Worried About Mold?

Mold is a symptom of poor moisture control, and you can prevent mold contamination by eliminating excessive moisture. The following conditions often lead to mold problems:

Water leaks and floods

If you notice condensation or moisture on windows, walls, or pipes, dry the wet surface immediately and eliminate the moisture source if possible. Condensation can be reduced by carefully managing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Reducing the source of excess indoor humidity by improving ventilation and exhaust systems are the first step in controlling indoor humidity problems.
If you are seeing surface mold growth on exterior walls or behind furniture, air temperature and humidity control, for example, can help reduce surface condensation.
When water leaks or spills occur, ACT QUICKLY. In most cases, mold will not grow if water or dampness is dried within 24-48 hours after a leak or spill. A qualified water exposure restoration expert should be called to dry any affected materials.

• If you notice condensation or moisture on windows, walls, or pipes, dry the wet surface immediately and eliminate the moisture source if possible. Condensation can be reduced by carefully managing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Increasing air temperature, for example, can help reduce surface condensation. Contact us for more specific advice.
• When water leaks or spills occur, ACT QUICKLY. In most cases, mold will not grow if water or dampness is dried within 24-48 hours after a leak or spill. A qualified water exposure restoration expert should be called to dry any affected materials. Contact us for recommendations
• After mold has been removed, it is important to eliminate the underlying moisture source to prevent recontamination.
• Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows when practical and using fans as needed.
• Cover cold surfaces such as cold water pipes with insulation. Cold surfaces cause condensation.
• Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, washing dishes, running the dishwasher, etc.

Inside your home

• Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent if possible. Between 30 and 50 percent relative humidity is ideal.
• Install double-pane glass windows to reduce condensation. Condensation runoff from windows can lead to increased humidity and encourage mold growth
• Vent moisture-producing appliances such as clothes dryers and stoves to the outside where possible. Combustion appliances such as stoves produce water vapor and will increase indoor humidity unless vented to the outside. Never, ever allow a contractor to vent anything into your crawlspace or attic. Call us if you have any questions about this.
• Do not install carpeting in moisture-prone areas (i.e., concrete floors in garages, bathrooms, etc). In general, wallpaper and carpeting absorb humidity of the home.
• Storage materials, furniture, cardboard boxes, and books all contain organic materials that can retain humidity, decrease air circulation, and lead to mold growth. Removing these items will help reduce humidity.

Outside your home

• The ground should slope away from the building foundation to prevent water from entering and collecting around the foundation. Configure downspouts to drain water away from the foundation
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Avoid landscaping requiring excessive irrigation near the house. It can cause elevated moisture levels.
• Paint protects your home from the elements. Cracks and peeling paint often indicate potential moisture problems. Maintain your home’s exterior to prevent moisture from entering.

Under your home

• Keep crawlspaces clean and dry and free of debris and stored materials. Your crawlspace may be out of sight, but the air that circulates through it is the same air you breathe in your home.
• Install a sheet of heavy-gauge plastic (called a “vapor barrier”) on the floor of the crawlspace, sealed to the perimeter wall. This will minimize humidity in the crawlspace and in your home.
• Monitor crawlspace humidity with a remote humidity sensor. We can recommend some good sources.
• Heating and air conditioning
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean, and make sure drain lines are unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Use air conditioners and de-humidifiers if necessary.
• Change your furnace filter regularly. Make sure the filter is the right size and installed correctly. If the filter doesn’t fit properly, the air will simply go around it.

Ducts

• Keep water and dirt out of your ducts to prevent mold from circulating. If your ducts are dirty, have them repaired and sealed to prevent dirt from entering the system. Before buying air cleaners and filter, or cleaning your ducts, eliminate the source of the problem. Contact us for more information.

Bathrooms

• Install and use ventilation fans in all bathrooms. Run the fan or open the window when showering, and leave them running for 30-60 minutes after showering, or until excess humidity is gone.

To have your home checked for ventilation issues please visit Sandium.com