Proper and adequate ventilation makes a healthy home.
Mold spores invade homes through the air, causing possible damage to property and health. House mold is common in dark, damp areas and persists in conditions suitable for its growth, such as leaks or flooding.
Fortunately, proper ventilation circulates air and removes excess moisture to prevent and eliminate mold indoors. It controls indoor humidity and eliminates harmful airborne contaminants from coming in – two of which are essential to people’s health conditions.
Signs of Poor Ventilation
The first step in remediating the growth of house molds begins with examining if you have good indoor ventilation. Keeping indoor air safe impacts health and prevents mold growth. So, how would you know if your home gets enough clean air? Here are the signs of poor ventilation:
- Heat and odor that does not vanish.
- Rust discoloration on pipes.
- The frosted appearance of shower doors, including the windows.
- Stains and discolored walls and tiles.
- Visible growth of house molds or health effects on people.
Molds and Poor Ventilation
What causes mold in a house? It builds up because of a leaking roof, flooding, damp garments, leaking pipes, and insufficient ventilation. Excessive moisture and poor air circulation create a damp and moist atmosphere ideal for the growth of house molds.
Molds in the house thrive in a variety of places. They can grow on walls, carpets, floors, appliances, ceiling tiles, wood items, drywall, textiles, furniture, windows, and wallpaper, among other surfaces. Wet areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and basement also prove to be a suitable environment for mold growth.
What are the effects of house molds on people? Mold has varied effects on different people. From a stuffy nose to severe allergic reactions and shortness of breath, the symptoms range from moderate to severe. Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, skin rashes, runny nose, headache, and wheezing are all symptoms of inhaling or touching mold spores. Those with allergies, asthma, a weakened immune system, or respiratory illnesses are more likely to experience complications.
How to Prevent Mold Growth in Home
House molds need warmth and moisture to survive. Eliminate areas that provide ideal conditions for their growth by ensuring the following:
- Keep your home dry and avoid moisture. Inspect water tanks, windows, refrigerators, washing machines, kitchens, toilets, and any other area that collects water regularly.
- Repair roof leaks, clean the gutters and keep large puddles away from your property’s foundation to remove moisture. Replace leaky or sweaty windows to keep water from settling in nearby areas.
- As a precaution, utilize mold-resistant products while building or upgrading your home. Use mold-resistant paint, insulation, drywall, and other necessary materials.
- Maintain a low humidity level with a well-functioning HVAC system. Replace filters as needed and have your HVAC system serviced regularly.
- Do not use carpets in laundry rooms, basements, or bathrooms.
- Remove water from your home, particularly after flooding.
- Ensure proper ventilation at home.
Areas Where You Need to Ventilate
Now that we understand the link between poor ventilation and the growth of house molds, here’s how to ventilate common breeding areas.
Bathrooms
The bathroom has everything that molds need to grow – an enclosed space and a limitless amount of moisture.
- Leave the window slightly open to allow moisture to escape and let in the fresh air.
- If there is no window, keep the door open after taking a bath to decrease humidity.
- Use an exhaust fan and keep it open for at least 30 minutes after taking a bath.
Kitchen
Cooking sends smoke, gas, and grease into the air. These will then come in contact with your cabinets, kitchen tops, and other surfaces resulting in odor and molds over time.
- Open the window while cooking. If there’s none, open the nearest window in the adjacent room to circulate air.
- Turn on the fan.
- Use a kitchen hood or splatter guard.
Attic
The attic becomes overly humid because it is usually sealed off from the rest of the house without adequate ventilation.
- Seal ductwork thoroughly
- Use a soffit or ridge system to help the heat escape
- Replace eroded insulation
Basement
Air circulation is a challenge for basements because of their exposure to moisture. If there is no window, make sure to install and use the following:
- Floor fans and dehumidifier
- Exhaust fans
- Window air conditioner
What Should You Do If Mold Is Already Present?
Calling the experts is the wisest choice you can make.
While you may try to clean and remove them on your own, it is not enough. Hazardous elements such as house molds should be treated efficiently by professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools.
Wondering how to get rid of molds in the house? We at Deep Water Emergency Services can help keep your mind off that. As a reputable company offering mold mitigation and water damage restoration service in Omaha, NE, we restore your property to its original state. We thoroughly assess the extent of mold build-up, contain the molds, use air filtration equipment, eliminate house molds, and sanitize your area.
We care for your health and your property. Let us do the dirty work and handle the worst infestation of molds. Do not hesitate to call us up. We are available 24/7.
