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Preventing Mold and Mildew instead of Remediation

Preventing Mold and Mildew instead of Remediation

There is a saying that prevention is better than cure. In the case of mold and mildew, this saying is true. Mold can cause damage to your health, lead to structural issues in your home and office building, and cause allergies.

You want to avoid these problems instead of trying to find solutions which might be costlier. How do you go about it? We have provided answers to this question and more below.

 

Why is Mold and Mildew Prevention Better than Remediation?

Remediation helps you get rid of all the mold in your building. While it an essential step in some cases, it is a step that you can avoid by putting in measures to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Some people complain that the measures used to prevent mold growth can be a bit on the high side.

Professionals will agree that mold remediation is more expensive. Mold and mildew prevention will not only cost less, but it also means you avoid the destruction of your building and harm to your health.

Many people have allergies, itching nose, and other symptoms due to exposure to black mold. It has also been said to have an impact on mental health. Therefore, there is no doubt that you need to put measures in place to prevent mold growth. However, there are cases where you must call on a remediation service.

Some of these cases are when the mold is noticeable, when you had a water damage incident, and when you have allergies without any other apparent reason. Except in these few cases where mold growth has already occurred, it is better to take steps to prevent mold and mildew in your home and office.

 

6 Steps to Take for Mold and Mildew Prevention

Mold and mildew prevention is a conscious activity for homeowners and employers. It requires practicable steps to ensure that mold and mildew do not settle in your building, causing health and structural problems.

Mold is a fungus that can grow anywhere. When you consider the fact that it is airborne, you will see the need not to lose your guard on its prevention. We have highlighted a few things that you should always do to avoid harboring this enemy in your home and office.

  • Proper Humidity Control

    Many people neglect the need for a proper humidifier, especially in areas that get hot and humid. Mold thrives in moist environments, and high humidity always brings with it increased moisture levels. It is, therefore, essential to keep the humidity in your home or office under check.

    Humidity levels should not go above 50% every day. The use of an air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the number on the low side. You should also invest in a humidity meter to always know when the humidity levels rise during the day.

  • Proper Ventilation

    Since mold spores are airborne, proper ventilation is key to the prevention of mold. You need to ensure that your building has the necessary cross ventilation. While some airflow issues need to be addressed from the building's design, there are still a few things you can do to enhance airflow in your home.

    You can install exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen that vent out of the house. It would help if you also placed the vents for your clothes dryer outside to ensure stale air does not remain in your home.

  • Repair All Leaks

    That little leak in your kitchen hose can be the start of a bigger, future problem. Since mold grows in moist places, it is essential to keep your home as dry as possible. Repairing any leaks that can allow unwanted moisture to settle in any part of your house is non-negotiable.

    Leaks could occur in your roof, walls, basement, bathroom sinks, kitchen icemakers, windows, and so on. You need to check all hoses and fittings in your house regularly to prevent these leaks. You can also replace water hoses that have been used for more than five years.

  • Complete Drying after Flood

    A flood increases the level of moisture in your building, which can lead to mold growth. It is essential to dry out all traces of moisture immediately after a flood.

    Quick and efficient action is required. That is why it is recommended that you call on a flood removal service. You should do so within 24 hours of experiencing the flood.

  • Use Mold Inhibitors

    If you are moving into a new apartment and want to repaint, this step works perfectly for you. There are mold inhibitors that you can apply on your walls before you paint. These chemicals help prevent mold growth. You would find them at paint stores or home improvement shops.

  • House Maintenance

    The overall maintenance of your home or office is pivotal to the prevention of mold and mildew growth. Trivial things like cleaning up immediately after any spillage, drying wet areas under plants, remove soaked upholstery or carpets, and cleaning out your gutters go a long way in preventing mold and mildew growth.

Now you know how to keep your home and office safe from the menace of mildew and mold. However, there are instances where you need more than prevention. You need a professional mold inspection service.

These instances are (but not limited to) when you are moving to a new building, when you suspect hidden mold sources, and when you recently had a flood. A mold inspection is not only necessary in these instances but also beneficial.

 

Reliable Mold Inspection Service

Are you in any of these situations and need a reliable mold inspector? We provide mold inspection solutions at O2 Mold Testing.

Our professionals ensure customers' safety while inspecting their building for toxic black mold and other types of mold. We make use of modern equipment, laboratory tests, and air/surface probes for efficient results.

O2 Mold Testing services include air/surface sampling, visual mold inspection, and moisture & leak detection. You can contact us at 888-202-1680! You can also check our site to confirm whether we can help you inspect the mold in your building.

Call us today at 888-202-1680 for a professional mold inspection service!

 

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