How To Maintain A Mold-Free Home
Mold spores can be spread quickly and are difficult to remove from your home. Although they are harmless in small amounts, large amounts of mold can be harmful to your health as they can cause allergies and, in rare cases, release poisonous gases in your home. Mold grows in various places, including the underside of drywall, areas inside walls near leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles. So, how can you prevent the growth of mold in your home? Here are a few tips to help you keep a mold-free home.
Invest in mold-resistant products
Are you planning to build a new home or renovate one? It is advisable to use various mold-resistant building materials, such as mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock. You can also consider using gypsum plaster. This material is squeezed between plies of paper in traditional drywall. This creates a water-resistant surface since the gypsum core is wrapped in fiberglass. Mold-resistant drywall is paperless. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens are all places where moisture-resistant drywall is extremely useful. Traditional drywall is not only prone to mold than paperless drywall, but it is also more difficult to remove mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum boards are also available; the drywall's core is designed to keep moisture out and prevent mold growth.
Take preventive measures
You can't completely prevent mold from growing in your home, but you can prevent it. Conduct various checks around your home to identify the trouble areas in which mold is likely to grow. You can carry out a house audit to check out if there's water in your basement, to check for water stains on your ceiling (an indication of a leak), or to check for moisture around your windows. By doing these checks, you can implement various preventive measures. This may be as simple as placing a rug or absorbent mat in a damp room, installing mold-resistant items, or replacing your windows. In some cases, extensive excavation and waterproofing may be the best solution. The issue must be addressed immediately. It may be costly upfront, but it will undoubtedly be more costly in the long run if mold is allowed to develop unchecked.
Clean or replace roof gutters
A mold problem could arise from something as simple as a leaking roof caused by overflowing or faulty gutters. Ensure that your roof gutters are cleaned and inspected regularly. Repair them as needed, and keep a watch out for water stains that could indicate a leak after a storm.
Keep wet areas dry, always
Since mold grows in areas with excessive moisture, wet areas should always be cleaned and quickly. Whether it's a spill on the carpet or a wet bathroom area, it is essential to dry the area immediately. You should also be sure to keep your clothes dry after washing, as this could also encourage mold growth. Doing so would encourage the growth of mold and put your household at risk.
Suppose your home has experienced water damage due to heavy rain or leaking pipes. In that case, you would want to consider hiring the services of water damage restoration pros. Such restoration companies help you get your home in order and help you prevent any hazards to your home and health.
