Protect Your Home from Mold

Now that winter has passed and spring is here, things are beginning to bloom and blossom again. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity become ideal conditions for things to grow—even a few things we wish didn’t like mold and mildew. Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and out. There are thousands of varieties of mold, many of which we are exposed to without incident. However, there are some that can cause serious health issues as well as damage to your home.

Molds produce allergens and can cause allergic reactions if touched or inhaled, especially for those who suffer from asthma or severe allergies. Exposure to mold can also irritate the eyes, skin, throat, and lungs. Mold also damages whatever it grows on. It feeds on organic materials such as wood, causing it to rot and fall apart. If left untreated, mold can eat away wallpaper, drywall, wooden studs, and other structures leading to ceilings collapsing and floorboards caving in.

It is important to know how to regulate the environment in your home to help reduce the growth of dangerous molds. Mold requires four factors to grow: mold spores, moisture, warm temperatures, and food. Control these factors and you can control the mold.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a key element in preventing mold growth. If the airflow in your home is restricted and moisture levels are high, you create the ideal environment for mold to grow and thrive. Make sure the vents in your home are clean—this includes interior and exterior vents. The HVAC experts at Bradley Mechanical can also help clean your ventilation system and be sure your HVAC system is working efficiently to control humidity levels.

Crawl Space Sealing

Unsealed crawl spaces are breading grounds for mold. Sealing and insulating your crawl space will prevent and kill any mold that has formed. It is not only a great way to eliminate a space in your home for mold to grow, it can also save you money on energy costs.

Dehumidifier

Spring can be one of the worst seasons for fighting mold because of the heavy rains and rise in humidity. One of the best approaches to preventing mold is through moisture control. Mold spores thrive in areas that have considerable amounts of moisture. Installing a dehumidifier can help reduce the level of moisture in your home and the chances of condensation forming on surfaces. When the humidity level drops below 60%, mold spores are less likely to grow or spread.

If you are having problems with mold growth in your home, give Bradley Mechanical a call today at (804) 748-6728. Our trained team of professionals can perform multiple home performance tests to help determine what your home needs to create a healthier environment. Whether it’s a ventilation system cleaning, HVAC repair, humidity control or crawl space sealing, we have the experts who know how to fix it. We have been helping families and businesses in Central Virginia keep their indoor environments healthy and clean for over 50 years.