What can you do to avoid mold growth in your home?

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

Mold in your attic can be caused by insufficient or improperly installed venting as well as a roof leak that has not been repaired.

Mold is everywhere in our environment.

It occurs naturally and at normal levels, it is not harmful in your home. However, if there are conditions in your home that are causing abnormal levels of mold spores to be present, professional remediation may be necessary. Sometimes, mold is hidden behind walls, in attics and under carpeting, making it hard to identify. There are some preventative steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of toxic mold in your New Milford home. 

1. Run air conditioners during the summer and dehumidifiers year round to lower the humidity in the air- under 50% is ideal.  
2. Have an exhaust fan installed in bathrooms with showers 
3. Regularly check under sinks for pipes leaking under your cabinets. This is a major cause of the mold jobs we receive. A slow drip over years can cause a big mold problem.
4. Opt for hard flooring in basements and bathrooms rather than carpeting, which are an ideal breeding ground for mold.  
5. Check your attic for signs of mold- make sure that your attic vents are not blocked and functioning properly.  
6. Take preventative measures to avoid ice dams, which can result in mold growth in a home. 
7. Repair any leaks immediately and thoroughly clean up any water from the leak.  
8. Make sure your gutters are properly functioning and that they are not blocked with leaves. This will help reduce the water flowing towards your house and possibly into your basement.  
9. Similarly, making sure that the landscaping around your house slopes away will reduce the water entering your foundation. 
10. If you have an old Connecticut home with a crawlspace, there are vapor barriers that can be installed to stop mold spores from entering through those wood floor gaps.  

If you suspect you have mold in your home, whether it's because you notice a musty smell, have unexplained illness or see a black substance on your walls, call us at (203) 743-5362 to schedule an inspection with one of our IICRC mold specialists.