Having your home tested for mold is one of the best investments you can make on your home. Keeping your home free from too much humidity can prevent it from becoming a hazardous environment for you and your family. According to the EPA, the only way to control mold growth within your home is to control the levels of moisture. Keeping the levels of humidity and moisture in your home in check can be good for your health, protects your electronics and appliances, and can save you money in the long run.
On Long Island, keeping your home safe is not limited to having security cameras on your property. Most homes are exposed to the elements throughout the year. Those elements can cause mold to develop and spread. Long Island moisture testing companies are capable of helping you monitor the mold in your home. Using a Long Island moisture testing company can help you take preventative measures to protect it as well.
Since all of the elements occur on Long Island, making sure you are aware of moisture both inside and outside of the home is essential. Top Long Island moisture testing companies can help you keep your home safe, healthy, and habitable.
Common causes of mold in the home
There are many things that can trigger mold to begin growing. One of the most common culprits of mold growing in the home is not monitoring the levels of moisture that normally occur. As humidity levels shift throughout the day, the humidity levels within your home shift as well. Ideally, keeping the humidity levels in your home between 40-50% is your best bet in combating mold before it grows and spreads.
The most common locations for mold to grow and thrive are in cooking and shower areas. Because of the constant moisture that they are exposed to, keeping on top of the levels particularly in these areas is essential. Using the ventilation in your cooking areas and opening doors and windows after showers help combat potential mold that may grow in those areas.
Most of our bathrooms and kitchens are lined with tile, which is easy to surface clean with bleach. The bleach actively fights any potential mold that may try to grow on these surfaces. They’re great ways to combat mold; not only because of how easy it is to clean them, but also because they are materials that aren’t porous. They do not absorb anything, so moisture penetrating them is not a concern. Wood and drywall, however, are porous, so bleach is useless if mold begins to grow. If mold penetrates these surfaces, you may need a professional to step in.
Fixing leaky roofs, windows and pipes – Not only are having faulty roofs, windows, and pipes hazardous to you and your family because of potential physical damage to your home, they are optimal sources for mold to develop and spread.
Another way to prevent mold from affecting your home is by being mindful of your paint. Using mold inhibitors in your paint can help protect your walls from growing mold within the walls of your home. Using mold primers can help protect your walls and exterior when it’s time to give your home a paint job.
Mold is a silent contaminant that is harmful to those that are exposed to it. It grows and spreads in moist, damp locations. Mold can be found on both the inside and outside of your home. Keeping your home from being at risk of avoiding the development of mold is all in the levels of moisture. Keeping on top of moisture in and around your home will help prevent any costly damage in the future.