Tips on How to Keep Mold Out of Your Home

With mold spores in the air that we breathe, mold can be a major headache for homeowners everywhere. It doesn’t help that “We had a huge change in building materials in the last 40 years, where we’ve moved away from traditional ways of building homes towards using less expensive and more energy efficient ways to build homes,” says Samuel Dixon, owner of C.S.I. Mold in Los Angeles, Calif.

Use of materials like drywall instead of plaster, tighter construction to increase energy efficiency, and reliance on central air and heating have encouraged the growth of mold and its spread throughout the house. Dixon, who has been a Los Angeles home mold inspection pro for two years, has three tips on how to keep mold from moving in:

Keep plumbing up to date

Since mold needs moisture to gain a toehold, check your pipes and plumbing regularly. Update them if you can. Have them serviced as soon as you see a leak. Dry out the surrounding area as well. “If you don’t handle the problem within 24 to 48 hours,” warns the Los Angeles mold inspection business owner, “mold spores start to grow.”

Check your HVAC

Leaking air conditioners or heaters can be another source for mold. Have your HVAC expert come in if you see condensation forming around the units. Make sure the HVAC is “proper for your home,” adds Dixon, who is also a Los Angeles commercial mold inspection specialist. Since an HVAC system runs throughout the house, mold in one area can quickly infect other areas of your home.

Air quality is just as important since humidity plays a role in mold spread and growth. Dixon recommends keeping your house humidity below 60% to discourage mold from moving in.

Eliminate roofing woes

Just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean you should neglect the roof. Have your roof inspected regularly, every 18 months if you have a flat one. Keep gutters clean and well maintained, so rainwater and melting snow drain away from the house.

“Roofs do not last forever,” says the Los Angeles mold inspection business owner. Roofs only last for 15 years in most new constructions.

Letting mold grow can be a costly mistake. Most insurance policies do not cover mold damage. Unless you had a rider specifying mold damage, you’ll be footing the cleanup, so be vigilant and stop leaks and water damage early.