As travel becomes a reality for many once again, particularly during the holiday season, our expertise in mold remediation prompts us to share valuable insights on ensuring your home stays in optimal condition while you're away. Here are our top 8 recommendations for things to do before embarking on an extended vacation, providing you with peace of mind about the well-being of your residence.
Moisture Management:
Mold thrives in moisture-rich environments. Ensure you eliminate potential sources of moisture by using exhaust fans, regular ventilation, and reducing humidity levels before departing.
Address Water Leaks:
Water leaks are a common precursor to mold growth. Inspect your home for leaks in areas like roofs, walls, pipes, taps, or showers. Promptly engage a contractor to fix any identified issues before leaving.
Combat Condensation:
Condensation on cold surfaces can contribute to increased moisture levels. Maintain a warmer temperature throughout your home, insulate pipes and walls, and address condensation-prone areas to minimize moisture.
Humidity Reduction:
Mold flourishes in high humidity conditions (above 55%). Ventilate rooms prone to moisture buildup, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Consider using air dehumidifiers if controlling humidity proves challenging.
Minimize Mold Spores:
Mold spores are ubiquitous but can pose health risks at elevated concentrations. Regularly vacuum using HEPA filters and install HEPA air filters to reduce indoor spore levels.
Eliminate Mold Food Sources:
Mold feeds on organic materials like wood, carpets, paper, and leather. Thoroughly clean surfaces to remove potential mold food sources. Vacuum with a HEPA filter, and ensure trash is disposed of before departure.
Manage Wet Laundry:
Promptly dry freshly laundered clothes to prevent prolonged exposure to moisture. Drying clothes outside is ideal, but if done indoors, ensure humid air is removed promptly. Allow wet towels to dry before placing them in the laundry basket.
Embrace Natural Light:
Mold tends to thrive in dark environments. Allow sunlight into your home by opening curtains during the day. Sunlight not only reduces the likelihood of mold but also helps control humidity levels.
Calling in the Specialists:
If concerns persist or for peace of mind, consider enlisting the expertise of specialists like Building Performance Solutions. Our professionals can inspect, identify potential issues, and seamlessly remediate existing mold problems.
Enjoy your vacation worry-free, knowing that your home is safeguarded against mold issues, thanks to these proactive measures.