How to Protect Your Colorado Home from Spring Mold
With the spring season underway, the sun is out more often, and the weather is warmer and more tolerable. However, the spring season is also known for its rain showers. This combination of warmer weather and increased moisture can be harmful to your home.
If it rains too much, the water could easily make its way into your home’s basement via the foundation. The excess moisture can spread throughout your residential property and cause extensive damage. You may even find that your home suffers water damage through non-natural causes, such as a pipe leak.
Regardless of what caused the moisture buildup, mold growth is a likely possibility.
Mold spores need a food source and a moisture source to form into mold growth, which is why mold growth is so common when water damage occurs. Furthermore, the fungus thrives in warmer environments.
Once mold grows, it eats away at the material or surface it is growing on. With enough time, the mold will cause extensive damage. If the fungus has affected crucial building materials for your home, then it can jeopardize its structural integrity. Mold has also been known to cause allergic symptoms and other harmful health effects that worsen with time.
That said, you need to watch out for mold in your home during the spring. But you should also take the necessary precautions to prevent mold from even growing.
Continue reading for more information about how to protect your home from spring mold and how to approach mold removal.
Control Moisture Levels
While there are various factors that encourage mold growth, moisture is the key ingredient for mold. Knowing this, moisture control is essential for mold prevention, and there are various ways you can take control of the moisture levels in your home.
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Once spring comes around, the environment in your home will naturally become warmer and likely more humid, too. Humidity will encourage mold growth, so taking control of this will help prevent mold from growing.
If you do not already have a dehumidifier, then you should invest in one. Use it to help keep the humidity levels in your home between 30 and 50 percent. If it goes above 50 percent, then it will encourage mold growth. If it goes below 30 percent, then it can negatively affect your health.
Ideally, place the dehumidifier in an area of your home that produces more moisture and, therefore, tends to have higher levels of humidity.
Dry Up Any Excess Water Promptly
If you ever notice excess water anywhere, such as a spill or puddle, do not let it sit. Instead, clean it up right away. Standing water will only foster mold grow.
For example, if you have rugs that got wet, then you need to let them dry thoroughly. Take them outside or somewhere with good air circulation. If you leave them in place, they cannot dry properly, allowing mold spores to settle and mold to start growing.
In your bathroom, dry up any spills from your faucet sink, tub, or shower. Allow the exhaust fan to run while you take a bath or shower and for at least 20 minutes after.
Provide Proper Ventilation
Certain areas of your home naturally produce more moisture. Some examples include the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. To prevent too much moisture from accumulating in your home, appliances in these areas need to be vented to the outside and not anywhere indoors. Additionally, you can also open windows while cooking or even showering to make sure moisture can escape.
Conduct Outdoor Home Maintenance
You want to stop any outside water from making its way into your home because it can lead to water damage and, as a result, mold growth. The best way to do this is to do home and landscape maintenance.
If you find any cracks or other openings in your home’s foundation or near windows and doors, then take the time to fill these in. These gaps are invitations for water to seep into your home and trigger mold growth.
You should also inspect your roof for any openings and damaged shingles but do so carefully. Your home’s roof cannot provide proper protection if it is not in good condition.
Clean out your gutters on a regular basis to ensure they do not become clogged and add downspout extensions if they do not direct water far enough away from your home.
Use Mold-Resistant Products
If you are ever remodeling your home, then consider using mold-resistant products. While they will not guarantee mold prevention, these items will make it more difficult for more to grow.
For example, if you are repainting a room, use mold-resistant paint. If you are using drywall, purchase mold-resistant drywall. Standard drywall contains paper, which mold can use as food; in contrast, mold-resistant drywall is encased in fiberglass, which makes it water resistant.
Responding to Mold with Professional Mold Remediation Services
If you use the aforementioned mold prevention tips, then you provide your home with necessary protection against mold this spring. However, mold spores are naturally present in the air, so it can grow at any time. As much protection as you provide, you may find that mold has still grown in your home.
In the event you discover mold, seek mold removal help right away. If you do not address it immediately, then it will spread to new areas. Your family will also be at risk of suffering from health problems.
Get in touch with ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration for the mold remediation services we provide in the Denver, CO area. Our technicians will contain the mold to prevent it from spreading, conduct mold removal, and make repairs or install replacements in damaged areas. Professional help will ensure the mold is removed entirely and limit your exposure to the fungus.
With our help, your home will be free of mold, making it safe for you and your family to live in once again.
