Does Ventilation Stop Mold or Help it Grow?

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

One of the common questions we get about mold is "how can I stop mold growing in my home?" It's important to think about because prevention is always better than cure. 

If you never get mold, you'll never need us.

So we wanted to help share some insight into mold prevention so that your home can stay mold-free. 

All ventilation is not created equal

Mold thrives in humid environments. This is because the moisture in the air feeds it, creating an environment for the mold to grow and prosper. 

Common places for mold to appear are bathrooms (the hot showers), kitchen (steam from cooking), attics and basements. All these environments have one common thing - steam. 

How Should I Ventilate My House?

The main goal of your ventilation is to allow the steam and moisture to escape. Luckily ventilation is more simpler than it sounds. This can be as easy as two options:

• Open the window Yep. Let that steam get out. It might be a little colder inside for the moment, so we recommend throwing on a warm top and pants while the steam escapes. 
• Install an exhaust fan If you would prefer to keep the window closed, installing an exhaust fan would be a great option. But it's very important to remember to turn it on every time there's steam present (when you're in the hot shower, when cooking).

Invest in Your Health

When installing an exhaust fan it's important to not cut costs unnecessarily. These two simple steps include:

• Buying a better quality fan this might be a little more expensive but will mean a more effective job. Plus, the fan is likely to last longer (which will ultimately save you money long term).
• Have a professional install it Unless you are very experienced in the topic, we would recommend having it professionally installed. Again, this will ensure it working properly as well as it lasting longer. 

We hope that this has helped. Please share this blog post on your social media so that others can find out how to keep their homes mold-free.

From the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.