Feb
You may not be able to completely mould-proof your home, but you can certainly make it mould-resistant. One of the best ways to prevent mould growth is moisture control. Mould thrives in a wet and damp environment. If you take away its ideal growing conditions there are fewer chances of facing a mould problem. Here are some important steps you can take.
1. Identify And Correct Problem Areas
Here are some typical trouble spots to look out for:
- Basement flood, leaks and/or dampness
- Frequent condensation on windows
- Water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak
- Faulty plumbing e.g. leaking faucets
- Do a mould inspection and analysis to pinpoint exact location. Think about waterproofing your basement, adding insulation to the windows, repairing the plumbing, etc. to prevent this problem.
2. Dry Wet Areas Immediately
Here are some simple rules to follow:
- Don’t leave wet items lying around the house
- Dry the floor and walls after a shower
- Don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine; hang them to dry — preferably outside or in areas with good air circulation.
- Anything that doesn’t dry in the first 48 hours after the flood must go. Pay special attention to wet carpets, floor boards, bedding and furniture.
3. Proper Ventilation
Your kitchen, bathroom and laundry area must have proper ventilation. These are typically high moisture areas where mould is likely to grow.
- Vent appliances that produce moisture e.g. clothes dryers, stove vents to the outside
- Use AC units and dehumidifiers in humid weather, check and clean them periodically to ensure they don’t produce moisture
- Open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering, or run an exhaust fan, as some energy-efficient homes hold moisture inside
4. Opt For Mould-Resistant Products
These include mould-resistant drywall or mould-resistant sheetrock and mould inhibitors for paints. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and kitchens.
5. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels
Health agencies recommend keeping it at 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased at a local hardware store. Some signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls.
6. Direct Water Away From Your Home
If the ground around your home isn’t sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.
7. Clean And Repair Roof Gutters
Have your roof gutters inspected for damage and cleaned regularly. Ensure they are working the way they should—keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.
8. Improve Air Flow In Your Home
Excess moisture on your walls, windows and floors is often caused by improper air flow. To increase circulation:
- Open doors between rooms
- Move furniture away from walls
- Open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they are in
- Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mould at bay
9. Keep Mould Off Household Plants
The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mould, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Identify some safe mould prevention treatments you can use.
10. Do A Mould Analysis
The best way to find out whether or not you have a problem is to call a professional Toronto mould analysis company. This eliminates all the guesswork and will also help you determine how exactly to get rid of it and prevent future mould growth.
Templar Environmental Services and Asbestos offers mould analysis and removal services by certified inspectors. All findings are verified by an independent laboratory to ensure maximum accuracy. We also provide expert mould remediation for a clean and healthy home.
Call Templar Environmental Services today at 647-694-4279 or contact us online for a professional mould analysis. We can help clean your home completely and prevent mould from coming back.