Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Humid Areas

12/21/2024 (Permalink)

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Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Humid Areas

Mold is one of the perils that can affect any commercial or residential building, especially during the humid and rainy seasons each year. Preventing mold growth is crucial because once it takes hold in a building, it can significantly worsen air quality and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and more.

Mold can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. If not properly managed, the toxins and allergens produced by mold can cause significant health issues for occupants, especially those with compromised immune systems.

Where Mold Grows and Why

Mold often thrives inside building areas that have little air circulation and high moisture. These areas include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and window frames. Mold might be less of a problem in newer construction, while older buildings often have less effective ventilation and insulation, creating ideal conditions for mold to grow.

Keeping indoor spaces dry enough to prevent mold growth is challenging for buildings in a humid climate with consistent rainfall or those that have sustained water or fire damage. To make matters worse, mold spreads easily through microscopic spores, so once it grows in one area of a building, it can move invisibly to other damp spots if not managed and controlled properly. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage dampness to prevent mold from growing in the first place.

1. Increase the Space’s Ventilation

Fresh air is mold's enemy, while stagnant air allows moisture to settle, feeding mold growth. Install exhaust fans in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to keep air moving and prevent mold from growing.

Ceiling fans are another important way to improve air circulation and can work in any room or area prone to dampness. Opening windows as the weather allows is another easy way to increase room ventilation and prevent the moisture accumulation that triggers mold growth.

2. Use Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are highly effective tools for reducing room humidity and preventing mold from growing with regular use. Preventing mold growth in humid areas can be as simple as placing a dehumidifier wherever a building has minimal ventilation, such as in a basement, in storage closets, or by windows that often have condensation.

To prevent mildew from growing, ensure the dehumidifier tank is emptied and cleaned frequently. The optimal humidity is about 50% inside, so the dehumidifier should be set accordingly to provide the best results.

3. Keep Furniture Away from Interior Walls

Mold loves stagnant air and trapped moisture, and furniture close to walls can create a perfect environment of blocked airflow that encourages mold growth. Keep furniture a few inches from walls, and educate tenants on leaving this small space so the air can circulate.

Large items, such as bookshelves and dressers, must be kept slightly away from walls because their large size increases the potential for trapping moisture and blocking airflow. For commercial property managers, communications such as a monthly tenant newsletter can offer tips and guidance on arranging interior furniture to maintain optimal ventilation and prevent setting up conditions for mold growth.

4. Use Mold-Resistant Products

Products especially made to resist or prevent mold growth can make a big difference in high-risk areas. Consider using paints made to be mold-resistant, which often means they contain an additive that acts as a mildewcide.

Suggest tenants use mold-resistant liners and shower curtains in their bathrooms. When undertaking renovations in areas that have already suffered from mold and moisture damage, use mold-resistant drywall for the repairs to prevent future damage.

5. Install Proper Door and Window Insulation

When a building has gaps around doors and windows, moisture finds its way in and settles into building materials and rooms with little airflow. Inspect door frames and windows, looking for cracks or gaps. Seal these with new caulking or weather stripping.

Ensure to check doors that lead to the outside, such as front and sliding glass doors, as inadequate seals can allow condensation to build up on the inside, especially on glass doors. If condensation is an ongoing problem, consider installing double-pane windows, which help keep indoor rooms dry and mold-free by reducing the amount of condensation that forms.

6. Clean HVAC Vents and Filters Regularly

If a building has mold, the HVAC system may have spores in its filters that can promote mold growth in the system and a building's rooms. Dirty or dusty HVAC systems can also trap moisture, increasing the chances of mold growth.

Preventing mold growth in humid areas such as air ducts may involve replacing the HVAC filters every one to three months, depending on the severity of moisture or the presence of mold. Also, consider having the HVAC system cleaned professionally once each year, and as part of a regular maintenance schedule, dust and vacuum around vents to keep air flowing freely.

7. Perform Regular Leak Inspections and Repairs

Water leaks can go unnoticed for months, leading to moisture behind furniture or under flooring such as carpet. Mold can grow and spread, eating away at flooring materials and drywall in the meantime. Look for discolored walls, ceiling stains, or bubbling drywall, which can indicate hidden water leaks, or contact a SERVPRO® professional for an inspection.

What is SERVPRO? They are a leader in water and fire damage restoration, and they can help tackle minor leaks to major moisture issues before mold has time to settle in. Sometimes, there may not be any sign of mold or water damage, but an area can have a noticeable mold or mildew smell. Repair any hidden leaks immediately and dry out the affected area to prevent mold from getting established. Regularly check areas where water commonly makes its way into buildings, such as pipes, window seals, and roofs, for signs of leaks or water damage.

8. Dry Wet Surfaces Immediately

Since mold can start growing on wet surfaces within 24 to 48 hours, drying out the moisture immediately is critical. A monthly tenant newsletter for rental properties can include tips such as wiping down showers, sinks, and counters after each use to minimize the moisture that feeds mold.

Another tip is to use a squeegee to quickly and easily remove water from shower doors and walls after each use. Also, remind tenants that bath mats and towels can become a moist area for mold or mildew growth and to keep them dry and clean.

9. Manage Humid Areas with Absorbent Materials

Absorbent materials can help minimize moisture levels in small spaces such as coat closets and cabinets. Some moisture-absorbing products on the market include silica gel packets or crystals packaged for easy and safe use in a closet or cabinet. These products absorb moisture continually. Baking soda or charcoal are two additional low-cost materials that can absorb moisture naturally.

These moisture-absorbing materials need refreshing periodically because they become saturated over time. Consider installing a hygrometer, a device that monitors humidity levels, in rooms with a higher risk of humidity and mold growth, such as basements and bathrooms. Aim to keep the humidity levels below 60% and ideally around 50%. Use dehumidifiers and fans to adjust and optimize the humidity levels.

10. Address Frequent Window Condensation

When condensation forms on windows, it can drip down into window sills and surrounding areas, creating a moist environment for mold to grow. Keep the area dry by wiping down the condensation daily, especially during humid times like winter. Keeping the windows slightly open helps with air circulation and minimizes condensation. Property managers or landlords can offer tenants instructions on using a vent lock or other device to keep windows slightly open but still locked for safety reasons.

Also, consider installing a window insulation film to reduce condensation buildup during colder months. Sunlight naturally prevents mold because it dries out moisture, preventing mold growth in humid areas. Suggest that tenants keep their curtains open during the day and keep blinds open to allow for airflow around windows to minimize condensation. Also, consider adding window coverings that are mildew-resistant, such as shades or blinds, instead of fabric curtains.

11. Room Décor Makes a Difference

House plants can add a lot of benefits to interior spaces, although they also increase the humidity indoors, especially in small rooms. Keep house plants out of bathrooms, and avoid placing them too close to walls where they can trap moisture and breed mold. Choose plants that do not require a lot of water, which will minimize moisture in the room. Low-maintenance plants that do not require a lot of water, such as succulents, make better house plant options to maintain a less humid environment indoors.

Wall-to-wall carpeting absorbs moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow. Avoid placing carpeting in basements, bathrooms, and other high-humored rooms. Vinyl or tile flooring is a better option for areas at risk for mold, and area rugs make a better decorating choice because they are easily removed for cleaning when necessary.

Prevent Mold with a Multi-Pronged Strategy

Preventing mold growth in humid areas can present several challenges. However, with the right strategies, it becomes entirely manageable, no matter what time of year or weather conditions exist. If you are a property owner or manager dealing with commercial water, fire, or mold damage, our experienced professionals can provide solutions tailored to your property’s needs. Contact us today to find out how SERVPRO can help!