Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all
mold and mold spores from indoors, however, mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture indoors.
The key to mold control is moisture control. Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems.
Mold Prevention Tips:
- Fix leaky plumbing and building leaks as soon as possible.
- Watch for condensation and wet spots. Find the sources as soon as possible.
- Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation if outside air is cold and dry, or dehumidify if indoor air is warm and humid.
- Keep HVAC drip pans and drain hoses clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
- Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
- Run exhaust fans when you are generating moisture, such as while cooking or showering.
- Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity, ideally 30%-50% if possible.
- Perform regular building / HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
- Clean and dry wet spots within 48 hours.
- Don't let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the building foundation for drainage.
Serious mold problems require remediation. Call Casey & Groesbeck Construction if you suspect that you have mold problems. We'll investigate the possible causes and offer ideas to correct the problem. www.caseygroesbeck.com
I'll cover mold remediation briefly in my next post. Also see my link "Mold in Buildings" to connect to the EPA web site on the subject.
