As the New Year approaches, mold is not likely to be a huge consideration on your list of possible resolutions. However, it should be prioritized in 2020 because mold growth can damage the home and cause serious health consequences. Go ahead and keep your diet goals or your goals for major housekeeping overhauls, but include mold prevention in the mix of things you want to get right in the New Year.
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Mold Prevention
1. Inspection Risky Spaces
There are areas that are more at-risk for mold than others, and part of that risk is that they are areas that aren’t used. This means you need to check out your attic and crawl space for mold that can creep in and grow while everyone exists in the livable areas of the home. Also, any areas of moisture such as window sills or under the bathroom sink should be inspected. If you catch it in time, it makes clean up much easier.
2. Invest in a Dehumidifier
So many people have humidifiers for winter dryness or diffusers to dispense essential oils, but they neglect to get a dehumidifier that can prevent toxic mold growth. Mold needs moisture to survive, and a space with a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent should be a deterrent for mold growth and a deterrent for many other pests that thrive in moist settings. If your pest problem persists, then you may want to use companies like Pest Control Experts to see how they can help you with this issue and survey the entire area for any other pests that may have scattered to further places.
3. Repair Any Cracks
Because mold likes moisture, any foundation or window sill that becomes cracked with age can be an invitation for mold to take residence. Proper maintenance of the home including repairs will keep mold and moisture from getting in.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Stagnant air is also the enemy of the household trying to prevent mold because moisture accrues but has no way of escaping. This is often the case in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. All of these spaces should be properly ventilated to prevent stagnant air that encourages mold to stay.
5. Handle Mold Appropriately
Finally, mold should be dealt with quickly, appropriately, and safely. If the mold spreads to more than 10 square feet, it is recommended that you contact professional mold removal services. And, if required, you could choose to notify the Pest Authority of Birmingham or wherever you live right away so that they can take appropriate action to prevent it from spreading further. If it is smaller, it must be completely removed. Otherwise, the mold may appear to be gone until the proper growing conditions are provided for it to grow again. This type of immediate action is necessary because molds can cause allergies, breathing problems, and other issues. Besides, once they begin to spread inside your home, they could become extremely difficult to get rid of without professional help.
Is it over-the-top to make mold prevention a resolution? Absolutely not! It’s one way to better way to maintain your health and your premises by making sure mold does not have a chance to grow on your personal or commercial property.