WHAT CAUSES MOLD & MILDEW?
Mold plays an important role in nature, aiding in the decomposing of organic matter. Mold in your home, however, has no upside and can actually be damaging to both your property and your health. Same is true of mildew, which is actually a form of mold. It can be difficult for the non-expert to be able to identify one from the other. One way to tell them apart is that mold comes in a variety of colors while mildew tends to appear white or gray. However, rather than discussing their differences, let’s focus on one key attribute which mold and mildew share; their cause.
Millions of microscopic mold spores are floating around in most every room in your home, and some of them will inevitably attach themselves to a surface. However, that alone doesn’t present a problem. It’s when moisture is added to the equation that spores form a colony, which is the ugly fungus one might see growing in the corner of the shower or on a basement wall. And, left untreated, it will just continue to grow.
HIGH HUMIDITY: Try keeping your home’s humidity level between 30% and 50%. A dehumidifier can help achieve this. So can drying wet surfaces such as a shower or bath after use, openingwindows and utilizing ceiling fans.
POOR VENTILATION: Bathrooms, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms or any other room where moisture is present will be prone to mold growth and should have a fan installed to vent moist air outside the home. If installing a fan is not practical, opening a window can help let some of that moist air escape.
WATER PROBLEMS: Leaking pipes, dripping faucets, a wet basement, and even a roof or gutter system which isn’t working properly can increase the moisture level inside a home. Eliminating as many of these sources of unwanted water as possible will greatly reduce the occurrences of mold inside a home.
LET’S GET STARTED
Kitchens are susceptible to mold and mildew growth because of high moisture and humidity levels coupled with the fact that ovens, gas ranges, leaks from water pipes, drains and refrigerators can cause moisture to spread.
Pro Tip
Properly install an exhaust fan to accompany kitchen appliances that produce moisture for adequate spot ventilation. Check for plumbing leaks by running each faucet for at least 5 minutes while observing for any visible leaks.
Outdoor surfaces are highly susceptible to mold and mildew stain buildup due to continual exposure to the elements. Bleach cleaners can discolor substrates, while Storm System Mold & Mildew Solutions clean, kill and control mold without harming the color of the material.
Pro Tip
Take care to remove any excess accumulation of rain on outdoor surfaces to prevent moisture buildup. Apply Step 3 Control Clear Mold Resistant Barrier regularly.
Bathrooms provide ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth, due to heavy moisture and humidity.
Pro Tip
To help prevent future mold and mildew problems, make sure the room has a properly installed ventilation system and use it often, especially when producing moisture, to reduce humidity buildup on bathroom surfaces.
Living spaces can provide ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth due to heavy moisture and humidity produced by appliances and even condensation on windows.
Pro Tip
Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed, especially when producing moisture, to reduce humidity living space surfaces.
When moisture travels with the rising heat, it is often trapped in attics and condenses on exposed surfaces and freezes during cold conditions. The freezing and thawing pattern contributes to added moisture, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth.
Pro Tip
Eliminate all air bypasses into the attic by sealing off the area before installing insulation and seal off all penetrations into the attic. Ventilate attic with passive vents to promote proper air circulation.
Constant moisture and dampness in the garage make it one of the prime locations in a home for mold and mildew growth.
Pro Tip
Keep your garage as dry as possible by eliminating anything that contains or requires water. Installing roof vents will help reduce condensation by drawing out the air and water vapor.
Water damage, flooding, dampness, and humidity levels make basements very prone to mold and mildew growth.
Pro Tip
Control mold and mildew growth by keeping the humidity level below 55%. Installing a dehumidifier and using it often, as well as ensuring proper air circulation, will reduce humidity in the home.
Outdoor furniture is highly susceptible to mold and mildew stain buildup due to continual exposure to the elements. Bleach cleaners can discolor furniture, while Storm System Mold & Mildew Solutions clean, kill and control mold without harming the color of the furniture’s material.
Pro Tip
Take care to remove any excess accumulation of rain on outdoor furniture to prevent moisture buildup. Apply Step 3 Control Clear Mold Resistant Barrier regularly.