Air Flow
Keeping an area cool and dry repels mold. The dampest rooms are usually bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure each has good airflow and an exhaust fan. Any piping that drips should be corrected immediately and monitored for any mold growth. If there are elements of the plumbing you can't or don't want to do yourself, it's OK to call a plumber in. They have a lot of experience solving mold problems. (More on that in a minute.)
Environmental Control
Humid spaces are basically inviting mold to come on in and make itself at home. Basements and cellars need dehumidifiers. These rooms collect moisture from the air. Just be sure to dump the water regularly so it can keep working. Humidity between 35 and 50% is ideal, but at least get it below 60%.
Air conditioners in living spaces will usually keep mold at bay in most circumstances. Just check fridges and other areas where condensation is common. This allows you to catch problem areas right away.
Plumbing Help
Mold growth can happen on piping where condensation collects or because of a leak you can't see. This often means piping under a floor or behind a wall or ceiling is the culprit. If you suspect mold growth is occurring, it's a good idea to have a plumber in who can assess any problem areas. This is the quickest route to solving the problem.
Careful with Yard Work
Winter can leave a lot of damp lying around, and mold will gladly take hold anywhere it can. Damp leaves, overgrowth, and clutter can all create dark, damp spaces for mold to anchor in. Be careful when doing spring yard work or spring cleaning. If you have to clean these things up and you spy or sniff any hint of mold, take a shower afterward. This will help clean you up from any mold spores that may have clung to you.
Likely Mold Areas
Mold is a major trigger for allergy attacks. Even when your own space is clean, you've got to be careful of setting foot in other spaces where mold might be prevalent. Remember that mold is most likely to grow in very humid buildings and rooms. This includes basements and cellars, greenhouses, and even flower shops.
Older Buildings Harbor Mold
Mold can also get kicked up into the air when old spaces are disturbed. This can mean an antique shop or some types of repair shops. Construction sites where an older building is getting knocked down might also spray it into the air. If you suspect you're entering a space with mold in it, you can always take allergy medication before you step in. Don't be afraid to bring a dust mask with you. Neither of these will eliminate the risk of an attack, so you should also limit the amount of time you spend in or near these spaces.
Check Your Flooring
Mold can easily grow in carpet, on wood, or underneath either. These materials retain moisture, so take special care to manage environments with this type of flooring.
Cleaning Carefully
Remember that just as much as mold is a trigger for allergies and breathing problems, harsh chemical cleaners can be, too. Be careful about what cleaners you use, that you use them in a ventilated space, and that you take breaks to step into fresher air.
Air Filters
Air filters that are rated at HEPA or better filtration will remove mold spores from the air. If you're really having a problem breathing because of mold or any other allergens, these can be a very good investment. Be sure the filters are HEPA or better – air filters that can't say this will not do the job. These are also rated to handle a certain square footage. A single-room air filter won't handle a whole home.
All in all, the steps to preventing mold are straightforward. Remember that it's easier to keep mold out of your home than it is to eliminate it once it's there. Plumbers are the most important people to contact in order to keep mold out, and steps toward environmental control (cleaning, fans, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and air filters) are the most important ways you can maintain a good, mold-free home. Contact Action Services, professional plumbers in Statesville, NC for the plumbing repairs necessary for reducing allergens in your home.