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From Water to Mold Damage
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Preventing Mold Infestation
Mold damage, unlike water and fire damage, can often be prevented in a home if the proper precautions are taken. Although a few things in your home such as temperature and humidity can't be efficiently controlled so that mold will be discouraged to grow and you won't be uncomfortable, the most important factor in mold growth - water - can be monitored. Additionally, other methods such as improving ventilation and airflow are entirely possible for the average homeowner, and preventing future mold growth might be easier than you think.
Understanding Mold
Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or HVAC systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Seal Out Water
Controlling the flow of water into your home is essential in keeping out mold damage in San Mateo. Sealing cracks, making sure windows close correctly and re-tiling roofs, once they begin to outlive their average lifespan, are all important factors in keeping your home's interior dry and mold out of your hair. These aren't typically expensive renovations, requiring sealant and mold-retardant paint, and you can always hire SERVPRO technicians to ensure that the materials are applied correctly. It's a small price to pay to ensure that mold stays out of your home.
If possible, make efforts to improve airflow in your home. Stuffy, stagnant rooms are suitable for mold growth, so opening windows and allowing airflow will always help to protect against mold. Be mindful, however, that you don't leave windows open permanently. If rainwater comes in through those openings, it can cause mold damage and a heap of other problems for you as well. A SERVPRO San Mateo representative may be able to meet with you to help to discuss ways to improve airflow and ventilation in your home, safely.
Clean Regularly
Whether you prefer to clean yourself or hire a service, ensuring that the whole of your home is regularly and thoroughly cleaned is a critical step in ferreting out mold early on and preventing it from finding a suitable surface. Regular cleaning deprives mold of a food source, helps to wipe away moisture, and most importantly gets someone looking at dark corners.