3 Simple Ways to Keep Mold Away

If you ask the average homeowner about their mold prevention strategy, they’ll probably answer by scratching their head. Mold isn’t something that most people spend a lot of time thinking about until it becomes a serious problem. By then, prevention measures are too late; remediation is the only solution.

It’s possible to prevent this type of scenario if we know a little more about how to keep mold away. Here are three key measures you can take:

1. Control the humidity

One of the most important things to know about mold is that it thrives on humidity. In fact, it needs humidity in order to survive and expand the colony. That’s why stagnant, humid environments almost always result in mold infestations. It’s also why mold is much less of a problem in dry, arid climates. The lack of humidity makes it much more difficult for mold to grow. People don’t always realize that the humidity in their homes (or in certain areas of the home, such as the attic or basement) is getting out of control. By paying closer attention to humidity (even in the winter, when many people are actually making an effort to put more humidity in their homes), it’s possible to short circuit mold invasions before they happen.

2. Check your gutters

It may seem strange to link your gutters to the potential for a mold invasion, but it’s actually not that far-fetched. Here’s why: The main purpose of gutters is to direct water away from the walls and foundation of your home. When gutters are broken, clogged or malfunctioning, rainfall and snowmelt tend to pool around the foundation of the home, or trickle constantly over the siding of the home. Both situations can result in serious mold growth, whether it’s from water damage in the basement or running water high up on the outer walls. Keeping your gutters is perfect working order is actually a great preventative measure against mold.

3. Deal with existing mold infestations

A lot of people don’t realize how difficult it can be to get rid of an established mold infestation. You may have taken every precaution in the book, yet still end up with a mold problem in your house. If this happens, it may be because the mold colony was already established, either before you moved in or before you took precautions against mold. Either way, hiring a qualified professional to find the root of the problem – and deal with it decisively – may be the only way to clean the slate and start fresh.

Who to call for mold testing, mold inspection, and mold remediation

Mold is not the kind of problem you want to neglect, or combat with a haphazard solution. Countless homeowners have gone this route, and paid a price in the end. Not only could residential mold cause serious health problems for you and your family, it could have detrimental effects on your property value as well. All of these possibilities point toward the need for reliable mold solutions from a dedicated professional.