Spare A Thought For Mold When You're Renovating
The dangers posed by mold growth in the home are clear to most homeowners at this point. Although it's virtually impossible to eliminate mold spores from your home, you can do a great deal to deny mold a fertile environment to grow in.
If you're contemplating a renovation in the near future (or building a new home), you can do a lot during the upcoming construction process to safeguard your home.
Mold-Resistant Products
There are several different products to use in areas that are especially prone to moisture. For the wettest areas (typically tub and shower surrounds), use cement board. This requires a moisture barrier, but it is entirely impervious to water when installed properly.
For rooms which will frequently be exposed to elevated moisture levels (bathrooms, kitchens, basements), use water-resistant wallboard. Commonly called greenboard, this material has a fiberglass or wax-impregnated outer layer in place of the ordinary paper used on conventional drywall. Many brands of greenboard are also impregnated with fungicidal chemicals that kill mold.
Fungicidal compounds can also be added to interior paint. Some brands come with mold-resistant ingredients mixed right in; for other paints, you can add the appropriate compounds prior to painting. Using mold-resistant paint is a good idea wherever you're expecting high moisture levels.
HVAC and Other Equipment
As you may already know, mold's worst enemy is low humidity. To keep the level of ambient moisture in your home to a minimum, you need a good heating / cooling system that circulates plenty of air throughout your home. Your system needs good (HEPA certified) air filters, too. In order to monitor indoor humidity, it's a great idea to invest in a digital hygrometer. This can be integrated into your HVAC system if you're installing a new one, but you can also add a standalone unit at any time.
While you're thinking about ventilation, double check how the moister rooms in your home are vented. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms all generate extra humidity when they're in use; you need a way to get rid of this damp air. Make sure that each of these rooms has an exhaust fan that vents to the outside. (In many older homes, these kinds of fans end up venting into the attic.)
Your Home's Exterior
Mold infestations can become extremely extensive if they grow in the internal, structural spaces of your home. The moisture mold needs to grow in these areas typically comes from leaks in the exterior of your home. Make sure your exterior walls and roof are weatherproof and free of leaks.
Keep your gutter system in good working order and free of debris. Also, make sure gutters are directing water away from the siding and foundation of your home. Overloaded or blocked gutters can allow water to "pile up" on your roof where it will eventually penetrate into wall cavities inside your home.
Good Habits for Preventing Mold
It's infinitely easier to prevent mold from growing than it is to get rid of it. This makes it important to cultivate good habits that will keep mold permanently at bay. As noted above, mold fares poorly in low-humidity environments. Keep your home's internal humidity under 60 percent at all times using dehumidifiers as necessary.
Keep your HVAC system in good working order, changing your air filters regularly and cleaning and maintaining the system according to the manufacturer's directions. Repair any damage promptly and completely to minimize the chances of introducing unwanted moisture into your ducts.
If your home suffers any significant water damage, be conscientious about repairing it. Remove unwanted water as quickly as possible; mold can start growing within 48 hours when your home is flooded. If you've had standing water in your home for any length of time, get a professional restoration company to review your home. They'll be able to detect water damage (and mold-growing potential) in inaccessible areas and get the necessary repairs started immediately.
Even though you can't eliminate mold entirely from your home, you can go a long way towards minimizing its negative impact. Making smart material choices when you're renovating and practicing good maintenance habits should keep you well ahead of mold.
from Home Improvementer //
Spare A Thought For Mold When You're Renovating
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