Keep Mold Away by Keeping Moisture at Bay

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Mold is sneaky

Here Are Four Steps To Keep Mold Away

Mold is sneaky. A full-on infestation can get out of hand before you even realize there's an issue. Mold only needs a few simple factors to grow: oxygen, moisture, nutrients and temperatures between 41 and 104 degrees. Indoor environments usually easily provide oxygen and temperature demands, so the key to mold prevention is to avoid excessive humidity.

1. Keep Your Home Dry

Be aware of excess humidity in your home. If anything is affected by water damage, clean and dry it thoroughly and as fast as possible. Mold growth can begin within 24 hours of the introduction of moisture. 

2. Look for Warning Signs
Always be on the lookout for signs of water leaks or mold in your home. A musty odor is a good sign that mold is growing somewhere in the vicinity. This fungus is excellent at hiding so that it could be virtually anywhere (e.g., behind walls, in carpet, or in tiny crevices). Water damage restoration experts in Edmond, OK, can locate the source and take charge of the remediation process.

3. Remove Water-Damaged Materials
One of the essential elements of mold prevention is the removal of all water-damaged materials. Any soaked materials that can’t be thoroughly cleaned or completely dried within 48 hours should be removed. Carefully place them in trash bags or wrap them in heavy-duty plastic and put them outside. You can find mold-resistant materials to replace many of the damaged items. Fiberglass items are a good option because this material won’t provide nutrients for mold.

4. Inspect the Outside of the House
Regularly inspect the outside of your home for excess groundwater or condensation. Mold can grow into the earth if groundwater accumulates, and from there it may spread to the outside of the house. What's worse, it could eventually make its way indoors.
Mold prevention begins with remediating water damage as quickly as possible. Until the professionals arrive on the scene, use fans, dehumidifiers, and heaters to begin the drying process.