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7 Tips to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

Person cleaning mold.
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There's no question that mold can endanger your health in a variety of ways. Roughly 4.6 million cases of asthma in the United States are linked to mold exposure. Here are some simple tips to prevent the growth of mold in your home.

  1. Maintain Appropriate Humidity Levels

Without a doubt, humidity is the primary cause of mold growth in any building. Using a dehumidifier to manage humidity levels is an effective solution. Positioning dehumidifiers in basements and bathrooms will help prevent the growth of mold.

  1. Dry Spills and Leaks Immediately

Building materials like drywall and wood flooring retain moisture when subjected to large amounts of water. Use space heaters and heat guns to dry soggy walls and floors to ensure that mold can't establish a beachhead.

  1. Patch Cracks in the Foundation

Hydrostatic pressure can force water into the foundation. Patch fissures in concrete foundations as soon as they appear to avoid catastrophic leaks.

  1. Improve Ground Drainage Near the House

Homes with adequate drainage close to the foundation are far less likely to develop mold problems. Laying down French drains and rock rivers around a home's perimeter will channel water away from the home.

  1. Clear Gutters and Downspouts Often

Rapid drainage away from roof areas is clutch if you want to avoid the kind of pooling water that causes wood rot and mold. Clean out gutters and snake the downspouts a few times a year to keep your gutter system operating efficiently.

  1. Keep Interior Air Circulating

If you want to prevent mold from forming, forcing moisture to evaporate via convection is your best bet. Simple ceiling and window fans can create an indoor environment where the air is always flowing across surfaces that accumulate moisture.

  1. Repair Plumbing Leaks Right Away

Leaky pipes always create humid environments and standing pools of water that produce mold. When a leak occurs, have a qualified plumber assess the problem and rectify it as quickly as possible.

Bottom line: Take action at the first sign of mold. For effective mold remediation services, contact Burn’s Environmental Services at (800) 577-4009.