April Showers Bring Mold Spores: Preventing Mold Growth in the Spring

water damage mold

Spring in Minnesota means melting snow, rising riverbeds, and in some cases, flooding basements. It can also means mold growth, if you’re not careful to pay attention and take preventative measures. While it’s not possible to mold-proof your home, you can make it mold resistant and fight to prevent any growth this spring.

 

Identify Any Potential Problem Areas

Bathrooms and basements are the areas in a home that are most effected by mold growth. Flooded basements are much more common in the spring, when melting snow combines with added rainfall. While basements are more susceptible, all that added moisture isn’t great for any area of your home.

 

It’s also important to watch for condensation on window frames or water stains from persistent leaks. If you should find any of these areas in your home, clean and disinfect them and be sure to monitor them closely.

 

Dry Wet Areas Immediately

If you should experience water seepage due to heavy rainfall and melting snow, get rid of the excess moisture right away. Remove water damages from carpet, rugs, furniture, etc., and dry them out as soon as possible. You should also dry the floors and walls of your bathroom after a shower. Don’t leave wet clothes or towels lying around and hang them outside if you can. Remember, it only takes mold two days to grow in a moist area.

 

Ensure Proper Ventilation

If you don’t already have one, install a fan in your bathroom to remove excess water from your shower. Also keep in mind that the fan above your kitchen range isn’t just for clearing out the smoke from a bad recipe. Cooking–especially when boiling water–adds moisture to your air. Use these fans often to prevent moisture buildup.

 

Lastly, check the ventilation in your dryer to be sure it is clear and properly working. You might not think of it as much because of the heat it produces, but your dryer can also add moisture to your home if you don’t have the proper ventilation.

 

Monitor Your Humidity

Ideally, the humidity in your home should be between 30 and 60 percent. If you go over 60 percent, it’s a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier. You should also work to identify any problem areas that are adding to the moisture in your home.

 

Clean out and Repair Roof Gutters

Clean gutters are important to a dry, mold-free home. A leaky roof adds a lot more issues than just the potential for mold growth and can be very expensive to fix if ignored. In the spring, clean out any debris that might have accumulated in your gutters so that moisture flows properly off your roof and away from your home. Keep an eye out for leaks in your roof or stains in your ceiling and contact an expert right away if you notice any problems.

 

Mold Growth in Houseplants

Yes, houseplants. Your plants need water to grow, but they also need proper drainage to prevent mold growth. If you notice mold growing on the soli of your houseplants, consider replacing the pottery used (make sure there is proper drainage and your plants don’t sit in water) and replacing the dirt in the pots.

 

Mold growth can be a major problem in your home. It leads to foundational problems in your structure and health problems for your loved ones. It can grow on virtually any surface – walls, carpet, fabrics–even adhesives and paint. If you have any questions or concerns about mold growth in your home, get help from the Royal Renovations experts.

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