March 16, 2023
Spring is a time of growth and prosperity. However, that growth can include mold. As temperatures begin to rise again warm air can start to trickle into your home, which can bring moisture. Spring is typically the “mold season,” which creates a number of issues for homeowners. Here are some tips to help your home avoid mold growth this spring!
Keep your home dry with good ventilation and by monitoring indoor humidity levels
Sometimes, humidity or dampness (water vapor) in the air can supply enough moisture for mold growth. Indoor relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 60 percent — ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, if possible. Low humidity may also discourage pests (such as cockroaches) and dust mites. Great methods of keeping humidity levels low in your home include the use of a dehumidifier or your air conditioner. Also, after taking hot showers or baths be sure to use your exhaust/ventilation fans.
Consider using mold-resistant paint, drywall, and other building materials
If you’re doing a major renovation to your home this spring consider using paper faced gypsum wallboard, water resistant fiberglass facing gypsum wallboard or panels, or cement board. These products may provide more resistance to moisture and mold than regular dry wall faced with paper. This is because paper facing provides a food source for mold. Fiberglass facing removes the organic material making it less enticing to mold. Please know that mold resistant drywall does not completely prevent mold. It just reduces its occurrence.
The top mold resistant drywall brands are Humitek and DensArmor Plus. The easiest brand of mold resistant drywall to find is the USG Sheetrock Mold Tough Drywall.
Never before have more brands of paint offered low VOC paints that contain fungicides. Using mold resistant paint on walls discourages the growth of mold on those painted surfaces. However, be sure to note that if there is already mold on the wall you can’t use the mold resistant paint to kill the mold.
It can be said that carpet easily traps mold spores and gives them plenty of organic material to grow on. If you must use carpet then go with a polypropylene carpet. The fibers in the carpet offer a little more resistance to mold growth than other carpets.
Be careful with indoor plants as they can increase moisture in the air
While houseplants and gardens can indeed create a beautiful addition to any home, they can unfortunately create some pretty bad issues as you care for them – mold being one of them.
One way to avoid mold in your home due to your houseplants is by only watering them when they’re dry. Exposure to mold usually happens when a plant is kept continually moist. This happens when you either over-water your houseplants or water on a schedule instead of by touch. Always check that the top of your houseplant’s soil is dry before you water it.
Additionally, be sure to keep your houseplants neat. Dead leaves and other dead organic material add to the problem of exposure to mold. Be sure to trim dead leaves and stems regularly.
Have questions about a recent claim? Looking to insure your property? Our principal agent Colleen Pacheco can help you out! You can reach her via email at colleen@securedinsurancegrp.com or by phone at 407-559-2200.
