Maintaining Upkeep After Remediation
So you’ve just had your mold remediation completed. This is great news. You can rest easy knowing your home is mold free. Although, you may be wondering, what’s the next step to ensure that the mold doesn’t come back? Well, the answer is rather simple. Upkeep after remediation is extremely important. A remediation will get the bulk of the job done for you, but if you do not take the necessary steps to keep the mold gone, it’s a huge waste. Not only of time and effort, but also your hard earned money. You want to keep your home mold free long after your remediation. In order to do so, there are just a few simple adjustments you may need to make in your home.
After Your Remediation: What’s Next?
Now that your mold remediation is completed, you can go back to your regular routine. The only difference is that now you will have the tools and knowledge to maintain a mold free environment. A few small adjustments in your daily life can make all the difference. After your remediation is finished, here’s what you should be doing.
Remove Moisture Source
Excess moisture can be detrimental when trying to maintain a mold free household. The first thing you must do, even before the remediation begins, is to determine the source of moisture that the mold is feeding off of. Whatever the source may be, such as a previous flood or an unknown leak, you need to find it and cut it off. Even if it is just a case of improper ventilation in a certain area, that moisture is enough for mold to thrive. A dehumidifier may be something to look into. While it is another cost on top of the remediation itself, it is a small price to pay compared to more costly home repairs. It’s worth it to know the mold won’t be returning.
Monitor Spots With Potential For Mold Development
During your upkeep after remediation, you want to also ensure that no new problem areas arise. Mold often grows in areas that you wouldn’t generally see on a day to day basis. Hidden condensation and humidity, unknown leaks, or drainage issues create the perfect environment for mold. While it may be a little bit inconvenient to keep all of this in mind, it will save you the hassle of needing another remediation in the long run. Along with this and your other maintenance, check in areas that are known to be more prone to mold development. These areas include but are not limited to:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Attics
- Basements & crawl spaces
Regulate Humidity In Home
Controlling humidity within the home is imperative to prevent mold from redeveloping. As previously mentioned, a dehumidifier can help monitor the humidity levels within the home. Your home’s humidity levels should always stay within 35-50%, with 35% being ideal. If an area of the home has a higher level of humidity than others, such as an attic or basement, it may be best to concentrate the bulk of your dehumidifier usage to that area.
Why Upkeep After Remediation Is Important
It is important that after your remediation, you maintain the mold free environment. Not only to prevent more costly repairs in the future, but also to ensure the health and safety of you and your family. Mold is a common allergen. However, everyone’s reactions to mold are not the same. While one person may not feel any effects, another may be severely affected by it. Common symptoms of a reaction to mold include:
- Itching of the eyes
- Irritation of the skin
- Respiratory issues
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Headaches
Maintain A Mold Free Household
You may not be experiencing any adverse effects from mold in your home, but it is always better to play it on the safe side. Besides, just because it isn’t necessarily making you sick doesn’t mean you want it in your home. These tips for upkeep after remediation will help to keep your home mold free long after the service is completed. Keeping your home mold free can seem intimidating, especially after you’ve already dealt with it once. It may seem like a nearly impossible job, but in the long run, the steps you’ll be taking will be worth it. Maintaining your home’s mold free environment after your remediation is imperative. No matter what the circumstance or effect mold has on you, your family, and your household, mold is always an unwelcome guest.
