An AdvantaClean Guide to Help Prevent Mold Damage
Step by Step Tips for Property Owners
Unfortunately, every home is at risk of mold damage. Mold spores are ubiquitous, readily germinating when conditions are favorable. Undetected mold colonies degrade building materials and, in some cases, expose susceptible occupants to health issues. Homeowners can prevent mold damage with guidance from experts such as AdvantaClean, applying research-based Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols outlined in the steps below.
Learn About Mold Growth and Damage
To prevent mold damage, homeowners must first understand how molds grow and destroy property. Mold spores require only small amounts of moisture in an oxygen-rich environment at temperatures typical of our home’s interiors to multiply. Expanding mold colonies consume and weaken structural materials. Although humans also require oxygen and warmth to live comfortably, controlling moisture without any negative impact is possible. Removing moisture and normalizing humidity are highly effective in stopping mold damage. With this knowledge, homeowners can take the following steps to avoid ongoing mold-based deterioration.
Find and Remediate Water Damage Immediately
If you’ve experienced plumbing or appliance leaks or water intrusion from a weather event, do not delay inspecting your home from attic to basement or crawl space for signs of water damage. If you discover flooding, wet fixtures, or damp contents, arrange for professional assessment, including moisture detection and water migration tracing. Act quickly, as mold damage can begin within 24 to 48 hours of encountering moisture. AdvantaClean is available around the clock to plan and implement water removal and applied structural and contents drying.
Inspect for High Moisture Areas Regularly
Even in the absence of new water damage, remain vigilant. Your goal is to prevent mold damage rather than repeatedly respond to new infestations. Remember, molds only require a bit of moisture to thrive. Complete a top-to-bottom home inspection regularly to reveal hidden leaks or excessive humidity fueling mold damage. Moisture and the mold you want to prevent have various ways of announcing their presence:
- Musty smells
- Stains, bulges, blistering paint, and peeling wall coverings
- Squeaking, spongy feeling, or uneven flooring
- Condensation on walls or windows or dripping from cooling coils, soaking into nearby building materials
- Seepage from damaged gutters or improperly graded ground oozing into your foundation
- Steamy bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry rooms
Address High Moisture Area Issues
The source of moisture determines the best preventative strategy:
- Releasing and extracting trapped water followed by professional drying are interventions AdvantaClean offers for slow leaks in walls, ceilings, and floors that otherwise could invite mold to increase. Make sure to repair the plumbing.
- Reduce interior humidity to below 50 percent through air conditioning or dehumidification, eliminating mold-feeding condensation.
- Keep evaporative coils clean and drains clear on AC and other cooling units, discouraging the puddling of water that encourages mold.
- Clean, maintain, and use existing ventilation (HVAC) systems, and consider installing or updating exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to move the warm, damp air that mold needs to grow in your home.
- Adjust, replace, or repair gutter systems and downspouts, ensuring that roof runoff directs away from your foundation, keeping your lower levels or crawl space dry and free of mold damage.
Other options that can help prevent mold growth are using mold-resistant materials and paints during repairs or rehabbing. Buy one or more hygrometers (humidity monitors) to warn you of the risk of mold growth because of excessive water vapor. Be prepared to take moisture control actions as needed.
If you are dealing with mold issues, working with a professional, experienced mold remediation company is essential. Call AdvantaClean today for a quick response.