You've probably heard some horror stories about lawsuits from mold damage and the toxic effects of mold on human health. But you may not realize that any home or business can be vulnerable to the threat of mold if proper precautions aren't taken to control moisture levels. Improper ventilation for humid air will always result in mold growth, so it's critical to learn effective methods for preventing this common yet destructive problem. Maintaining proper humidity levels, reducing air moisture, and increasing air circulation are all ways to keep nasty mold spores from taking root on your property.
Humidity levels should never be allowed to exceed 50%. Not only will this reduce or eliminate the threat of mold damage, it will inhibit dust mite infestation and other microbe growth. A humidity measuring tool called a hygrometer (found in most hardware stores) should be purchased and monitored. In addition to living in a humid climate, other causes of excess humidity include dishwashers, clothes dryers, and shower steam.
Once you've detected an excessive humidity level in your home or business, focus on proper ventilation to reduce the moisture. Fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners all circulate the air and reduce humidity levels. Sufficient air conditioning is particularly important during warmer weather since heat also promotes mold growth. And make sure whatever you are using to keep air moving is properly cleaned at least once a year to reduce mold spores and allergens as much as possible.
In general, the most effective way to prevent mold problems is to keep air flowing at all times; this means increasing ventilation whenever possible. Some additional ways to do this include leaving doors to rooms and closets open, making sure your clothes dryer vent is working properly, and using the bathroom vent fan or another fan during and after showers and baths.
While it's impossible to completely remove mold spores from your home or business, taking moisture control seriously will make a world of difference in your battle against this dangerous toxin. Mold can grow on many surfaces you may not even consider, including paper, carpets, and clothing. So even if you've never had a mold problem before, keeping humidity levels under control and increasing air flow is always a good idea to save yourself potential hassles and costs down the road.
Consult with a professional mold removal technician in your area to accurately determine the cause or causes of the problem and fix it immediately to prevent any future issues. Structural damage, plumbing leaks, or poor ventilation are common causes.