24/7 Emergency Service
Mold Prevention Guide
9/20/2019 (Permalink)
Mold growing in the corner of the ceiling.
September 23rd marks the first day of fall! The days are getting shorter and the leaves will start to pile up in the yard. These piles of dead leaves are breeding grounds for mold, but that’s okay and important. Mold plays an important role in our ecosystem, helping to break down dead foliage, creating nutrients for the ground. In homes, it’s different story, and we’re here to give you some important information for preventing mold from growing in your house this fall season.
Mold is a common household problem that comes in many different colors, such as green, purple, orange, black, and white. Commonly, mold will grow in showers and bathrooms due to the warm, damp environment but it can grow anywhere in your house such as exterior walls and surfaces in need of insulation where condensation can build up.
While mold spores cannot be eliminated, they will not grow if their environment is dry and well ventilated. Inadequate sealed doors or windows are open invitations for mold spores to come in.
Mold growth can be prevented by ensuring if water damage occurs, clean up occurs quickly. Hurricane season does not end until November 30th, well into the Fall season. If your house suffers even minor water damage during this time, it will be a breeding ground for dormant mold spores to grow.
North Carolina is known for its humidity, which is cumbersome to the average homeowner and beneficial for mold. Using AC Units during the more humid seasons will help keep the house cool and dry, preventing any spores from growing.
Other areas of the house to check on would be the kitchen and crawl spaces. In the kitchen, check for leaks around the refrigerator and underneath the sink. Using exhaust fans while cooking and cleaning in the kitchen will circulate the moisture in the air out of the room and reduce damp walls. Crawl spaces must be well ventilated and sealed, or else mold spores will thrive in the environment and cause damage.
As you head into the colder weather, stay vigilant with your mold prevention in your house. The information provided is the first step to keeping your family and home safe and healthy. If you do discover mold growth, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids provides mold remediation services for all types of residential and commercial properties. Are you worried there might be too much mold in your home? Contact us today for our new mold testing!