| Common Sense Mold Prevention |
Mold needs moisture to grow.
When you prevent moisture problems in your home you will not have mold.
When you discover mold, find the moisture problem that enabled its growth. Fix the moisture problem, remove the mold, and you will not have any more mold.
Make moisture detection part of your regular home maintenance |
Here are a few places to check: |
-Inside cabinets beneath sinks
-Bathrooms, especially near tubs and toilets
-Attics for small roof leaks and humidity problems
-Around doors and windows
-Utility rooms
-Basements
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If you have a small water intrusion problem (plumbing leak), dry the area as soon as possible, it only takes 48 hrs for mold to start growing.
If you have a large water intrusion problem (large plumbing leak, leaking roof), call a professional Water Restoration Company to dry the area.
Use dehumidifiers in areas to reduce indoor humidity levels
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| Reasons to Suspect Mold in Your home |
-Discovery of a very small plumbing or exterior flashing leak that has existed for more than 2 days.
-Previous leaks that you know were not immediately attended to and properly dried
-Evidence of prior leaks by previous occupants (stained ceiling, stained sink cabinets)
-Bathroom exhaust fans vented into the attic
-Dryer exhaust vented into basement or attic, and/or leaky hose connections
-Moldy/musty smell from inside the house
-Humidity levels in the house at 60% or higher
-Chronic Cold and Flu symptoms (mold exposure symptoms are often similar to cold/flu symptoms and mistakenly diagnosed)
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If you suspect mold is in your home consider the Building Inspection and Microbial Testing service.
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| When you find Mold |
Determine the reason for the moisture condition that enabled the mold to grow
Fix that condition or the mold will come back
Do not spray the mold with bleach, although it may kill mold temporarily it does nothing to get rid of the spores that can cause health problems and future growth.
Follow the New York City Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments which is the industry standard for mold remediation. |
| If you find mold in your home (particularly in significant quantities) consider the Building Inspection and Microbial Testing service. |
