Warning! Current Snow Dump Recipe for Mold
(How to avoid the) 8 Top Things Mold Loves
OK, we’re getting snow – a lot of snow! Accumulating snow mounds – are a recipe for mold. Ensuing snow melts will result in drain-off, water pooling, and potential moisture issues. Moisture is really the key ingredient in mold growth. Undetected and untreated, mold can cause structural damage, and even be a serious health risk.
(1) Mold loves damp basements
Snow packed around the foundation of your house may cause a moisture invasion into your basement.Melting snow run-off may cause water seepage. Resulting mold growth may not be discovered until its well on its way to damage. Be sure to check your basement regularly – use a flashlight and peer into all the nooks and crannies to determine if any moisture exists, dry thoroughly and ventilate.
(2) Mold loves wet clothes
You may well be shoveling snow for the next few days – or just enjoying some fun snow activities with the kids. Either way, your clothes will get wet. Take caution when shredding cold wet clothes upon reentry to your home - damp clothes left in a pile for more than a day can lead to mold. Best bet is to wash and thoroughly dry them right away to avoid turning your pile of clothes into a mold-fostering environment.
(3) Mold loves roof leaks
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Check your attic regularly for leaks, and look for signs of water damage on the ceiling.
(4) Mold loves Humidity!
High humidity feeds mold, and generates puddles of water and damp materials that take longer to dry out. Resulting wet surfaces can create mold growth. When using a humidifier, make sure to keep the humidity below 54%.
Leaky pipes – especially the hidden ones that go undetected - are the source for potential mold growth. Be sure to inspect your homes pipes regularly and give immediate attention to repair any cracks, leaks or breaks before more serious issues evolve.
(6) Mold Loves Condensation
Places like cold metal pipes and concrete floors can collect condensation, becoming a breeding ground for mold growth. Wrap suspicious pipes where possible, and inspect the concrete floors often.
(7) Mold loves poor ventilation
Mold thrives in stagnant moist air. Poor ventilation also means wet surfaces dry out more slowly. Be sure to ventilate high-risk rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen where frequent steamy conditions occur.
(8) Mold Loves Water Build Up
There will be a lot of moisture built up around homes over the next several days. Try to remove the snow build up, especially if the ground around your home is angled towards the house.
Preventing the pathway for the things mold loves can protect your personal and business property - and preserve your health.
This information brought to you by BioCleanCT, an award-winning ‘green’ cleaning company based in Milford, Connecticut. BioCleanCT provides mold testing and remediation utilizing environmentally safe products that render mold harmless and continue to work after the initial application