If you’re the owner of an older home, or if you’re considering buying one, you may be curious to find out if older buildings are more likely to have mold problems. After all, mold lowers the value of the building, and also leads to a variety of health issues.
In short, the answer is yes. Older buildings are more likely to have mold issues. Newer homes, however, can have mold problems that are just as serious if the owner does not implement proper prevention strategies.
Why are older buildings more susceptible?
Older homes have had years of exposure to the weather, and the materials that make up the house are aging. Both of these things combine to create conditions that invite mold to grow. In addition to this, though, homebuilders before the turn of the century had a tendency to use substandard ventilation, which creates stagnant air. Older buildings additionally and oftentimes were built with heartwood, which tends to retain a great deal of moisture.
Are new homes safer from mold?
Surprisingly, new homes can certainly be just as risky when it comes to mold problems. Brick homes areoften the best at preventing water from seeping through the cracks, but this is only if their foundations are laid in a way that prevents leakage. Builders today do concentrate their efforts to reduce the amount of airflow in the walls and making houses altogether tighter. Extra insulation and adding insulation blankets around pipes are used often in modern homes to prevent mold. But measures must still be taken for proper prevention.
What are some common methods for mold prevention?
The best thing homeowners can do is to prevent mold in the first place. However, sometimes it’s simply too late for this. If mold goes continues underneath the surface, it becomes necessary to use a respirator. A full protection suit is also necessary to be safe in these conditions. If you are looking for the best ways to prevent mold growth in your home, though, here are some things to keep in mind. Controlling the amount of moisture in your home is vital. A moisture level below 60% is ideal. Opening the windows when weather permits is a great way to increase the air circulation, thereby controlling humidity levels. If your home is prone to high moisture levels, it may be a good idea to use area rugs rather than fully carpeting the room because they can be cleaned and dried.
Remove mold safely and efficiently
The older your home, the better the chance for mold to be present. If the home you have just bought has a mold problem, don’t wait to address the issue. It will only worsen with time. An expert will be able to remove the mold safely and efficiently. Even if your home is rather new, though, be careful not to ignore the possibility of mold. Even though building methods have improved over the years in regard to mold, mold spores are present in all buildings and only need the right conditions in order to thrive.