How to Keep Mold Out of Your Home

Black mold is a problem from coast to coast, and certainly no stranger to homes throughout Maryland.

That’s because mold can form and flourish anywhere the following conditions exist:

• Damp basements
• Poor ventilation
• Excess indoor humidity
• Basement flooding
• Leaky roof
• Leaking pipes

You get the idea: wherever there’s too much water or humidity, mold is often sure to follow. Sure it’s not pleasant to look at, but if appearance were the only problem, we wouldn’t have a whole to worry – or write – about.

But mold is a leading cause and aggravator of some pretty serious health conditions, including:

• Nasal stuffiness
• Sore throats
• Eye & skin irritation
• Lung disease
• Allergies & asthma
• Coughing & wheezing

There are numerous ways to keep mold out of your home, including these:

• Keep your gutters clear of debris to help prevent water leaking through your shingles and into your attic.
• Make sure your down spouts are clear, too, otherwise water will collect your foundation or other home entry points.
• Regularly check and empty your refrigerator drip pan.
• If you don’t have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, consider installing them. Short of that, open your bathroom window and keep the door open right after taking a shower or bath.

Here’s something Your 1 Plumber can do to help: install and maintain a combination of sump pump and back-up sump in your basement, especially if your home and/or neighborhood are prone to water intrusion. A back-up pump – which does not run on electricity – will kick in automatically should your electrical power supply shut down and turn off your main sump along with it. For more information or to schedule a free in-home quote, contact Your 1 Plumber today.