Mold prevention is an ongoing project for any homeowner, but one that is necessary to maintain a healthy residence with high-quality indoor air. Review more essential mold prevention steps from your Orange County mold removal specialists to keep the detrimental fungi out of your home.
Stay Ahead of Leaks
Checking your home for leaks at least once a month is one of the best things you can do for mold prevention. Mold develops in as little as 48 to 72 hours, and most leaks, such as roof leaks or plumbing leaks behind walls, provide the environment mold needs to thrive. Your leak check list can include:
- Cleaning your rain gutters regularly and looking for signs of roof leaks, such as broken, missing, or warped shingles.
- Visiting the attic to look for wet insulation and other mold growth signs, including that familiar musty, earthy odor.
- Checking under all sinks for leaks.
- Looking for leak signs on walls and ceilings, such as brownish spots or stains. Such stains are from the minerals in rainwater.
- Inspecting any other visible plumbing lines for leaks.
Add Mold Inhibitors to Paint
Mold inhibitor products retard the growth of mold when used properly. If you plan to paint one or more sections of your home soon, purchase a mold inhibitor product from your local home improvement store and follow the manufacturer directions. Using paint with mold inhibitor products adds an extra layer of protection to your home in the event of a leak or high humidity issue.
Avoid Placing Carpets and Rugs in High-Moisture Areas
Rugs and carpets generally do not belong in basements and bathrooms, or areas of your home prone to moisture and humidity problems. For example, putting a rug down in your basement can promote mold growth, particularly if the basement has not been waterproofed. If you want to add small rugs to your bathroom for safety reasons, hang them up when you do not need them. It also helps to keep the fan in your bathroom running for at least 30 minutes after bathing to dry the room out.
If a carpet gets soaked and there is no way to dry it efficiently, you’ll have to remove it. Mold loves forming in carpet fibers and in carpet backing, and can quickly cause health issues such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, eye watering, and sinus problems.
For mold removal services in Los Angeles, please contact Mold Masters today.