Mold: An Unexpected Winter Problem
Mold is a nasty problem that can be difficult to get rid of, looks unsightly, and can be very hazardous to your health. Mold thrives on humidity and likes to live in damp places like under your sink or on your shower tile. Because mold often needs a lot of moisture to grow, you may believe your home is safe from mold in the winter time, when the air is very dry. However, mold can still grow and cause problems during winter, especially with plenty of potential for wet weather like snow and ice.
As waterproofing experts, we understand that dealing with mold can be a disaster. Here are our tips for preventing mold in your home this winter.
Monitor Your Indoor Humidity Level
Keep an eye on your home’s interior humidity this winter. The outdoor air’s low humidity can give us cracked, painful hands and chapped lips, making us long for the muggy days of summer. However, be cautious about using a humidifier. A good rule of thumb is to keep your home’s indoor humidity under 40%. Make sure the extra moisture your humidifier produces does not raise your humidity level too high. You may even want to consider buying a dehumidifier if you are noticing high humidity in your home during winter.
Be Careful With Storage
During winter, you may dedicate yourself to thoroughly cleaning the interior of your home if it is too cold to go outside. Part of your to-do list may be to finally move some extra items into storage. If you plan on storing items this winter, make sure you keep them out of a humid area. Basements can be damp and humid even in winter, so be careful when storing items with potential for mold growth like clothing and paper. Try to avoid using cardboard boxes—if these boxes get wet, mold can easily grow and damage your belongings. Instead, invest in sealable plastic storage bins.
Check for Leaking Pipes
Before winter weather begins, check the pipes around your home to see if any are leaking. If you notice small puddles of water or water stains near your pipes, this is a sign you have a leak. Clean up any excess water and have your pipes professionally repaired as soon as possible to avoid water damage and mold growth. Check the area around your pipes for signs of mold in case any has started to grow yet. If mold has started to grow, contact a mold removal expert immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Prepare for Winter With NV Waterproofing
NV Waterproofing, a home waterproofing company in Northern Virginia, can help keep your house dry and your family comfortable this winter. We offer home waterproofing services in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland, including basement waterproofing, crack repair, foundation repair, crawl space waterproofing, and more! Our experts can professionally waterproof your basement to ensure that you keep all water outside and prevent mold from growing.
To keep your home mold-free all winter long, waterproof your home now! Call the waterproofing experts at NV Waterproofing today at 1-703-690-3889!
