With winter right around the corner, the preparations have begun to keep the cold air out and the warm air in during the frigid months, whether your plans include swapping in storm windows for screens or covering your windows with plastic wrap. One thing many homeowners don’t think about is the amount of humidity in the home during the winter. The more humidity you have, though, the greater the chance that mold can grow and fester in your crawl spaces, floor joists and basements.
How can you control humidity and stop mold from growing this winter? There are several different ways to do so. The first option is by using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are a savvy option for many homeowners because they are relatively inexpensive, yet very efficient. Don’t forget to empty portable dehumidifier units, though. Depending on the humidity levels in your home, you may need to dump out the condensed moisture weekly or even daily as the removed moisture adds up in the unit.
A second option to remove humidity in your home and in those pesky crawl spaces is to seal them up and install proper ventilation. This is not always an easy job, but it is often the best method for permanently eliminating moisture problems. Some of the items a contractor would take care of for you include sealing every hole, gap or crack in the floors, as well as caulking around sill plates and foundation walls. A contractor can also remove any existing mold and offer options for keeping mold at bay, as well as make recommendations about any need to add plastic or insulation to further seal gaps or prevent future moisture problems.
Do your home a favor before winter officially kicks in this year and make sure that your home is ready to go for the cold season. Humidity in your home can lead to not only mold, but also problems with your wood fixtures or condensation issues on your windows, even leading to wood rot and staining. Center Grove Inspections can help by performing a thorough review of your home, looking for signs of moisture problems or mold issues, giving you an accurate and unbiased assessment of your home. For more information on our inspection services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
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