Your home includes several features that, among other things, help prevent mold growth. In addition to scheduling annual mold testing for your Orange County home, maintaining these features helps prevent infestations from occurring and spreading. Take a moment to review the features and subsequently help your home maintenance efforts. 

Gutters

The gutters surrounding your house allow rainwater to flow off of the roof, into adjoining downspouts, and away from your home. If they become clogged with leaves, twigs, animal nests, and other debris, such as blown trash, they prevent rainwater from flowing efficiently. Water can either back up under roof shingles or pool around the foundation of your home and enter the basement. 

Both problems encourage mold growth, as most strains of the fungi prefer dark, damp environments. Basement mold triggers allergic reactions, while mold within your roofing system causes structural damage because it breaks down organic materials. If a mold infestation in your roof spreads into your attic, it can cause allergic reactions as well, including coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and throat irritation. Clean your gutters at least twice a year to sidestep these issues, or more often if you live in a wooded area. You can also purchase metal gutter guards that keep large pieces of debris from accumulating. 

Vents

The vents in your bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen all help prevent mold growth by sending damp air away from your residence. Vents on your roofing system contribute to healthy attic air circulation to avoid mold growth as well. If these vents do not exhaust air outside or get clogged with debris, your home becomes vulnerable to mold and mildew. Schedule annual roofing system inspections to ensure roof vents remain clog-free, and have a general contractor check all interior vents. If they do not vent outdoors, have them repaired. 

Sump Pump

Most basements feature sump pumps, or devices that sit in subterranean corners and activate in the event of a flood. Water enters the pump’s pit, causing it to turn on and direct the liquid away from your home using the connected pipe. Your home’s sump pump is subsequently an essential water and mold damage device, since flooding can occur from a malfunctioning washing machine, leaking or burst pipe, or natural disaster. 

Check your sump pump about once a month by pouring water into its pit. If the device immediately turns on, no further action is needed. If it doesn’t, there could be a mechanical issue that needs professional attention. For mold inspection and water damage restoration services in Orange County, rely on Mold Masters.