How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home
Mold is very common, but it can be a serious issue when it is present in a home.
Florida is a very humid place with average RH (relative humidity) of 74%. Our high humidity levels make mold growth prevention a very difficult task.
Here are some precautionary measures you can take to prevent mold growth in your home:
- Ensure your home has good air circulation. Allow your home to breathe. You can do this by opening your widows occasionally, running your bathroom exhaust fan, keeping your ceiling fans on, etc.
- Keep your air ducts clean. Dead skin cells, dirt and mold love our insulated ducting. We can help keep them sanitized with our HVAC service.
- Keep your air ducts in good condition. Unlicensed duct cleaning, critter in the attic, or deterioration over time can compromise your ducting. This allows hot/humid attic air to intrude in to your home. Bringing mold with it.
- Keep your home’s temperature less than 76º and it relative humidity less than 50%.
- Keep your property in good repair and water tight. Frequently inspect your roof, foundation, stucco, plumbing fixtures (fridge water lines, faucets, p-traps), seals around windows, window, HVAC system, etc. Water intrusions should be taken seriously, because mold needs water to grow.
- Reseal the tile grout in you shower. Water will frequently get behind tile shower walls and cause damage. Sadly, when this happens it is not covered by your homeowners insurance, because they consider it deferred maintenance.
- Inspecting your property at regular intervals (and especially after major storms, torrential rains, high winds, etc.).
- When you do find mold, do not use bleach to clean it up. Bleaching mold will do what it says. Bleach it. It also softens the protein shell on the mold spore and causes it to shoot off a million little babies. Instead, clean it up with a rag dampened with plain, white vinegar. Let it dry, and then paint over the staining with a mold inhibiting primer like Killz or Zinsser.
- Change your furnace filters monthly. Also, buy a MERV 8 to MERV 13 filter. They may be a little bit more expensive than you’d like, but they will save you a lot of grief in the long run! I really like FilterBuy.com. They ship your filters to you monthly, so you don’t have to remember when the last time you replaced your filter.
The long and short of it is, if you keep your home cool, moisture-free and properly ventilated, you control the mold levels in your home.
If you do by chance discover mold in your home, call us at one of our offices (Central Florida: 813-606-6668, South Florida: 239-961-9995, North Florida: 904-397-4030). Alternatively, you can fill out our convenient online
contact form and one of our experts will be in touch with you shortly.A water event or finding mold growth in your home can be overwhelming. We are mold than happy to walk you through all the resources you need to make it through as stress free as possible.
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It’s hard to believe that it was almost two years ago that Hurricane Ian devastated Florida on September 28, 2022. Our South office saw the horrifying effects that the storm surge had first hand in St James City, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers Beach. Our hearts constantly broke as we were visiting customers in what was left of their homes. Our Central office in Dunedin had to evacuate due to the concerns of the storm surge from the Tampa Bay emptying out. Many of us lost power, had roof damage, and leaky window sills from the driving rain. Our teams made sure to jump in to action to support our South customer with whatever they needed. Even when it meant they had to stay in a hotel with no roof or an AirBnB with no power. Finally, in our North office we saw our friends in Volusia County flooded for months. A home in Ponte Vedra that we remediated just one year before got complete wrecked again. To add insult to injury, Hurricane Ian and Nicole took out a lot of the sand dunes that St Johns and Flagler County have been trying to rebuild. Everyone knows where they were and what trama they endured during and after Hurricane Ian. It really does not feel like it has been almost two years since. With that being said, we wanted to make sure that homeowners know that their deadline to file a homeowners insurance claim is on the horizon. Florida insurance laws allow policyholders up to two years from the date of loss to file a Hurricane Ian claim. The date of loss is the horrible day when the hurricane made landfall in South West Florida on September 28 . Which makes your last date to file a claim be Saturday, September 28, 2024 . Granted most insurance companies are not open on Saturday, so it would probably be best to have your claim ready to go the Friday before Remember to reach out to your insurance provider promptly to ensure you meet the necessary deadlines. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask. We have our own in-house insurance specialists that would love to answer your questions. We can easily be reach at (904) 397-4030 for North Florida , (813) 606-6668 for Central Florida , and (239) 961-9995 for South Florida .
Discover the significance of environmentally friendly mold remediation in creating a healthier living space. Learn how Mold Masters uses certified, organic practices to ensure your home is safe and mold-free.
The Mold Remediation Process Mold remediation is a critical process that requires a meticulous and systematic approach to ensure the complete eradication of mold and prevention of future growth. The process begins with identifying the source of the mold, which is often linked to moisture problems such as leaks or high humidity. Once the source is identified, it is crucial to contain the area to prevent the mold spores from spreading to other parts of the property during the removal process. At Mold Masters, we take this process a step further by using safe and organic practices in our mold remediation process. We understand that the use of harsh chemicals can pose health risks and may not be environmentally friendly. Therefore, we have adopted organic methods that are not only effective in mold removal but also safe for our customers and the environment. Our approach ensures that our customers can return to a clean, healthy, and mold-free environment without worrying about the harmful effects of chemical residues. Why Choose Mold Masters for Mold Remediation in Florida Choosing the right mold remediation service is crucial. At Mold Masters, we pride ourselves on offering high-value, affordable, and top-notch service. Our team is certified by the National Association of Environmentally Responsible Mold Contractors (NAERMC), ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards in the industry. We also understand the unique challenges of dealing with mold in Florida's humid climate. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively combat mold issues in this region. Our team of Certified Mold Hygienists and Certified Remediation Technologists are trained to handle all types of mold situations, ensuring a thorough and professional mold remediation process. We pride ourselves on offering high value, affordable, and top-notch service to our customers. Beyond Mold Remediation At Mold Masters, we believe in providing comprehensive solutions. In addition to mold remediation , we also offer services like air quality testing, sanitization solutions, HVAC sanitization, and water damage mitigation. These services can help prevent future mold issues and contribute to a healthier living environment. Trust Mold Masters for Your Mold Remediation Needs Mold can be a daunting issue to deal with, but you don't have to face it alone. Trust the experts at Mold Masters to provide effective, safe, and affordable mold remediation services. Don't let mold compromise the health and safety of your home. If you're in Florida and suspect a mold issue, don't hesitate to reach out to us today . Contact us online or call one of our Florida locations: North at 904-397-4030 , Central at 813-606-6668 , or South at 239-961-9995 . We're here to help you live healthier, happier lives.
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Proper Maintenance Techniques for Preventing Mold Growth In addition to using exhaust fans, proper maintenance techniques can make all the difference when it comes to preventing mold growth in bathrooms. Cleaning regularly with a non-toxic cleaner can help remove dirt and debris buildup that might prepare the perfect habitat for unwanted organisms like mold or fungus. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas where standing water might be present after showers or baths, such as around tubs and sinks. It’s also important to make sure any products or materials used in the bathroom area are designed specifically for use in moist areas as they will generally be less likely to promote mold growth. Finally, do regular inspections of any grout or caulking around showers and bathtubs as these areas can be prime locations for leaks and moisture intrusion which will eventually lead to bigger problems down the road if left untreated. Professional Help for Extensive Mold Problems If you’re dealing with an extensive mold issue in your bathroom (or anywhere else), it's time to call on professional help from experts like Mold Masters who specialize in identifying and treating mold infestations quickly and safely before they become too severe. Remember: identifying signs of early mold growth is essential – don’t wait until things get worse! At Mold Masters, we offer comprehensive solutions including inspection services, treatment plans tailored specifically to your property’s needs, and much more—contact us today for more information about how we can help you keep your home safe from harmful molds! Don’t let dangerous molds ruin your home—take action today! Implementing proper ventilation techniques like installing exhaust fans along with regular maintenance activities such as cleaning regularly are key aspects of preventing harmful molds from taking over your home or place of business. For more serious problems, reach out to a professional company that specializes in dealing with indoor pollutants; like Mold Masters who have years of experience solving even the toughest cases of everything from plumbing leaks to major structural damage caused by unchecked infestations. For more information, contact us online or call one of our Florida locations: North at 904-397-4030 , Central at 813-606-6668 , or South at 239-961-9995
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Discover the significance of a well-installed vapor barrier and insulation in your home's crawl spaces to prevent expensive moisture and mold damage.
Mold growth in attics is a common problem, especially when proper insulation or ventilation is poor or absent. In this blog post, we'll explore why it's so important to have the right balance of insulation and adequate ventilation for your attic - and what you should do if you believe that your attic has either too little insulation or not enough ventilation. What Are The Risks of Too Much Insulation And Poor Ventilation? In order for an attic to be free from mold growth, it needs to remain dry at all times. Unfortunately, too much insulation can actually create a hot pocket of air inside the attic, making it more likely for condensation to form on cool surfaces. This condensation is then absorbed by the insulation which can then lead to mold growth as well as structural damage over time. Poor ventilation is another factor that can lead to moisture buildup in an attic. Without adequate airflow and exhaust vents, warm air can become trapped in the space leading to the same sort of condensation issue mentioned above. Tips For Preventing Attic Mold Growth Fortunately, there are ways to prevent mold from growing in your attic due to excessive insulation or inadequate ventilation. Here are some tips: 1. Always make sure the amount of insulation installed is sufficient for your home's climate but not too much - find out what the ideal number is with local building codes or contact a professional heating and cooling company for advice; 2. Install weather stripping around windows and doors so warm outside air doesn't enter the attic; 3. Install exhaust fans at vents in bathrooms and kitchen areas; 4. Make sure vents are open and unblocked – both intake and exhaust vents should be unobstructed; 5. Have a trained professional inspect your home’s HVAC system yearly; Signs Of Existing Mold In An Attic If you think mold may already be present inside your attic, there are certain signs you should look out for: discolored walls/ceilings; musty odors; visible mold spots on interior walls/ceilings/floors/insulation; water stains on interior walls/ceilings/floors/insulation; wood rot on rafters or floor joists that weren’t caused by water leaks from plumbing pipes; high humidity levels (usually measured with a hygrometer) when temperatures rise during warmer months than usual for your area (50% relative humidity). If any of these issues are present in your home, please contact a qualified mold remediation specialist immediately! Having proper insulation levels and adequate ventilation in an attic helps keep moisture under control which will help prevent mold growth over time. Finding the right balance between these two elements can also ensure that energy costs stay low while keeping indoor temperatures comfortable throughout all seasons of the year. If you believe that either one of these elements could use improvement or need further maintenance in your home’s attic, don't hesitate to contact us today For more information, contact us online or call one of our Florida locations: North at 904-397-4030 , Central at 813-606-6668 , or South at 239-961-9995
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