With winter just around the corner, you may have noticed that your home seems to be getting colder than it has been in years past. While this may be good news for those who enjoy cool weather, it could also indicate an increase in humidity levels in your home. This can lead to mold growth, causing health issues and putting your home’s overall value at risk if not treated right away.
The development of a serious mold problem can be a devastating issue for a homeowner to have to address. When mold first starts to grow in the home, it may not seem like it will be a serious matter, but there are some key points to keep in mind as you manage this issue. To keep yourself and your family healthy and to keep your house looking its best, follow these tips to prevent mold growth in your home this winter season.
Understand the Hazards Mold Issues Can Cause
There are a number of issues that a mold problem can create. For example, the mold can contribute to structural problems by helping to foster rot. Also, some molds will leave acidic byproducts that can damage metal and masonry. In addition to the structural problems mold can create, this issue can also pose health problems as mold can create a number of health problems when it is inhaled. This is especially true for individuals with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems. In fact, it can be possible for mold to start growing in the lungs if it is inhaled.
Clean up Your Clutter
One of the best ways to prevent mold growth is by getting rid of excess moisture. There are a lot of things that can collect excess moisture, from that sink full of dirty dishes to all those towels you let air dry on your bathroom floor. Tackle these little problems before they become big ones. Not only will it keep your home healthier, but also help control your heating and cooling costs!
Appreciate the Difficulty in Confirming Mold Problems
Homeowners will often fail to realize that the full extent of the mold problem can be very difficult to ascertain. While you may see fairly isolated areas of mold growth, there could be other colonies in areas of the home that are difficult to reach and evaluate. For this reason, you should have your entire house professionally inspected if you find mold growing in it. These individuals will be able to help you understand the full extent of the problem so that you can take effective steps for addressing it.
Repair the Roof
Roofs are a major culprit of mold growth. If your roof was damaged by high winds or snow, you need to have it repaired right away. Water that penetrates your roof’s interior could accumulate and allow mildew and mold to develop quickly. To minimize significant roof damage, be sure to contact local roofing contractors to assess the condition of your roof and schedule a repair for your property. Roofing professionals have the experience and equipment needed to repair your roofing while also protecting it from future damage.
Moreover, good insulation and waterproof materials can also help prevent mold from growing. Ask your local contractors for suggestions on making your home more leak-proof.
Avoid Disturbing the Mold Colony
You may be tempted to try and clean the mold colony yourself. Unfortunately, this may not be the best option. When individuals attempt to clean these colonies, they may inadvertently send spores airborne. This can actually worsen the problem as it may allow new mold colonies to form throughout the house. Furthermore, cleaning mold can be very difficult as you must sanitize all of the spores to prevent the colony from returning within a matter of weeks. Professional treatment will almost always be the best option for removing and preventing a mold problem from returning.
Maintain Good Air Quality
Maintaining good air quality is one of your best lines of defense against mold growth. Always keep your home well-ventilated and refrain from blocking airflow at windows and doors with furniture or decorations. It’s also a good idea to turn on a fan during humid or rainy weather, as these conditions can breed mold.
Get rid of Excess Water
One of winter’s many hazards is excess water. Ice dams, icicles, dripping water pipes, and torrential downpours all have a way of making it into your home. To keep mold at bay, pay attention to problem areas and fix them quickly.
Monitor for leaks around windows and doors as well as those pesky dripping faucets. Remember that bathrooms are particularly susceptible to mold so don’t wait for those pesky black spots to show up on your grout before you clean up. Cleaning up excess water as soon as it happens will help prevent mold growth from occurring later on during colder weather.
Mold colonies growing in your house is a serious matter that will require prompt attention. Otherwise, you could find yourself facing a situation where the house has suffered extensive damage or individuals have developed health complications. Once you understand the threat mold can pose, the importance of a professional inspection along with the hazards of disturbing the colony, you should be better equipped to address this issue. Learn more about your situation by contacting local mold remediation services.
It’s winter, which means many of us are going to be spending time indoors this holiday season. Keep this guide in mind to make sure your home is mold-free this winter.