Everyone knows the popular seasonal rhyme, “Spring showers bring May flowers.” However those same showers coupled with rising temperatures could also be prepping your home to grow more than just flowers….
Melting snow/ice along with increased precipitation creates the perfect conditions for water intrusion which could lead to potential mold growth. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve witnessed mold thrive in these Spring months and we are here to share some preventative measures that you can take.
Have Active Eyes
The first/easiest thing you can do is keep your eyes peeled during these transitional times and while you begin your spring cleaning make a few additional trips to the attic, basement, or crawl space to keep a look out for uninvited water losses or leaks. If that moisture goes unnoticed, mold could be lurking behind walls or under floors. And if that happens, don’t fret, mold growth in the home is not uncommon. In fact, studies show that over 45 million buildings in the US are home to an unhealthy amount of mold.
During a recent mold inspection, INX Indoor Air Quality identified a leak in the attic that helped save the home owner thousands of dollars in damage.
Anytime you have an increased amount of moisture, high humidity, and warming temperatures, the likelihood of mold growth increases drastically. Be alert to areas where moisture can collect such as window sills or ceilings as these areas are prone to mold growth.
Control the Moisture, Control the Mold.
Unaddressed mold situations can seriously damage your home and interfere with the air quality your family is breathing. Controlling mold growth is much harder than controlling moisture. If mold does not have a solid source of moisture, it struggles to grow.
Mold needs two main components to grow: Food and Moisture. Since our homes are built with materials that include cellulose, we are basically surrounded by Mold Food. It’s tough to do much about that, however the other component, moisture, is much easier to control. Moisture sources can include any of the following: water damage, condensation, indoor flooding, and humidity. Simply put, make sure water isn’t coming in where it isn’t supposed to and keep your relative humidity between 40-60%. Levels any higher than 60% allow for mold growth, but any less than 30% can also create negative health effects. Ensure that each area within the home, including the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen are well ventilated to prevent moisture from accumulating within the spaces.
Defense against Water Intrusion
Regularly maintain the outside of your home. Whether you can do it yourself, or need to hire a professional, inspect your roof annually, and fix any problems that arise. Sometimes you can’t see a leak or problem from the outside of your house, so visit your attic space and check for any signs from the inside. While you are on the roof, make sure your gutters are clean and clear. This will ensure that they are properly draining to your downspouts and moving that moisture away from your home. Countless moisture problems are caused by faulty gutter systems.
Be sure all windows and doors have tight seals as it does not take much of a gap to allow moisture to work its way in. Water takes the path of least resistance so be sure your defence against water intrusion is solid.
Consider cleaning out the drip pans of the A/C unit to ensure there is no standing water present. Wipe off all condensation on pipes, plumbing fixtures, windows, and walls.
Act Fast, Stay Dry, and Vent Well
Don’t let spills, leaks or still water sit. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours so if you notice any water intrusion it should be addressed immediately. If you repair water leaks whenever you see them you can be sure Mold does not have the moisture it needs to grow. Keep an eye on your internal plumbing and Fix any plumbing leaks right away. The smallest of consistent drips from an upstairs bathroom may seem like a small issue, but once mold growth occurs, it can get serious very quickly. If you notice something is not right, cut off the water source right away, and commission a professional plumber if you cannot fix the problem yourself.
Ventilation. Ventilation. Ventilation. It’s spring time, open up the windows and air out your home. Be mindful of Attic and Basement airflow as well. Those two areas are the perfect location for mold growth as it can get damp and go undetected from your lack of foot traffic. Do routine checks to make sure it is dry and properly ventilated.
Found Mold? No Sweat.
If you do happen to find mold on your property, be sure to identify the source of moisture and do not hesitate to call INX Indoor Air Quality so we can help address your issues and work with you to remediate those issues quickly and efficiently. Our goal is to help our customers protect their family and protect their investment. For a complimentary no-cost estimate on your next mold removal service in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or the surrounding areas, contact the professionals at INX Indoor Air Quality Today!
Photos by Aniket Bhattacharya and Danielle Dolson
