Welcome to our next Website Blog in our Protecting Your Home Series! For more on other dangers to your home check out our recent blog post on Pests Prevention.
In this post we will tackle mold… one of the most dangerous and expensive potential home problems. The most important thing to realize about mold is that it can often be prevented and certainly discouraged. So read on for our Top Do’s and Don’ts to protect your home.
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi, are nasty, and you’ll do well to avoid them, or rid yourself of them if necessary! Be aware that you can bring molds into your home from outdoors on clothing (especially shoes) and pets. Once indoors, it will thrive in moist areas of your home, so find them, and KEEP THEM DRY.
Molds are common in buildings and homes and grow quickly in places with lots of moisture. Leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes are common breeding grounds, as are places that have been flooded. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Molds can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.
Protecting Your Home from Mold and Mildew.
Mold is destructive to homes, and possessions, and the damage it causes generally isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance. It’s considered more like rot, and insect infestation by insurance companies…so a strong offense is your best defense against the nasty stuff.
Eliminate moisture to make your home inhospitable to its growth. Here are some DOs and DON’Ts for mold prevention…
DO
1) use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to keep the humidity level in your home between 30 percent to 60 percent.
2) put exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
3) clean your bathrooms with bleach and other mold killing products.
4) add mold inhibitors to wall and ceiling paints before application.
5) maintain your roof to prevent water from seeping into your home.
DON’T
1) let gutters get full of leaves and other debris—clean them regularly.
2) install carpets in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.
3) let water accumulate under houseplants
Always be on the lookout for signs of possible mold growth, such as musty smells or watermarks on walls and ceilings. In the event of a major water incident, remove standing water as quickly as possible. Properly dry or remove soaked fabric items like carpets, padding and upholstery QUICKLY. Anything that can’t be properly dried should be discarded and replaced.
Remove early mold growth by doing a thorough cleaning with bleach and water. To prevent mold from re-growing, wash and disinfect all areas that have been flooded, and bag and dispose of any material with moldy residue.
Need help with home maintenance? Check out Chatel Group’s Professional Network where you’ll find a trusted group of resources for your home projects!
It’s important to keep your home healthy and safe for you family’s protection, as well as the protection of your investment. Sarah and Lisa of the Chatel Group are happy to provide resources and guidance long after you have bought or sold your home! Contact them today!
