MOLD PREVENTION

When water leaks or spills occur indoors – ACT QUICKLY. If wet/damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill has happened, in most cases mold will not grow. Call a certified Water Damage Specialist to prevent further damage. This prevents small problems from becoming large ones.

Clean & repair roof gutters regularly.

Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.

Keep air conditioning drip pans clean & the drain lines unobstructed & flowing properly.

Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30-50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.

If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. Actions that will help to reduce humidity.

Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, & kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. Combustion appliances such as stoves & kerosene heaters produce water vapor & will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.

Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.

Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dish washing, etc. Actions that will help prevent condensation.

Reduce the humidity.

Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.

Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.

Increase air temperature.