Every homeowner or property manager shudders a bit when hearing the word mold. Mold can quickly cause extensive damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture; potentially impact health; and result in a lot of stress and worry.

Fortunately, you’re not powerless against mold. Here are a few mold prevention tips to keep in mind to stay safe and healthy in the Pittsburgh, PA, area.

Mold Prevention Tips

• Keep Ahead of Moisture: Keeping areas dry is the best way to prevent the growth and spread of mold. If there’s a flood or spill, do all you can to dry out the area as quickly as possible. Invest in specialized vacuums or a sump pump to tackle basement seepage or the after-effects of a leaking pipe. Be sure to open windows to circulate air and keep floors dry to cut down on moisture.
• Invest in Mold-Resistant Products: If you’re building a new house or trying to fix up an old one, consider investing in specific products that are mold resistant, like sheetrock or drywall. Mold-resistant drywall will come in handy inside the bathroom, basement, or laundry room. These types of building materials are also often easier to replace and remove, if needed, and are rapidly becoming cheaper than more traditional options.
• Ensure Water Flows Away from Your Home: Water can flow inside your house if the outside is not sloped enough to direct water away. Inspect your property and identify areas where water could pool after a storm and then seep inside to cultivate mold growth. A simple project to help flow water away is to make sure your rain gutters are free from damage and clogging so they can do their job properly.
• Cut Down on Your Clutter: Clutter inside your home can lead to issues with your HVAC system and inhibit air from circulating enough to keep everything dry. Be sure there’s no furniture or drapes blocking grilles, which could cause moisture and condensation to develop and then create an environment where mold growth could speed up without you noticing.

Practicing some of these tips are the best way to reduce the risks of mold and keep your home healthy.

However, disaster does strike, and a burst pipe or other natural disaster can quickly flood a room or basement despite your best efforts at mold prevention in the Pittsburgh, PA, area.

That’s where we at ServiceMaster Complete Restoration By Stiffey come in. Our experienced technicians are pros at quickly removing water and completely drying and sanitizing the entire area so mold has no place to grow. We’re ready to help 24/7; just give us a call at (724) 834-8889.