Mold Prevention in Homes Begins With Preventing Water Incursions

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage

Mold Prevention In Homes

Black mold in your home almost always indicates an abnormal condition. It’s caused by excess moisture, and the only effective method of mold prevention is to stop water from entering your building envelope. Homeowners should get an annual inspection that will locate hidden water incursions before they can cause mold to grow.

Identifying the Cause of Dampness
Your building envelope is designed to control airflow and seal out water. Indoor construction material can’t handle excess moisture, and a hidden leak can cause significant unseen damage.
Indoor water leaks are usually caused by three problems:

• Roof leaks
  
• Water supply leaks
  
• Sewer leaks
  
  

In some cases, outdoor drainage may also be an issue, especially if landscaping is poorly planned. Water that seeps in can cause erosion under your foundation and, if it gets inside, cause mold growth.

Controlling Humidity for Mold Prevention
If an area of your home stays above 50% humidity for significant periods of time, you may get mold growth. Mold also needs a source of nutrients, such as cellulose, which is found in wood, fiberboard and gypsum. Wood studs and drywall that are continuously exposed to high humidity are likely to grow mold.

Knowing the Symptoms
Black mold has a distinctive musty odor. Simple mildew, such as you might find on bathroom tiles, generally has little odor. If an area of your home frequently smells moldy, it’s probably time for an inspection from a local mold remediation expert.

Fixing the Cause
The restoration experts also need to locate the cause of the mold growth. They’ll fix the leak and repair the water damage as part of the mold cleanup process. They can also inspect to find other hidden problems while they’re there.
Roofs are a frequent cause of black mold. Eventually, all roofs leak, and that needs to be addressed immediately upon discovery. You should also clean your gutters every year since water backs up and could eventually find a way inside.
Mold prevention always starts with controlling humidity, keeping a tight building envelope, and watching for signs of a leak. If you prevent water incursions, you’ve effectively stopped the problem at its roots.