Summer has arrived. Here are some Summertime Mold Tips to help prevent mold in the summer months:
The hot weather has arrived so here are some tips to prevent summertime mold issues that may be helpful.
In the summer the lawn sprinklers and hoses are in use more often. Overwatering your lawn or plants along the outside of the foundation can create moisture that can contribute to mold problems. Position the sprinklers so that they water the landscaping and not the house, garage or other structures. The sprinklers should not be constantly watering the siding, windows or foundation walls of the home.
It's best to keep trees, shrubs and plants trimmed back away from the house to allow the air to flow and naturally keep the walls of the building dry.
The constant running of air conditioning systems during the hotter months can raise moisture levels inside a building. Also, the areas around and under an air conditioning system can be a source of moisture due to the condensation created by the difference in the temperature between the cooling system and the hot attic. If you see water dripping from a plastic pipe positioned on the exterior wall, usually above a window or door it's likely because the primary drain line is clogged and in need of cleaning or adjusting. Air conditioning systems along with their condensate pipes and the condensate pan should be professionally checked regularly to ensure that they are clean and working properly.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): "If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an unidentified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near intake to the system), consult EPA's guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building." You can visit www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html or call (800) 438-4318 for a free copy
In some areas, such as near the ocean, high humidity levels are common. Keeping humidity levels between 30 & 60 percent inside the house will go a long way in solving or preventing mold problems. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers as necessary and run exhaust fans when you are showering, cooking or dishwashing. Problems in the closet areas can become more common with high humidity levels so you may want to check the closets regularly if your home seems humid.
On a final note: I recently read an article suggesting that if a child has lingering cold symptoms in the summer it may be due to mold allergies. It was an interesting article written by a pediatric allergist/immunologist. Here is the link to the article if you would like to check it out. www.chkd.org/wtg/moldallergies.aspx
Here are some more helpful links: www.moldcheckpros.com www.epa.gov
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