Exterior Maintenance Problems Causes Indoor Mold in South Jersey

When faced with a potentially serious, widespread mold contamination, our first instinct is to look for an interior moisture problem or a problem with the building allowing for moisture buildup. This is a good first step; however, it is important to also check the exterior for potential exterior maintenance problems. In some cases, mold development is the result of exterior maintenance problems related to the landscaping, driveways, or trees and foliage surrounding the outside of the building. Upon discovering major mold development, you should contact a trained and knowledgeable mold remediation professional in South Jersey to properly assess the situation and provide a safe solution.

Most of the time mold can be prevented if the New Jersey homeowner is vigilant. In addition to regularly checking the home for maintenance opportunities, you should check all exterior elements for maintenance opportunities. Your landscaping, driveway, and trees around your South Jersey home play just a big of a role in moisture control as the building itself and its interior construction. It is important to consider the impact that your home’s surrounds can have on the building itself and its interior. Homeowners should make it a routine to regularly check for exterior maintenance problems and maintain all landscaping, the drive and any pavers, and trees and foliage to prevent water problems that will lead to mold development.

Landscaping

Your landscaping should always direct water AWAY from the home. If groundwater or rainwater collects along the foundation wall or under the floor or slab, it can compromise your foundation and lead to water intrusion. A failed foundation will lead to serious damage and potentially serious mold development.

• Prevent pooling by tracking water patterns during heavy rain. Keep an eye on your yard during heavy rain to see if/where the water approaches and pools near your home. If you notice consistent pooling, contact a landscaper or excavation contractor for advice on how to direct the water away from your home.
• Your lawn should slope away from your home. If you notice that your lawn is graded in the wrong direction, towards your home, your home may be vulnerable to flooding. You should consult a landscaper for an appropriate solution.
  • You may need to re-grade your landscape
  • Or install alternate drainage to prevent moisture buildup
• When placing new dirt or mulch, be sure that you leave a 6-inch gaps between your mulch and the siding of your home. The moisture in the mulch can wick into the siding and rot away the building material.

Driveways and Pavers

Like landscaping, driveways and pavers should always direct water away from the home. Additionally, driveways need to be regularly maintained to make sure that water does not seep into the ground underneath.

• Depending on your driveway, it may require routine re-sealing to prevent cracking and sinking
• If you notice that your driveway or pavers are directing water towards your home rather than away from your home, you should re-grade the driveway or pavers.
• To avoid excess water buildup, you should consider installing alternate draining to help keep water away from your home.

Trees and Foliage

Trees can do a lot of damage to a home if a homeowner is not careful. Aside from the very obvious tree falling into a home, there are a lot of other potential problems that are easy to miss. Poorly maintained or neglected trees and foliage can lead to foundation damage and roof damage that will contribute to mold-causing moisture problems.

• Plant your trees away from your home.
  • Tree roots are aggressive and can apply unwanted pressure to your foundation walls. Depending on the kind of tree, you should plant your trees roughly 15-20ft away from you home to avoid damage to your foundation.
  • Trees and bushes provide damp shade for moss and algae to grow on your roof.
  • Damp shaded areas can hold moisture to a roof system’s surface, causing rot and deterioration.

• Trim branches away from your home.
  • This will help limit the amount of damp shade areas on your roof
  • Neatly groomed trees and bushes will help to avoid scratching and gouging of the roof surface by branches.
  • It will also limit the chance of loose branches falling into the gutters and causing a blockage.

If you discover mold development in your New Jersey home or business, you should consult a certified mold inspection professional in NJ. MasterTech’s expert inspectors will be able to determine if you have mold, how bad the mold is, what caused the mold, and how to safely remove the mold. Mold and the underlying water problems can do serious damage to your home and put you and your family at risk of exposure to potentially dangerous mycotoxins. A serious mold contamination should be handled by a professional NJ mold removal company to ensure that your home is properly restored to safe conditions.