Heavy Rains can lead to mold

2018-10-29
By: Denise Koslowsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It certainly seems like throughout the summer and so far this fall we have had more than our fair share of rain!  Heavy rainfall can lead to water invading homes and businesses causing thousands of dollars of damage.  When water infiltrates your home it can create an environment where mold thrives.  If your reaction to that last sentence was gross, you are not alone.  Read on for some practical tips to help if you suspect mold might be an issue in your home or business.

Where to look for potential mold issues

• Check under cabinets and sinks for leaks in hidden plumbing areas.
• Be sure your gutters are clear of debris and all water is flowing away from the foundation of your home.
• Check all entry points into your home to be sure water is not seeping in.  That means all windows, basements, doors as well as drains.
• Do an extensive leak check.  Take a look at basements, attics, crawlspaces, drip pans for appliances as well as all elements of your HVAC system.

How to prevent mold

• Keep the humidity low. 50% or less is ideal. If you notice condensation around the edges of your windows the humidity in your home may be too high.  To lower it you can purchase a dehumidifier.  Other tips for lowering humidity include utilizing exhaust fans when cooking or showering, covering pots when cooking, taking shorter showers and reducing the number of houseplants.
• Resist the urge to overuse your heater. Hot air holds in moisture so keeping interior temperatures on the cool side will help reduce mold growth.
• If you are not going to be home (or in the office) for an extended period of time, shut off the water valves.
• Use mold-resistant materials when building a home or making and improvements to your home.
• If you suspect an issue, address it right away.

We want you to rest easy knowing that your world is protected.  Advocate Brokerage is dedicated to educating each client we serve so if you have any questions about the article above, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 917-723-7100.  If you suspect that mold may be an issue either in your home or office, we can help you find a remediation expert who can take care of the problem and restore your home or office.