Spring is here again, and as with any year, homeowners are keeping an eye on a potential danger: mold. Whether hiding in the attic or basement, mold can quickly spread form one small area of your house to the entire ventilation system, making you and your loved ones sick. Mold growth can lead to health problems, exacerbate allergies, and affect those with compromised immune systems.

The Main Culprit: Moisture

Not surprisingly, most spring mold growth comes from excess water in the ground and in the air. In Minnesota, we are well acquainted with the excess water from returning rain and melting snow and ice. The trick is controlling all that extra moisture to prevent mold in your home.

We can easily recognize excess water in flooding, but condensation and humidity are also spore-inducing sources. Excessive mold growth requires a few things: moisture, mold spores, and warm temperatures (around 70 degrees – much like many of our homes).

Steps to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

While you should call the experts to take care of major mold problems, there are a few steps and actions you can take at home to prevent mold growth this spring:

• Clean your gutters and check them for any winter damage
• Monitor the humidity in your home – it should not go above 50 percent
• Invest in dehumidifiers in especially damp areas of your home, such as basements or bathrooms
• Address water leaks or drips in your plumbing, windows, doors, or fixtures immediately to prevent water accumulation
• If you find the beginnings of mold growth, scrub surfaces away with warm water and detergent.
• Promote good ventilation in your home: open windows and doors when possible and inspect or update your HVAC system

If you have concerns about mold growth or excess water in your home, the best step you can take to get ahead of a potentially bigger problem is paying attention to the warning signs. Royal Renovations can help protect your home this spring. Contact us today to learn more.