Mold can not only look nasty, it can have some real respiratory problems and that is why you want to protect your home from mold.
There are about 100,000 species of mold worldwide. Mold works as nature's decomposers, or recyclers, and turns dead organic matter back into its simple building blocks to be used as fuel for another organism which can range from grass, insects, cows, and even people*. As good as mold may be for nature, it is not so good inside of your home and can cause some real respiratory issues if the spores are inhaled. Bad indeed. Here are a few tips on how you can protect your home from mold.
Keep control of your home's humidity
- Using air conditioners or dehumidifiers, keep the humidity of your home between 30 and 60 percent.
- Do not install carpets in rooms that tend to trap moisture and get damp. Rooms that trap moisture include bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Your systems must remain dry
- You should inspect your HVAC systems' hoses, pipes, and fittings at least once a year, and consider changing them once every five years. These systems include:
ˆ† Washer
ˆ† Water heater
ˆ† Refrigerator water and ice dispensers
ˆ† Bathroom toilets
ˆ† Kitchen and bathroom sinks
ˆ† Dishwashers
Act quickly after water damage
- Dry or remove soaked carpets, rugs, upholstery, and padding within 48 hours after water damage in order to prevent mold growth. Anything that cannot be properly dried should be removed and discarded.
- Any stagnant water needs to be dried immediately as it is a breeding ground for mold and other types of single-cell or microscopic** organisms.
- Make sure to wash and disinfect any and all surfaces that were affected by the water damage.
The right homeowners insurance can protect you from mold damage if the source of the moisture is covered under your policy. For all of your insurance coverage needs, contact the insurance experts at Scavone Insurance Agency Center LLC in White Plains, New York. We will work with you to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect you from any perils.
* The entire food chain depends on these organisms converting organic matter back into the basic building blocks which fertilize the plants, which then get eaten by bigger and bigger animals until a slice of that meat lands on the tongue of a human.
** Including, but not limited to, amoebas, algae, tardigrades, et cetera.
