Summer Tips to Prevent Mold

Summer weather came in like a bang this memorial day weekend. With it came humidity and of course we had a few thunderstorms throughout some of the tri-state areas. These storms left a lot of standing water in some places, and many homeowners are starting to notice some leaks in the basement, around windows or in attics. This is one way that moisture gets into your home putting you at risk for mold growth. Mold can infiltrate carpet, furniture, drywall, and flooring, there is no limit to where it can grow! In some cases, the mold is behind the walls or under the floorboards and homeowners may not immediately see the problem. Controlling moisture levels and leaking issues in your home is the key to prevent mold in these cases.Mold proliferates with the humidity and moisture that this type of weather brings, so take moment and familiarize yourself with these quick tips on prevention!

Step 1. Set humidifier to below 50% to prevent/reduce humidity in the home.
Step 2. After a flooding/leaking event, take action immediately to dry out the area. Rain and severe thunderstorms can also be a worry, this time of year. It is important that if any flooding does happen that you take steps to remove it IMMEDIATELY! Anything that got wet, carpets, flooring, furniture etc. can be a breeding ground and needs to be dried.

Step 3. Check the perimeter outside of your home to make sure water isn’t being funneled towards it. Ensure all gutters and downspouts are free and clear of debris. Check to make sure connections to downspouts are intact and that they are aimed away from the house and foundation.
Step 4. Get your home tested for mold after flooding, or when you notice a moisture issue

Use these four steps and keep your summer mold free! If you notice leaking or a moisture issue in your home, take action now!