Mold can be a scary discovery as a homeowner. Not only can it impact your health, but the removal of it can be a big process. It’s something that no Strongsville, OH homeowner wants to deal with. In Ohio, mold can be especially common because of the climate and weather patterns that foster an environment for mold and mildew to thrive. But the good news is, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of finding mold in your home. By taking these preventative measures now, you can protect your home and keep your home healthier.
Why Mold Is Common in Ohio Homes
Mold prevention in Strongsville, OH, can be a common concern because the state’s humid climate and frequent rain create the perfect environment for it to grow. This is especially true in homes with basements, which often stay damp and are poorly ventilated. Older houses can also have hidden leaks or outdated waterproofing that allow moisture to linger. These factors together increase the risk of mold growth in Strongsville, OH, homes and the surrounding areas.
Common Causes of Mold Growth
Mold thrives in dark, damp spaces, so factors in the home that add moisture or prevent ventilation can increase the risk. Keep an eye out for these causes in your home.
Leaky Roofs and Basement Moisture
When your roof is damaged, it allows water to seep into the wood, insulation, and drywall in your home. The attic is the perfect place for mold to thrive, and it’s relatively hidden, so you may not even notice signs of mold growth until it has spread significantly. Basements can have similar problems. Damaged foundations can allow moisture to enter the basement, and mold can grow for quite some time before you notice.
Humidity and Poor Ventilation
Strongsville, OH, and the surrounding areas are pretty humid compared to other parts of the country, especially during the summer. That extra moisture in the air can make it easy for mold spores to live. Over time, this combination of excess humidity and limited ventilation can turn small moisture problems into widespread mold damage.
Plumbing Leaks and Hidden Water Damage
Because your home’s plumbing isn’t really something that’s openly visible, it’s easy to miss leaks. But even a minor crack in a pipe can drip water into your home, creating not only water damage, but an opportunity for mold spores to grow.
Flooding or Storm Damage
Seasonal flooding paired with winter snowmelt makes for year-round risk when it comes to mold in Strongsville homes. Situations like these can put strain on your roof and your home’s foundation, as well as any flood-prevention tools you have. If you have a sump pump that hasn’t been inspected in a while, for example, heavy rains and snowmelt can force it to work overtime, leading to a higher risk of it breaking down when you need it most to prevent flood damage.
HVAC Malfunctions
Your HVAC unit creates condensation, which is meant to drain through a tube away from your home, where it won’t cause issues. However, if the line becomes clogged or there are other issues, the water can leak out and pool up around the HVAC unit. If it goes unnoticed for too long, this moisture can cause mold growth. Dirty, damp HVAC ducts can also harbor mold and mildew.
How to Prevent Mold in Your Home
While all of these situations are intimidating, it’s worth noting that there are strategies for Ohio homeowners to prevent mold growth. Taking these precautionary steps doesn’t eliminate your risk, but it does give you peace of mind that your home’s strongholds are in order in case of flood or storm.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Keeping up with regular maintenance on your home’s systems is the best way to get ahead of any leaks or problems that could cause them. Scheduling an annual professional inspection for your plumbing system and heating and cooling gives your trusted technician or plumber an opportunity to check for wear and tear, ensure everything’s sealed properly, and tune things up so they’re working smoothly.
For example, HVAC drain lines can become clogged or drain pans damaged, causing water to pool underneath the unit. Both HVAC and plumbing systems are a lot less likely to leak when they’re receiving regular maintenance.
Improve Airflow and Dehumidification
Airflow is the rival of mold, so making sure you have plenty of it is a great way to decrease moisture in the home. Creating habits like running a dehumidifier and having the ceiling fans on at certain times of day can be a simple, seamless way to reduce the risk of mold spores growing. If you really want to, you can even install a whole-home dehumidifier to ensure humidity levels in your home don’t get too high.
Address Leaks and Water Damage Immediately
Unfortunately, none of these prevention steps guarantees a leak-free home. Things happen, and it’s important to address them promptly when they do. The longer a leak is left unaddressed, the bigger problem it causes (and the more money out of your pocket in the long run). Knowing what to look for and calling a water damage restoration company like Paul Davis Restoration immediately is your best chance at getting ahead of any mold growth.
When to Call a Professional Mold Specialist
Because mold can be a health risk, especially for the elderly or very young, it’s a good idea to call a professional as soon as you notice signs of possible water damage that can lead to mold. This might look like:
- Stains or discoloration on walls, ceilings, baseboards, or floors
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Warped flooring
- Soft or sagging drywall
- Dripping or pooling water
- New musty odor
- Condensation on windows or walls
Once the mold specialist inspects your home, they will be able to tell you if mold is present. If there is, they will create an action plan not only to remove the mold but also to address the underlying cause so it doesn’t come back.
How Paul Davis of Cleveland West Can Help
Paul Davis Restoration has been serving homeowners throughout America since 1966. Our technicians are certified in mold removal and remediation and follow industry standards to ensure your home is safe from mold and water damage. When the worst happens, Paul Davis Restoration is here 24/7 to get your home back to its prior state as quickly as possible.
If you’re concerned about potential water damage or mold growth in your Cleveland-area home, don’t wait. Contact us now for a professional mold inspection or restoration quote, and get back to living your life with ease.
