Mold and your Home – Prevention is the best Medicine

Mold is found literally everywhere in nature, playing an essential role in the breakdown of organic matter. However, when mold grows indoors, it can damage or destroy the structure and poses serious health concerns to people living in that environment.

Mold in homes needs just three key ingredients to grow:
Food — An organic food source such as wood, cardboard, paper,
etc. Even dirt on inorganic materials can support mold growth.
Temperature — Mold loves temperatures between 68°F to 86°F —
the same range we typically keep our homes.
Water — Just a little is needed for mold to grow. Even an indoor
humidity of 60% allows mold to develop.
Our homes normally contain a lot of potential mold “food” and usually
maintain perfect temperatures for mold growth. All that is missing is
water. If a water problem is not remediated quickly and professionally,
the inevitable result will be mold.

If the water from a flooding event contains any form of dirt, mold will feed
on the organic material in the dirt. So mold growth is almost always a risk
after a flood. Mold is often seen as obvious growth or even discoloration on materials like
drywall or wood. Colors can range from white to orange and from green to
brown and black, and it gives off a musty odor.

MOLD PREVENTION TIPS
There is no practical way to get rid of all mold and mold spores (the
microscopic “seeds” of mold) from a home. There will always be some mold
spores floating through the air and in house dust. However, the mold spores
will not grow in the absence of water. Thus, indoor mold growth can and
should be prevented or controlled by preventing indoor moisture. Here are
some essential tips:
Fix any leaks and remove water spills quickly. Mold may start to grow
in just 24-48 hours of a water problem.
• If you’re remodeling, use water-resistant building materials, such as
tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, water-resistant glues, waterproof
wallboard, etc. Install water-resistant floor coverings, such as vinyl
or stone tile.
Prevent water from seeping into your house from the outdoors.
Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts regularly so rainwater
drains away from the house. Make sure the ground around the home
slopes away so that water doesn’t enter or collect around the foundation

Ventilate the crawl space as much as possible to allow for thorough drying.
Remove the condensation collecting on windows, walls or
pipes quickly.
Insulate cold surfaces, such as cold-water pipes
to reduce their potential for condensation. Condensation can
be a sign of high humidity.
Keep the humidity in your home below 60% (30-50 % ideally).
Reduce humidity in the air with dehumidifiers and fans, open
windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather.
Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.
• Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, using
the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.
Vent moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers,
stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside if possible.
Regularly clean air conditioning drip pans and ensure the drain
lines are unobstructed and flow properly.

Follow these prevention tips to avoid mold growth throughout your property. However, should you encounter mold the first step is to find and eliminate the water source, then call a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean of Massapequa. Our certified, professional technicians understand and apply industry-standard approaches to remediate mold effectively.

(516) 604-1200

PuroClean of Massapequa provides full water damage remediation services. We know that dealing with mold damage can be stressful. Our goal is to alleviate that stress by providing timely, professional service, and treating your property with dignity and respect. Our experts provide water damage remediation, and mold remediation. We will explain the problem and create the best mitigation plan for you. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest in restoration technology and procedures, while operating under a strict code of ethics.

We will perform our work professionally, compassionately, and thoughtfully when restoring your property with as little disruption to your daily life as possible.

Last edited on 11th of October 2022