your family, follow the tips mentioned above. And when the situation gets out of hand, let the experts handle it.