Mold may seem like an insignificant problem, but as many homeowners can tell you from personal experience, it has the potential to become very serious indeed. When mold isn’t dealt with in a timely and correct way, the overall costs can quickly run up into the tens or even hundreds of thousands.
The good news is, extreme cases are few and far between. The average homeowner notices mold problems before they get out of hand, and the cost of professional cleanup efforts (also known as ‘mold remediation’) usually ends up between $500 and $3500.
Even if these costs aren’t monstrous, they can still be a heavy burden during uncertain economic times. Mold is never a part of the annual household budget, and people often resort to savings accounts or holidays funds to cover these unexpected costs. After all, leaving the problem unsolved is not really an option, considering the physical and financial risks involved.
All of this really means one thing: Mold prevention is the way to go. Cleaning up a large-scale mold invasion may cost thousands, but effective mold prevention is often virtually free. Of course, some mold prevention efforts do cost money—but they’re still a lot more affordable than dealing with a serious mold problem after the fact.
Here are four important steps you can take now to protect your household from mold.
1. Improve your home’s ventilation
Inadequate ventilation is one of most common contributing factors of mold growth. Savvy homeowners know that mold prefers stagnant, trapped air. The more ventilation and “air exchange” you have in your home, the more difficult it will be for mold to flourish. Ventilators can be installed as “standalone” appliances, or built-in to your HVAC system. They can also improve your heating and cooling efficiency.
2. Control your home’s humidity
If there’s one thing mold loves more than stagnant air, it’s humid air. Wherever there is excess humidity indoors, mold is sure to follow. So how do you control humidity? A dehumidifier can work wonders, but you may need several throughout the home in order to control humidity effectively. You can also run your air conditioner more during hot and humid months. Staying cool isn’t the only benefit of these appliances, as they also remove excess moisture from the air. People who live in exceedingly humid climates may need to consult a mold prevention specialist for detailed plans on how to control humidity and prevent mold.
3. Address water damage issues quickly
Many homeowners don’t realize that water damage is a leading cause of mold. If your home has sustained a water damage event, such as flooding or excessive rain that leaks into the basement, it’s important to discuss your situation with a mold prevention specialist. Depending on your home’s age and construction, special waterproofing measures may be necessary to prevent further flooding and mold problems.
4. Call the pros
What does a mold remediation and prevention specialist really have to offer? Is it really worth making the call? That’s for every homeowner to decide. It’s true, however, that trained specialists have the tools, methods, and expertise to accurately assess the full extent of mold problems—and develop effective strategies to deal with and prevent them.
Good luck keeping your home mold free! Please feel free to leave your comments here.