Everyone has heard the saying ‘April showers brings May flowers’…but April showers can also bring something not as nice in your home, and that’s Mould.
Any moisture getting into your home, whether through windows which are not properly sealed or a leak in the roof, can lead to the development of mould (within 48 hours of moisture being present!). Mould can cause many adverse health effects, especially for children and people with asthma, allergies, hay fever or a weakened immune system.
Here are some tips to help you control any dampness and prevent mould in your home this spring (and throughout the year):
1. Fix/repair any leaks. If you find leaks in your home, anything from a crack in the wall to a sink pipe, you need to fix it as soon as possible as to avoid the build up of moisture. Just because you can’t see mould developing, doesn’t mean it isn’t – many times mould grows behind walls or above the ceiling where you can’t see it, or at least the full extent!
2. Replace/repair damages to grout and tiling on all sinks, showers and bathtubs. Cracks or damages in the grout or tiles allow water to escape into the walls, or other areas susceptible to mould growth.
3. Check that windows are properly sealed. Windows are another key place where if not sealed properly, the area around them can become damp. The mould may develop in the walls around the window where you are not able to see it.
4. Keep eavestroughs and downspouts clear and make sure water is flowing away from your home. If eavestroughs are not clear, water can pool up and seep into your walls or roof. Similarly, you want to make sure that the water from the downspout is flowing away from the house, if it isn’t then water is likely to get into your foundation or walls creating a damp environment perfect for mould.
5. Use a dehumidifier. To prevent mould, the relative humidity of your home should be below 50%. You can use a dehumidifier, which helps takes water out of the air, to get to below this humidity. For many homes, a dehumidifier may only be necessary in the basement which is more susceptible to moist conditions, especially during spring and summer months.
6. Have (and use) proper ventilation. Always use an exhaust fan while showering or cooking, both of these activities create moisture and proper ventilation outside will help prevent moisture build up. Appliances that create moisture (such as the dryer or stove) should be vented outside, not to the attic – or you are just creating conditions for mould growth in the attic. Now is the perfect time to ensure that all the vents are clear (no dust build up etc.) so that air is able to escape properly.
7. Maintain good air circulation. If you have poor air circulation in your home, try using fans or air conditioning to help to move the air around and prevent excess moisture that might otherwise find itself settling on your walls, carpet or one of the other materials in your home susceptible to mould.
Follow these steps so that you can enjoy the flowers this spring, and not mould!
Already have mould in your home? We can help. Oakhill’s HAZMAT team has over 20 years of experience with all levels of mould remediation and can support you in every step of the process. We want to provide you with a safe, healthy living environment and treat every project as if the situation was occurring in our own home or workplace. Give us a call at 905-988-1243 or send an email to info@oakhillenvironmental.com to get a free no obligation quote and find out more about what we can do for you.
