3 ways to prevent mold during the rainy season

Mold growth is a significant issue, especially during the rainy season. Mold reproduces very quickly in warm, humid environments. It doesn’t take long for you to have a full-blown infestation on your hands, so you need to keep your home’s humidity levels in check. However, that can be easier said than done when the weather is causing the high humidity. Here are a few things you can do to prevent mold from growing in your home. 

Where Does Mold Come from?

Mold spores can infiltrate your home from many places. This is even more of a risk during the rainy season. With so many potential entry points, preventing mold from entering your home may seem like an impossible task. However, there are still steps you can take to decrease your chances of a mold infestation. 

1. Seal Your Home

The primary way that moisture and mold spores can enter your home is through improperly sealed doors and windows, but all it takes is a small crack or a leak in the roof to welcome them into your home. No matter how small, any part of your home that isn’t sealed correctly is enough for water to seep in, especially if you experience any flooding. Check for cracks in your home’s exterior. If you find any, they must be sealed and repaired as soon as possible, preferably before the next heavy rain. You should also check the seals on your windows and doors. Most people just assume that since they have a seal, they’re automatically okay, but seals break down, develop flaws, or become less effective over time. 

1. Ensure Adequate Ventilation

During hot and rainy periods, ventilation is critical. It allows for proper airflow, which not only cools the space but also prevents the humidity from getting trapped in one space for too long. Ensure your air conditioning unit is properly working and has a clean filter. A dirty or full filter can’t capture the particles efficiently anymore, and it may even end up pushing them back into the air. Broken A/C units can also allow humidity to run wild.

Next, make sure that your HVAC system is properly sealed, no vents have been damaged, and it gets cleaned correctly. As with the air conditioning unit, you need to make sure the air filter gets changed routinely to prevent harmful particles or mold spores from getting spit back into circulation. You should also routinely call in experts to clean your HVAC system and check to ensure there are no signs of mold growth. 

1. Clean Up Moisture ASAP

Broken, leaky, or otherwise flawed pipes and plumbing can also be a significant component of a moist environment. Mold spores love humidity and warmth, but it doesn’t take much to enable mold to grow. Additionally, poor ventilation in rooms with higher humidity levels increases the likelihood of mold. It prevents proper airflow, which means the humidity and moisture will provide the perfect mold breeding ground. 

While preventing any unnecessary moisture is extremely important, it’s impossible to eliminate it, as accidents do happen from time to time. Look for signs of water and potential spots for mold growth. One of the most significant non-visual identifiers to pay attention to is musty smells and stale air, which are most common in basements, crawlspaces, and attics. 

Checking behind the refrigerator, washing machine, and under sinks for leaks is a must as well. Avoid opening doors and windows as much as possible while it’s raining, too, to prevent letting rain and water get in. Minimizing the amount of excess moisture in your home is the biggest step to preventing mold growth. 

Call AdvantaClean Anytime 24/7 for Emergencies

While there are many steps you can take to minimize your risks of developing a full-blown mold infestation, you should call an expert immediately if you believe you have a problem.AdvantaClean has all the tools, skills, and experience needed to help you not only with mold growth but other things like restoration for water damage or fire damage. We have years of experience, and our friendly team of professionals has what it takes to get the job done right the first time.