Summer Mold Prevention Tips
Posted in Mold, on June 18, 2020
For many of us, the summer months in the Greater Toronto Area means long hot humid days, kids playing in the sprinkler, and fantastic thunderstorms - as well as an increase in mold inspection and testing. Why is this? The answer lies in many of our favorite summer activities and has to do with two mold triggers: temperature and moisture.
4 Tips to Prevent Mold in Summer
Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours when it’s exposed to the right conditions, which summer brings in abundance. Warm, stable temperatures, and an increase in water, whether from rain, activity, or accidents are a common feature of summer days. In Southern Ontario, we also see an increase in mold growth because of humidity, which is formed when excess water becomes vaporized and airborne.
So how do you prevent mold growth in the summer? There are a number of easy things you can do to prevent the need for a mold inspection this year.
1. Keep it clean: Mold needs organic material to eat, and dirt, dust, or other small particles can host mold problems.
2. Lower your indoor humidity: Living in a humid house is not only uncomfortable, it’s also a factor in indoor mold growth. Airborne water - also known as humidity - can travel and condense in lower temperature areas, like the basement. Keep your humidity around 50% by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner, and install fans in rooms like the bathroom. If possible, take wet laundry, towels, and bathing suits outside to dry, or use a dryer.
3. Keep air moving: Running a fan or opening your window on dry, breezy days can help keep the air moving in your home. Stagnant air not only traps allergens, it also traps humidity and prevents damp places from drying out.
4. Control your temperature: Cooler air can hold less moisture, making your air conditioner an excellent tool in fighting humidity and lowering the likelihood of mold growth in your home.
If Mold Develops Despite Your Best Efforts at Prevention
Even if you follow every tip above, mold growth may still happen. It could be because of the age or location of your home, you may have a leaky roof or dripping pipe, or perhaps there’s been a surprise flood - whatever the reason, mold inspection, and testing can help you get back on track. At SafeAir, our non-invasive and sophisticated testing methods can help determine the where, why, and how of indoor mold growth, and help us craft a plan for safe and thorough remediation.
Summer Mold Testing in the GTA with SafeAir
Mold can cause a range of serious health effects for people young and old, and often cause headaches, sneezing, and poor sleep. Beyond your health, mold is also a danger to your home, and, left unchecked, can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. If you’re concerned about mold growth in your home, get in touch with us at 416-414-5690 to book your mold testing in the GTA and learn more about how you can prevent summer mold.