Mold growth can cause a lot of problems in a home or building. Exposure to mold can lead to allergy symptoms or respiratory issues for some people. That’s why it’s crucial to prevent mold from returning once it has been removed. As a homeowner dealing with a mold issue, here are the steps I took to prevent the return of toxic mold in my house.
Evaluate Moisture Sources
The most important factor that allows mold to grow is moisture. Mold needs a consistent source of moisture to thrive. I went through my home to identify and eliminate any moisture sources that could be feeding mold growth.
Inspect Plumbing and Appliances
I inspected all the plumbing in my home for leaks. Even small leaks over time can lead to moisture buildup and mold growth. I also checked appliances like the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine for leaks.
Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to preventing excess moisture. I made sure my bathroom exhaust fans, range hoods, and clothes dryer were all vented to the outside. I also added more ventilation to damp areas like the basement and crawlspace.
Fix Leaks
I fixed any leaks I found around windows, foundations, and the roof. Preventing water intrusion is crucial to controlling indoor moisture levels. I also re-graded areas outside to direct water away from the house.
Remove Moldy Materials
To prevent the return of toxic mold, any moldy building materials need to be removed. I took the following steps to eliminate mold reservoirs:
Hire a Professional
I hired a professional mold remediation company to remove all visibly moldy drywall, insulation, carpeting, etc. Trying to remove mold on my own could have exposed me to more spores.
Clean Surrounding Areas
In addition to removing obviously moldy materials, the remediation crew cleaned surrounding areas with antimicrobial products. This helped remove any remaining spores that could re-colonize.
Replace Removed Materials
I replaced any materials that had been removed, such as drywall. I used mold-resistant drywall containing zinc borate to prevent future mold growth.
Control Moisture During Rebuilding
It was important to keep things dry while repairing and rebuilding after the remediation. Here are some steps I took:
Use Dehumidifiers
I used heavy-duty dehumidifiers during the reconstruction process. Keeping humidity under 50% inhibits mold growth.
Protect Building Materials
I made sure all new and existing building materials were protected from moisture intrusion. Materials were covered and kept off concrete floors.
Dry Things Quickly
Whenever water was introduced, like when mudding drywall, I dried things quickly with fans. I did not let wet materials sit overnight.
Maintain an Inhospitable Environment
Daily maintenance is required to ensure mold does not return. I use the following strategies:
Monitor Humidity
I monitor humidity levels with hygrometers placed around the house. If humidity gets too high, I run dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air.
Keep Things Clean and Dry
I address spills, leaks, and flooding issues immediately to prevent moisture buildup. I also regularly clean and disinfect damp areas like bathrooms.
Improve Air Circulation
Running fans and allowing air to circulate helps prevent problem areas from becoming too damp. I open windows periodically for added ventilation.
Check for Signs of Mold
I do regular inspections for any signs of returning mold or moisture issues. Catching problems early makes mold prevention much easier.
Preventing the return of toxic mold requires diligence and maintenance. By controlling moisture and eliminating mold reservoirs, I have been able to keep my home free of mold since remediation. Careful moisture control and prompt response to any leaks or humidity issues is key to success. With proper prevention strategies, toxic mold does not have to come back after removal.
