how to prevent mold in florida homes

If your home is always warm and humid, then theres a high chance of mold forming. If youre a seasonal resident and are away for a large chunk of time, its vital to turn off your water. Make sure to keep your surroundings dry. Humidity is one of the most significant contributors to mold growth. If you are not sure if it is mold or mildew, let professionals test it for you! The impact of mold is unanimously negative. Open windows and keep the air circulated to get rid of moisture from the environment. If you have a dehumidifier, set it up in places that are prone to mold, like basements or attics. Areas of the home where mold is commonly found are those places where the conditions for mold growth converge. ft. per 14 oz. From our team at All Dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold. Other areas include basements, roofs, and water sources like the laundry rooms, bathrooms, or any place with a sink. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Try a dehumidifier to dry out some of the moisture in the house. You must make sure you do everything you can to prevent that water from entering. 0000003112 00000 n Check the humidity level regularly. By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent mold growth in insulation. 0000001246 00000 n Due to the high humidity levels in the summer, peak hours can average at a 90% humidity level when only 55% is required for mold to spread. Required fields are marked *. bottle Unique mold spray contains no bleach or harsh chemicals, safe for use on a wide range of surfaces Contact us today to learn more about our home watch services. The most common causes of mold growing on walls include: We explained humidity above, so it is time to devote a word or two to other two most common mold causes. Use to eliminate mold, mildew, musty odors and prevent regrowth EPA-registered formula crushes mold spores as it dries and leaves an invisible, barrier Odorless solution cleans between 80-110 sq. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Mold needs moisture to survive and grow, but vinegar contains citric acid which kills mold spores in large concentrations. Third, if there is any water damage, it is important to dry the area as soon as possible to prevent mold from taking hold. Moisture control comes in two forms: drying wet surfaces from leaks/spills and reducing humidity. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The same goes for water leaks leaking pipes near or inside the wall can lead to excess moisture, which in turn will cause mold to grow. Give us a call at (407) 913-6363 to get a clear picture of your homes indoor air quality today! document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly Canadian. In addition, you need to dry them well because dirt is not the only food source for mold. Warm temperatures, high levels of moisture in the air, and poor ventilation are perfect conditions for mold. If the air isn't circulating enough, install vents or fans. Another thing you can do to prevent mold and mildew on your windows is set your air conditioning thermostats above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Most locations in Florida are just a short distance from the ocean, so even with the scorching heat, the sea breeze help to make life in the state more bearable. Even though mold typically doesnt feed on windows themselves, it can easily destroy wooden frames of your windows. This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska. We also recommend shutting off your water when you leave. Since low humidity environment can impact your health (for example, you can blame low level of humidity for having a sore throat), it is important to keep the level of humidity between 30-50%. Make sure you dry them well before you hang them again. Over time, mold can destroy the structures and features of your home, if it is not speedily and permanently removed. This is why buildings in the state have a higher than average chance of harboring mold. WebWarm temperatures, high levels of moisture in the air, and poor ventilation are perfect conditions for mold. Instead of supporting tree cutting, this time support tree growth. In winter, keep the heat as low as possible while still being comfortable. Release Date: October 24, 2017. To get rid of the threat, you need mold cleaning and mold remediation. This is achieved by doing a thorough assessment of the home to identify moisture, water, and ventilation issues that predispose it to mold. Clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 2448 hours) after a flood. Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. You can buy mold inhibitors at paint and home improvement stores. Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried right away. Privacy guaranteed. Step 4: Using the scrubbing brush, remove the mold and stains. If you have a smart thermostat, this can be very helpful in monitoring the heat and humidity levels in your home. Together with a mold or mildew test, mold experts will inform you about the best way to treat the problem you are dealing with in order to prevent its further growth. Similarly, never leave damp clothes or towels lying around on the floor or bunched up in a laundry basket. Tip 1: Change Your Filter Regularly Changing your filter regularly is the most important step you can take to prevent needing heating repair in Jacksonville, FL. It is very important to understand that mold is allergenic, no matter which type it is. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, keep your A/C set no higher than 76 degrees. Whether you are starting with the bathroom or bedroom, there are some tasks you should do in every single room of your home, from dusting your ceiling to vacuuming the floors. Approved. Although carpets and rugs look beautiful, unfortunately, we often overlook the potential danger of mold growth on them. Basement insulation may not have to worry about rain, but what about faulty plumbing? If you need help remembering to transfer clothes, set a timer when you do laundry. Fix any leaks in your roof, AC ductwork, walls or plumbing. Always hang wet things to dry. Florida is not only of a generally humid climate. Emptying drip trays will also prevent spills, leaks, and overflows, which can lead to moisture problems under the fridge, near window sills, and on basement floors. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas. 4- Dont Use Humidifiers. You can prevent mold growth in fiberglass insulation by keeping it dry and ventilated. with us today and get your free energy assessment! And, unfortunately, Florida has become a hotspot for mold-related issues. WebConsider purchasing a dehumidifier when your home experiences high humidity levels. Step 2: Saturate the mold and surrounding area on the wall. We help homeowners by offering leading edge home performance solutions that save energy and lower utility bills. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. For your kids safety, this is the best time to clean all of them and throw away those that are broken or that havent been used in a while. Mold has a nasty habit of lying dormant. Florida black mold symptoms include: Black mold exudes a musty smell and has a slippery texture. One of the top tips on how to reduce mold in homes that are unoccupied for extended periods is to check that the thermostat is set to a low temperature before leaving. You do not want rain blowing into your home through a crack that could have been fixed. In order to keep mold from growing indoors, it is good to go back to how mold grows in the first place. Webprevent mold growth and temperatures that are much warmer than humans prefer, like those of the tropics, will grow abundant quantities of mold. As a seasonal resident, you know the routine of preparing your home for your departure. The general chores of bringing the patio furniture inside and storing your vehicle are all part of the norm. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. In most cases, bleach is unnecessary. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Anything warmer is an appropriate climate for mildew to thrive. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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