Mold Prevention Treatment

Ventilation

Air movement in which the air is exchanged and not allowed to remain stagnant helps to prevent mold growth. Properly installed ventilation for basements, crawlspaces and attics keeps the air moving. This allows moisture to flow from those areas. Screens over the vents aids in keeping out insects which may be attracted to those dark remote areas. The screens will also keep out other unwanted pests such as rodents, which may use those spaces as feeding grounds for the insects. Close any large cracks or open spaces with wood trim and seal the joints with a high quality caulk.

Moisture can become a problem in even the best ventilated area. Condensation can form on any surface that has a difference of temperature, especially in the wintertime when leaking warm air meets the cold outside air. Air conditioning systems can also create a condensation problem when the cold air comes in contact with the outside warm air. Proper insulation should be installed to stop this type of air exchange between the outdoors and living areas. Water pipes can also be a major source of condensation on a humid summer day. The cold water pipes can "sweat" enormous amounts of water onto wood framing and inside poorly insulated walls. Insulate water pipes with close fitting foam tubes and seal the pipes with a factory-installed adhesive.

Clean out all boxes, trash and debris that can inhibit the air flow in the enclosed spaces. Fiberglass insulation that has fallen in crawl spaces creates a habitat for rodents. The fiberglass insulation will also retain moisture. Boxes stored in attic spaces may impede airflow. This can cause condensation to form on the boxes or storage containers.

Remove all cleaning materials from the site as soon as the mold removal is completed. During the cleaning process, rags used in the wiping of moldy areas should be thrown immediately into a plastic trash bag. Mold spores travel on the smallest of air currents. Clothing worn during the cleanup should be washed immediately or disposed, especially disposable overalls.