Too often, the tool shed or storage shed are afterthoughts when it comes to maintenance. Admittedly, modern storage sheds are ventilated and built in a much more reliable way meaning less maintenance is required for them. People are now investing more money into high-quality sheds that allow for multipurpose space. However, if your shed has been left untouched at the bottom of your backyard for years then it needs to regain some importance because it can be a thriving growing environment for mold. Here are a few ways to prevent mold from growing in your shed.
How to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Shed
1. Floor
If you are talking about preventing mold in a tool shed, then you may have dirt floors. Just a little bit of moisture can become a breeding ground for mold on a dirt floor. If you can, make sure there are no low spots in your floor that would be inclined to collect water. This goes for cement floors too.
2. Roof
Moisture on the floor has to come from somewhere, which is why it is essential to make sure that your roof does not have any leaks. The shed’s roof, whether it is residential or commercial, is not typically a priority, but don’t overlook it when inspecting your property for other potential water hazards.
3. Sealing
There are multiple types of foams available to seal your shed including foams that a rodent resistant, so they don’t bite through it and unseal. We aren’t suggesting your shed be air-tight, as that would present a whole new set of problems. Rather, it should be water tight around windows, doors, and around its base.
4. Ventilation
Along with sealing your shed, you also have to have air flow. It sounds counterintuitive, but sealing reduces the chance of moisture, and air flow reduces humidity and stagnancy. This is typically accomplished with ventilation fans or air vents at the roof or gables. Even if you have a window you can leave open, this will work.
5. Waterproof
Basically, you need to keep moisture out of your shed, so waterproof everything. If there is any part of your flooring that is below grade, make sure you have taken extra precaution to waterproof that area. Make sure anything coming out of your roof, such as venting or skylights, has proper flashing, and make sure you don’t store any open containers with water.
Mold needs moisture, warmth, and stagnancy in order to thrive, and the tool shed or storage shedis one of the last places we monitor for this hazard. If you wait too long, it could be difficult to remove, and you could end up losing a lot in mold removal. Instead, prevent mold in the first place by following these easy steps.