DIY Builds
Photo by Francesco Ungaro Pexels Logo Photo: Francesco Ungaro

How do you keep your house from getting mold in the winter?

Six Ways to Prevent Mold and Mildew During Winter Increase Air Circulation and Reduce Humidity. ... Keep an Eye Out for Leaks That Can Let in Excess Moisture. ... Repair Any Leaky Area Immediately. ... Limit the Possible Areas Where Mould and Mildew Can Grow. ... Take Care to Keep Entryway Flooring Dry During Wet Weather. More items...

What is the cheapest and safest place to live in the world?
What is the cheapest and safest place to live in the world?

Definitely one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world, Portugal is very popular among people leaving the US to move abroad....

Read More »
What paint to use on wooden shed?
What paint to use on wooden shed?

Acrylic-latex paint can withstand weather conditions and works well for wood shed exteriors. Depending on the size of the shed and your painting...

Read More »

When all the right conditions are present, moisture, ample food, and a temperature between 5 and 37 degrees celsius, mould will begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. However, this growth can often remain undetected until the spores have already affected large areas of your property and caused considerable structural damage. That’s why the easiest way to beat these fungal culprits in the winter months is with prevention. Here’s how to limit moisture, remove tempting food sources, and keep an eye out for the first tell-tale signs of a winter mould problem.

1. Increase Air Circulation and Reduce Humidity

One cheap and simple step to reduce moisture is to use fans and open windows. By increasing the air circulation in rooms, cold air is less likely to condense in nooks and crannies. If you don’t handle the cold all that well, opening windows might not be an option. Instead, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to reduce the overall moisture inside your home. Look for one that offers digital readings, which can help you to keep your indoor humidity level below 40 percent. 2. Keep an Eye Out for Leaks That Can Let in Excess Moisture Watch for leaks in common areas such as windows, exterior-to-interior doorways, and the surrounding areas by swamp coolers and skylights. Not only should you be on high alert for leaks coming from the outdoors, but don’t forget to check your indoor plumbing as a possible culprit for excess moisture. Check for hidden leaks in areas such as under bathroom and kitchen sinks.

3. Repair Any Leaky Area Immediately

Mould and mildew can grow at a rapid pace. The longer you leave a leak unattended, the more likely you are to experience mould and the damage that comes with it. In short, the moment you suspect or see a leak, fix it–or you might be stuck with paying for more expensive mould remediation.

4. Limit the Possible Areas Where Mould and Mildew Can Grow

Since fungi thrive on quick-to-decompose items such as books, piles of loose papers, or boxes of clothing, use strategy when storing these items. The best areas for long-term storage are away from external walls or windows that invite condensation. Instead, pick an area that enjoys circulation to prevent the possibility of built-up moisture. Remember to also keep a close eye on the moisture in your bathroom and clean surfaces regularly as well. After all, bathrooms can carry the most moisture in the home, which naturally results in the most mildew.

5. Take Care to Keep Entryway Flooring Dry During Wet Weather

In rooms where moisture is a problem, area rugs and other washable floor surfaces are preferred over wall-to-wall carpet, if possible. These washable floor surfaces can be especially helpful in entryways (versus carpeting), where constantly tracking in moisture can quickly lead to mould growth. In instances where you do have carpet up to the door, take care to vacuum the area regularly, inspecting for signs of any mould near the baseboards or where your carpet meets the wall.

6. Use Exhaust Fans in the Kitchen and Bathroom

Boiling water and taking steamy showers provide your home’s environment with plenty of moisture. Make sure not to slack when it comes to turning on exhaust fans, including the one in your oven’s hood, which can help reduce condensation formation. It’s also helpful to leave exhaust fans on for twenty to thirty minutes after steaming up a room, along with wiping down moisture on the walls with a dry rag.

Source: highya.com

Why not to buy a house in 2022?
Why not to buy a house in 2022?

Home prices are likely to remain high If you attempt to buy a home in 2022, you could get stuck with a higher mortgage than you're comfortable...

Read More »
Are whirlybirds good for sheds?
Are whirlybirds good for sheds?

Installing multiple whirlybirds is one way to boost your shed's cooling powers. Whirlybirds are inexpensive to purchase and they work by drawing...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Can you build a bathroom in a garage?
Can you build a bathroom in a garage?

Adding a bathroom to a garage makes perfect sense for the house with a spacious garage layout. While the project can run in the thousands of...

Read More »
What is the difference between a concrete slab and a foundation?
What is the difference between a concrete slab and a foundation?

A slab foundation is a raised slab that the house is built on top of. In comparison, a crawl space foundation has exterior concrete walls (and...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
When should you start planting seeds?
When should you start planting seeds?

When to Start Seeds. As a general rule, seeds need to be started four to six weeks before the date of the last frost. Seed starting times are...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What kills a rat instantly?
What kills a rat instantly?

Set Traps Traps are one of the most effective ways to get rid of rats fast. For best results, consider using snap traps, which are a fast method to...

Read More »