Mold thrives in humid environments, such as a garage, that have little ventilation and sunlight. It doesn’t take long for mold to grow on organic material like cardboard or drywall if these conditions are met. These spots are typical havens for mold unless homeowners take proper steps to reduce moisture. But fret not. You can prevent mold infestation by taking these simple measures.
Tips For Preventing Mold In Your Garage
- Check for leaks. Inspect the areas in your garage, such as the roof, floor, gutters, and pipes, to ensure they are in good condition. Fix any cracks and damage you find immediately.
- Seal and insulate your garage door. To weather-proof your garage, it’s important to seal and insulate your garage door properly. Replace torn, ragged, or crumbling weatherstripping immediately. In addition, check the bottom seal for elasticity, shrinkage, and wear.
- Decrease humidity. Since garages can attract a lot of moisture due to being exposed more to the elements, they may have high humidity (over 50%) that allows mold to grow. To control humidity levels, provide proper ventilation using vents and fans, and let sunlight in for a couple of hours daily. Also, use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture level.
- Install waterproof walls. If you’re building a new garage or remodeling an old one, choose mold-resistant drywall, as well as waterproof paint on walls and concrete.
- Remove standing water. Pooling water may come from various sources, such as outside precipitation, snow-covered tires, or even washing your car. Remove any standing water with a squeegee or mop and dry the area quickly to prevent mold growth.
- Have proper drainage. A floor drainage system is essential to avoiding water damage and flooding in the garage. Make sure your garage has drainage in addition to a proper floor slope that diverts water away from your garage.
- Extend gutter downspouts. Gutters and downspouts are your home and garage’s first line of defense against precipitation. To prevent moisture buildup, ensure your downspouts extend at least 10 feet away from the garage foundation.
- Use waterproof containers. Thus, water is attracted to cardboard, paper, drywall, and other porous materials. To help avoid mold in your garage, use sturdy plastic totes instead of cardboard storage boxes. Plastic provides better protection to contents and is not a source of mold food.
- Reduce plant growth. Shrubs or plants may look nice, but they collect moisture and may cause leaks. So keep them at a safe distance away from walls and windows.
Contact PuroFirst For Mold Remediation Services
Mold will have a harder time growing when there’s less moisture in the garage. Follow these tips to keep mold at bay and enjoy a healthier home. For flood water damage repair and mold remediation services, contact PuroFirst at
(760) 245-5545.
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