Steps To Preventing Mold & Mildew
If there is one word any homeowner, landlord, management company, or renter does not want to hear when it comes to their building's health, it is “mold.” Mold and mildew are two common fungi that can grow in damp, wet, and humid areas, but there are some key differences:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. While it is a type of mold or fungus, it typically only grows on flat surfaces of materials (such as shower walls, windowsills, tile, and grout) when moisture levels are high. On the other hand, mold includes all species of microscopic fungi and can both thrive and penetrate any organic matter (such as wall cavities, ceilings, clothing, and floors). Molds are a part of our natural environment, existing both indoors and outdoors. Natural molds can pose a threat only when existing indoors as they may produce allergens and potential health risks. Unregulated mold can severely damage your building and internal contents, cause rot wood, damage drywall, and cause both cosmetic and structural building damage.
As recognized EPA and IICRC Restoration experts, it is our ultimate goal to help maintain the highest quality of living environment for our communities. To aid in our efforts, it is vital to minimize mildew and mold growth by taking these preventative measures:
Frequently open your windows when the weather is dry to allow an exchange of air and permit the introduction of sunlight throughout your building. If applicable, it may help if you run the fan on your furnace to circulate fresh air throughout.
In damp or rainy weather conditions, keep your windows and doors closed to reduce the amount of moisture build-up within your building.
If possible, maintain a temperature of between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit within your property at all times.
Clean and dust your property regularly.
Regular vacuuming, mopping, and use of environmentally safe household cleaners are important to remove household dirt and debris that mold feeds on.
Periodically clean and dry the walls and floors around your sink, bathtub, shower, toilets, windows, and patio doors using a common household disinfecting cleaner of your choice.
Regularly wipe down and dry areas where moisture sometimes accumulates, such as countertops, windows, and windowsills.
Use any pre-installed bathroom fan when bathing or showering and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has vented from the bathroom.
Use the exhaust fans in your kitchen when cooking or while the dishwasher is running and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has vented from the kitchen.
Limit houseplants to a responsible number to keep the moisture level in your unit at a minimum.
Ensure that your clothes dryer vent is properly connected and clean the lint screen after every use.
When washing clothes in warm or hot water, watch to make sure condensation does not build up within the washer and dryer closet. If condensation does accumulate, dry with a fan or a towel to reduce high moisture levels.
If you live in a humid climate, the use of a personal dehumidifier will help regulate humidity levels and create a more comfortable environment.
Thoroughly dry any spills on the carpeting.
Do not overfill closets or storage areas.
Do not allow a damp or moist stack of clothes or other cloth or paper materials to lie in piles for an extended period of time.
Always check for leaks within your building such as cracks in your pipes, exterior siding, or toilet bowl.
Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
To thoroughly prevent mildew and mold growth in your building, you must know the common places they are found. Use this chart as a guide to where indoor mildew and mold are commonly located in homes across the nation:
Bathrooms
Mold does not require an immense amount of moisture to grow. For example, steam is evermore present in your bathroom compared to any other room in your house. Bathroom tile, grout, and the surrounding sink area are common sites for indoor mildew and mold.
Basements
Basements are prone to water floods and leaks, while also notoriously lacking ventilation and having high condensation levels, making them the ideal site for mildew and mold fungi to grow.
Kitchens
Much time is spent in the kitchen cooking and cleaning, making it a room with an influx of water sources. Slow leaks in plumbing systems, as well as high moisture levels around the sink, can be a leading factor in mildew and mold growth.
Laundry Rooms
Washer machines and sinks in your laundry room may be the secret culprit of funky smells and overall wetness. While considered the clean room of the house, relatively high humidity and wet clothes that sit for too long can lead to mildew and mold. Be sure to check behind your washer machine against the wall and on windowsills.
Attics
Similar to basements, attics often have poor air circulation and ventilation, making it the perfect place for fungi to hide and grow. Roof leaks are common in nature and in return lead to water damage and environmental growth.
Keep in mind, that the golden rule to preventing mildew and mold within your building is to control moisture. If you already have a mildew or mold problem, it is essential to act quickly! Mold may damage what it grows on, and the longer it sits, the worse it gets. At Giuliani Construction & Restoration, we have over 30 years of expertise to get the job done right the first time, and on time. If you suspect environmental damage and are in need of remediation, call (833)-3DRYOUT or email workorders@giulianiconstruction.com and our team will respond promptly.