1. Run exhaust fans:
a. Running the exhaust fan for 5 minutes before and 10 minutes after bathing removes moisture from the room.
b. Utilizing the exhaust fan in the kitchen helps reduce the moisture generated during cooking. If your exhaust system does not drive the air outside, you may not get much reduction in humidity or moisture within this area.
2. Check exterior windows:
a. Gaps can allow outside air and water to intrude.
b. Dry rot is usually a sign that water has penetrated the wood of your window frames.
c. Hiring a professional to inspect the windows would be your best course of action.
3. HVAC Unit: Check the condensation pan and drain pipe during the summer months:
a. Standing water in the condensation pan is an indication that an aspect of the HVAC system is not working properly. As the water sits it will begin to condensate, causing mold to form on porous materials.
b. The condensation pipe should constantly have water dripping from it. If not, there may be a back up or a disconnected pipe somewhere. When the pipe backs up water is pushed back into the system where the moist air is distributed into the supply lines. As a result, mold colonies will most likely to develop.
1. Areas:
a. Regularly inspect areas that are most susceptible to water leaks. Those areas include all visible plumbing (kitchen and bathrooms), dishwashers, laundry water supply lines, air conditioning units, basements and crawlspaces, etc.
b. If the leak is located, attempt to stop it until it can be repaired, clean up the water, and ventilate the area until dry. De-humification may be necessary if the area is saturated.
c. If leaks are left unchecked and unrepaired, mold can potentially grow within 24-48 hours. Our Certified Inspectors can measure the moisture content of the walls, and other surfaces, to determine the likelihood of a problem that may not be visible.
d. Water often accumulates at the exterior base of concrete foundations, on both residetial and commercial structures, which will eventually seep into the concrete creating dampness on the inside. These areas should allow the water to drain away from the house to avoid standing water.
e. Proper ventilation is key to reducing the dampness that is so inherent in below grade spaces, such as basements. Adequate foundation vents, windows, doors and fans are helpful for managing the moisture content.
1. Household Dust:
a. Household dust, which are fine particles of matter, is mainly comprised of outdoor dirt, outdoor mold spores, pollen, soot, carpet fibers, pet dander and human skin.
b. Cleaning routinely is the first step in eliminating the growth of mold colonies. Mold spores are released from colonies for repopulation. If there is no accessible food source, the repopulation is less likely to occur.
2. HVAC Ducts:
a. The HVAC system within any enclosed environment is the lungs of the home. These systems are designed to heat and cool the home and are not designed as a filtration system.
b. HVAC systems collect dust in their trunk lines which are then redistributed back into the air.
c. HVAC systems condensate during the warmer months. The water is distributed through a condensation pipe which then exits outside. These pipes often become clogged or disconnected which can causing water damage. Check your pipe often or hire a professional to perform routine maintenance.
d. Routine inspections and cleaning are a great proactive measure in reducing mold growth.
Note: Information in this article is not intended to give legal or medical advice. The content provided by SES is based on industry approved education and training, professional certifications in mold testing and indoor air quality, and years of experience in scientific mold inspection, testing, and assessment and is intended for general informational purposes only.
