Protect your Home from Mold

Mold is a tricky thing. It grows in dark, damp places — unfortunately, these are places that are often overlooked in your home. For this reason, we as homeowners need to make sure our homes are properly sealed to keep out unwanted water and moisture. This applies to your basement, garage, roof, and any other area of your home that might be prone to water exposure.

Before we get into the specifics of keeping mold out of your home, let’s take a look at some of the most common mold types and some of the health hazards that come along with them.

Common mold types and their health hazards

According to the CDC, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria are the most common indoor molds. These mold spores can enter your home from the outside through open windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes. If they find a spot in your home with excessive moisture, they can easily grow.

More importantly, you are probably wondering how these molds may affect you. The answer varies from person to person. The CDC explains that exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.

How do we keep mold out of our homes?

First thing is first: you need to make sure your home is waterproof. This starts with the roof. If there is even the slightest leak, water will find a way in. This can create moisture in your attic that can lead to mold issues. Bring out a roof expert to ensure that your roof is in good condition. A roof expert will help you find and fix any potential issues where water could find its way in.

Next, if you have a basement, you need to make sure water is not leaking through your foundation. Often times — especially when your gutters overflow — water will find its way down into your basement through foundation cracks. During the next heavy rain fall, keep an eye on your basement to make sure you don’t have water finding its way in. If you do find a spot, there is a good chance mold isn’t far behind. You will need to get all foundation cracks sealed immediately!

A few other tips to protect your home from mold:

• Make sure your home is properly ventilated — especially your bathrooms.
• Keep your home air conditioned during the warmer months to keep the humidity down.
• Ensure that all of your windows are properly sealed. Unfortunately, many people have issues with windows without realizing it until mold shows up. Poorly installed windows can bring water and moisture into your home. If you notice that your windows are not properly sealed, it’s a good idea to bring out a verified window expert.

You can download the FREE Repairman app from your favorite App Store, or directly from the RepairmanApp website to connect with verified plumbers, electricians, roofing experts, window experts, HVAC professionals and more based right here in the Denver, Colorado area. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive all of the latest news and updates about our home improvement app. For more information on the Repairman app, along with plenty of home improvement ideas, check out the rest of our blog.

So what are you waiting for? Download the FREE Repairman app from your favorite app store today and connect with professional service Providers near you!

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