Dealing with Moisture and Mold in the Home
Chelsea O'Donnell
Mold is a problem that most homeowners have to deal with at one time or another. It’s the damaging by-product of excess moisture that can wreak havoc on your home, and more importantly, your health. So with summer on the way, now is a good time to inspect your house for mold and get rid of it before it does any kind of serious damage.
You might be familiar with mold or mildew from your shower or bathtub. Since the shower is often wet and the tiles are waterproof, water can sometimes seep into the grout. If the grout is old and can’t handle its repelling duties properly, it becomes a breeding ground for mildew which can generally be cleaned with a good scrub. But what happens when mold starts to grow in the places you can’t clean as easily – places like your ceiling, inside your walls, or in the attic? You’re probably saying, “Not in my house”. Well, guess again.
At least half the homes I visit for remodeling projects have a major mold problem and the owners don’t even know it. How? Because mold generally grows in places that you can’t see – like inside the walls and in the attic. What most people don’t realize is that mold reproduces, or grows, by releasing spores that you’re breathing in day after day.
How common is this? If you’ve ever had a leak, you’ve most likely had a mold problem. So what can you do about it? You can prevent mold by ensuring your home stays dry. Here are my top tips:
Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and clear so water can drain away from your house.
Don’t let a leaky roof go unfixed. Get it patched up immediately and ask your contractor to inspect for any mold growth.
Make sure the ground around your house doesn’t slope inward towards the foundation where water can idle.
Inside the house, beware of any discoloration on the ceiling.
Ensure high moisture areas like bathrooms are well-ventilated with good ceiling fans that don’t vent into the attic.
If a leak happens in a carpeted area, don’t just leave it to dry. A damp area can attract mold in less than 48 hours.
Ensure large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines have a catchment tray in case of a malfunction.
If you use a humidifier, make sure it’s cleaned and the water is changed regularly.
If you feel that your house or basement has a high level of moisture, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity and remove any excess moisture from the air.
If you’ve had a mold problem that you’ve tried to control by scraping, cleaning, and repainting the area, don’t make the same mistake twice. If the mold keeps coming back, that means the issue runs deeper than the eye can see. It’s time to call in the pros.
Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.