Both attached and unattached garages can be prone to mold growth, especially in naturally-humid areas. Garages rarely include temperature and humidity control mechanisms, which leaves them susceptible to mold when it is humid or following flood damage. To help you keep the detrimental fungi out of your vehicle storage space, review what your mold inspection team in Orange County wants you to know.
Keep the Air Circulating
If your garage does not feature a ceiling fan, consider having one installed. These fans do not use a lot of energy and therefore do not cost much to operate, but provide invaluable benefits. Not only do they keep often-stagnant garage air circulating to prevent mold growth, they reduce the humidity level to help prevent vehicle rust issues. You’ll also enjoy a more pleasant environment if you use your garage as a work bench or regularly tune up your vehicles.
Use Charcoal Dehumidifiers
Should you not want to use a plug-in dehumidifier in your garage for any reason, such as to keep your energy costs reasonable, consider charcoal versions. These small, non-electric dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air to curb mold problems. Depending on the size of your garage, place one to three or four of these dehumidifiers throughout the space. This includes any high storage shelves, since heat rises.
Ensure the Soil Surrounding the Garage is Graded
The soil around your garage and the rest of your residence must slope away from the structure. If it slopes towards the structure, rainwater pools easily and creates conditions for mold growth, among other water damage. Checking the soil grade regularly and making amendments as needed prevents rainwater from doing serious damage. You might also want to plant water-loving vegetation on your garage, as such plants soak up water to avoid waterlogged grass and soil.
Plants with extensive root systems are also helpful, because they keep the soil in place and therefore reduce erosion issues. If too much soil from residential properties enters nearby streams, rivers, and lakes, they become prone to flooding during storms.
For mold testing and removal in Los Angeles, please contact Mold Masters today.