How to Prevent Mold in Your Chevy Chase Home

access_timehomeBlog Home

No one wants to find mold growing in their home. Usually found in dark, moist places, mold can grow on almost any type of surface. Be sure to look for key signs in your Chevy Chase home in order to avoid unsafe living conditions.

Where Is Mold Likely to Grow?

Some common places where mold can grow include carpeting, drywall, insulation, leaks in roofs and leaks in pipes.

 Are There Health Risks Linked to Mold?

Symptoms of mold exposure include eye irritation, congestion, wheezing or skin irritation according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even if you do have mold, some people show no signs of exposure at all. However, people with lung disease and weakened immune systems are prone to developing fungal infections if exposed to mold.

How Can I Prevent Mold From Growing in My Chevy Chase Home?

Here are a few steps that can limit the likelihood of mold growth according to Certainteed Corporation.

1. Make Sure It’s Dry If you find a leak in your pipes, ceiling or faucets, you’ll want to have it fixed as soon as possible – standing water can become a breeding ground for mold spores in a short amount of time. If furniture or house fixtures get wet, you’ll want to dry them off as quickly as possible. If it does not dry properly, you may end up having to get rid of it. To guarantee your home stays dry, check the humidity level with a moisture meter. The ideal range is between 30 and 50 percent.

2. Strange Smells If you notice a musty or mildewed odor in your home, you might have mold growing in your home. Call a certified mold inspector if the smell doesn’t go away.

3. Remove Standing Water Foundation problems can result when rain water pools at the base of your home. Downspouts can be used to move groundwater away from your home, if you find standing water. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may have to re-grade to protect your home.

I Think I Found Mold in My Chevy Chase Home. How Do I Get Rid of It?

Sometimes you can get rid of mold if it’s growing on a hard surface. You can clean it by using a diluted bleach solution of no more than one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Call a mold removal specialist if the mold is growing in a large area or if it is found on absorbent surfaces like dry wall.