Mold in Your Home

Mold exists everywhere, inside an outside. It is present at all times, but it cannot grow on dry surfaces. It needs a moist environment in order to proliferate. It also needs oxygen and food. Their food includes basically any building material, and mold especially loves drywall. So, if you are planning on putting in a basement, which typically has a more moist environment, do not put drywall in your basement. For that matter, do not put carpet in your basement either as carpet is a great breeding place for mold.

Another tip to prevent mold is to finish your window sills with a polyurethane finish. Windows tend to collect moisture in the winter, and if their is unfinished wood collecting all that moisture, then mold will grow. If you already have mold on your sills, clean the area with soap and hot water, and then finish the sills. Now, I too am guilty of having unfinished window sills, so I need to add this task to my project list as well. It is quick fix to preventing mold growth and is advisable to complete before the snow flies.

All mold is dangerous to have in your home, regardless of the species. It aggravates breathing and can worsen any respiratory illnesses, even just having a cold. Find out more about mold at the EPA mold website. You can also give me a call at 475-2027 or stop by my office at Trust Lands. I am here to help with improving indoor air quality , and I can help you to identify any areas that may lead to mold growth.

Picture from www.toolbase.org