House & Home

Tips On Mold Prevention

Mold has been around since the beginning of time, but recently it has become a cause for concern with the improvement of homebuilding methods.

Compared to 20 years ago, homes, apartments, schools, and commercial buildings are more energy-efficient because they do not allow outside elements to seep in as easily. As much as this is beneficial, it can also be detrimental because moisture is sealed inside as a result of water leaks, steam from the shower or stove, and condensation from the air conditioner.

Homes were previously constructed with solid wood frames and plaster walls. In order to spawn mold, wood must become at least 30 percent saturated. On the other hand, plaster is a man-made element resistant to mold.

Particleboard and drywall with paper backing are the norm in modern-day construction, and these materials serve as breeding grounds for mold. Particleboard is made up of bonding agents containing sugar, which mold loves to feast on. The moisture that accumulates on drywall paper will elicit growth as well.

Mold is also more rampant because furnished basements are becoming commonplace, and basements just so happen to be the dampest area of the house. At one time, basements were used to do laundry or transformed into workshops. But now, people are simply placing drywall over the top of damp basement walls.

Keeping moisture locked out is the key to mold prevention. Be sure bathrooms and kitchens are outfitted with proper ventilation. Washers and dryers and even gas fireplaces require vents as well. Experts claim that any vinyl-backed wallpaper should not be installed anywhere because it makes the wall impermeable to airflow, thus trapping condensation that may come about as a result of temperature fluctuations and serving as a concealed breeding ground for mold.

What to know about mold

• Mold cannot be eliminated altogether, but it can be controlled by regulating moisture.
• If mold is becoming problematic, clean it up and get rid of moisture sources.
• Lower indoor humidity to between 30 and 60 percent by venting bathrooms, dryers, and other sources of moisture to the outside. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers more often. Whenever cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning, be sure to turn on exhaust fans.
• To prevent mold growth, clean and dry damp building materials and furnishings within the first 24-48 hours to thwart mold growth.
• Clean mold off hard surfaces with soap and water. Then, dry thoroughly. Porous materials like ceiling tiles may require replacement.
• Add insulation to cool surfaces such as windows, pipes, outer walls, roofs, and floors to help prevent condensation.
• Avoid carpeting areas with persistent moisture problems such as drinking fountains, classroom sinks, or leaky concrete floors.
• As long as moisture is present, molds can grow almost anywhere on anything, including food, wood, carpet, and paper.
• If a mold problem gets out of hand, contact a professional certified by the Indoor Air Quality Association listed on the group's website at www.iaqa.org.
• Side effects and symptoms resulting from mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.