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How to Prevent Mold Around Your Home

Mold can really be a nasty thing! It can cause allergies and severe health problems for individuals exposed. Unfortunately there are many opportunities for mold to flourish around the home. While most mold is harmless, there are certain types of toxic black mold that can make people very sick, especially those suffering from asthma or have compromised immune systems. Here are some ways to prevent mold around your home.

 

Leak Detection

 

Water leaks can lead to water damage and mold growth if not repaired right away. Undetected leaks can be particularly harmful, which is why regular leak detection is important for your plumbing maintenance. Check around sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, and water using appliances. Know how to spot the signs of water damage, and pay attention to the sound of drips or rushing water. Unexplained pools of water or the sudden hike in your water bill are also signs of water leaks. If you suspect  you have a leak, have your plumber perform a thorough inspection.

 

Ventilation

 

In areas of the home that are prone to excess moisture like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, proper ventilation is a must to prevent mold. A lot of the time mold growth occurs due to lack of or improper ventilation. Check your vents to make sure they are operating properly. To see if your vent fan is suctioning properly, hold a pieces of toilet paper up to the vent. If the vent cant hold onto it, then you have a problem. The vent might need to be cleaned or replaced. In addition, make sure the vent is directing exhaust out and away from the home. Too many times, poor ventilation is the result of an improperly installed vent. If ongoing mold is an issue, have your vent inspected. A musty mildew smell is a sign of mold and can the be result of poor ventilation.

 

The Right Materials

 

Did you know that there are different types of drywall? Certain types of drywall are designed to prevent mold from growing. In areas that are prone to excess moisture, again: bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens,  it is important to make sure you are using the right kind of drywall to prevent mold.

 

Clean Ducts

 

Your ducts can harbor a lot of nasty things, including mold. Regular duct cleaning is a must to prevent mold and other harmful pathogens from getting out of control. Duct cleaning can also help your HVAC work more effectively and efficiently by removing dust, pollen, pet hair, bacteria, germs, and mold that can reduce airflow. Changing the filters in your system is another way of preventing mold, and also improving the air quality in your home.

 

Taking precautions to prevent mold is the best way to protect your health and that of your loved ones. Exposure to mold can make people very sick. Some symptoms of toxic mold exposure include: respiratory infection, coughing, sneezing, watering eyes. In extreme cases nausea, dizziness, headache, and cognitive issues can arise. For more plumbing and HVAC tips contact Lesco Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling today!

 

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