As a homeowner, there are many things that we must do to protect one of our largest investments. Having mold in your home can destroy your house and cost you a lot of money to repair it. It can also cost you and your family their health if mold takes over your home. There’s good news though! You can take measures to mold proof your home and protect your family starting today.
Mold in your home can be hard to detect. Therefore, it’s very important to take preventative measures because it could be spreading in your home and you may not even know it. If the mold infestation gets too big it could be very costly to remove. If you think you may already have mold in your home, a simple home air vent test kit can easily detect that.
Mold prevention or ‘mold proofing’ your home can save you money in the long run because most professional mold remediation services can be very expensive. Having a serious mold problem in your house can drastically affected the value of your home, should you decide to sell it in the future. Potential buyers may be deterred from purchasing a home if it has an extensive mold history.
Here are some ways you can keep out mold in your home:
Control the cleanliness of your home. Start a weekly routine. This will not only help keep your surfaces clean and free of mold, but you’ll be able to identify moisture and other areas susceptible for mold much faster. The cleaner your house is, the less likely mold will be able to attach to surfaces and thrive.
Regulate your home’s environment. Most mold spores grow in warm temperatures and high humidity. Keeping the temperatures relatively low (usually in the lower 70s) and the humidity low in your home will help keep any mold growth to a minimum. Make sure your doors and windows remain closed and sealed, especially in warmer weather. Inspect your home for leaks and condensation. If you should spot any damp areas, make sure to stop the source of the leak and use a dehumidifier, if necessary, to get rid of the moisture.
Make sure your home is equipped to handle any damage from natural disasters. Flooding can leave your home’s surfaces wet for several hours. Although your first instinct may be to try to salvage some of your home’s belongings, it’s important to know what you’ll be able to save and what you may need to trash. Mold in your home can be prevented if you can completely dry out and disinfect the wet materials.
Perform routine home inspections. Make a note in your calendar to check commonly neglected areas of you home that may go unnoticed otherwise. Check your attics, basement, and roof for cracks or crevices that may allow water to seep in. Inspect the insulation around your walls and windows and check for signs of mold such as, discoloration, moldy odors, and moisture.
Don’t allow mold in your home to take over your life and your wallet. Mold proofing your home will save you time, money, and protect your health in the long run. Your house and your family will thank you for it.
