02 Jan Preventing the Unwanted House Guest: Mould
Preventing the Unwanted House Guest: Mould
Mould loves moisture, thus controlling moisture in your home is the best way to stave it off. Left unchecked, mould can cause allergies and asthma attacks, as well make it more difficult to sell you home. So what should you do to prevent it from developing in the first place?
- Open window blinds and drapes during the day, blinds and drapes that are fully closed stop air circulation and can result in any moisture forming into mildew and mould.
- Ensure bathroom exhaust fans are working well and venting to the exterior. Installing a timed switch is handy to have the fan run for 5/10/15 minutes after a shower. Wash your shower curtains regularly. There is also mould resistant paint available for bathroom ceilings. Keep in mind mould spores can develop within 24 hours in wet conditions.
- Check your attic periodically to ensure adequate air flow and no moisture on sheathing, which is where mildew and mould can develop. A bathroom exhaust fan venting into the attic can cause excessive moisture.
- Just like the bathroom, run the exhaust fan in your kitchen when cooking.
- Heat your home sufficiently in the winter to help avoid condensation. If you notice condensation around your windows wipe it dry, and stop or lower the setting on a humidifier.
- Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
- Immediately fix any leaky pipes or faucets. Periodically check under kitchen sinks and bathroom vanities of any leaks.
- Use a dehumidifier in summer months. For convenience, get one that automatically turns on when the humidity exceeds 60 percent.
- Open the windows to circulate the air when you’re not running your furnace or AC.
- Set a reminder on your phone when doing laundry, so you don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine or dryer.
- When renovating, use mould-resistant products that can be found in materials like drywall and insulation.
When it comes to mould, prevention is far easier than removing it, so consider it worth the time and thought. Look for damp spots in your house, check basements, closets, window sills, attics, roofs, and around sinks, tubs and pipes. For more information on mould and its prevention see Canadian Centre for Occupational Health Safety
By keeping a close eye on the condition of your home and real estate investment, and preventing avoidable damage, you’ll be protecting its long-term value and your family.
As experienced Ottawa Realtors® we have professional contacts if you need to make some updates, repairs, fresh coat of paint, etc. We would also be happy to prepare a home evaluation for you and make a plan to help you get ready for market.