Preventing mold growth in your Chicago home

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can grow quickly and get out of hand in a hurry if not mitigated properly.

Stealing one of my favorite lines from "Carnac the Magnificent" from the old Tonight Show with Johnny Carson:  Q: How to prevent shark bites? A: Never leave Omaha.

The only true way you can prevent mold from growing inside your home is to live in a kiln-dried structure, or have everything made out of glass.  Other than that, you risk having mold growth.

But, there are ways you can keep that risk low:

• Dry wet areas quickly.  Organic material (drywall, paper, cardboard, wood) that becomes wet, can eventually harbor mold unless it is dried quickly and thoroughly.
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation.  If the weather outdoors is pleasant, open doors and windows to allow trapped inside air to escape, to be replaced by the outside air.  Open inside doors, closets, and drawers to encourage air transferring from room to room.
• Monitor indoor humidity.  In winter, some people run humidifiers to add moisture into a room (heating a room causes the air to dry).  If there is condensation on the windows, there is too much humidity already.  Also, ensure that the exhaust fan is running in the bathroom when taking showers.
• Check outside influences.  Make sure that the roof is in good order.  Gutters and downspouts are not clogged or broken, where water can emerge in unintended areas.  Also, check for low spots near the foundation where water can accumulate; make sure the grade runs AWAY from the house.

If you suspect mold in your home, call the mitigation experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.