Maintain your Nashville home during winter to prevent mold damage

12/18/2015 (Permalink)

Source - http://blackmoldresources.com/mold-science/?viewall

Although the winter weather has been mild so far, we have to be ready for the harsh weather that January might bring. The cold winds and wet snow not only take a toll on our bodies, but also our homes and belongings. Unfortunately, the wet weather brings on lots of water and mold damage possibilities during this time of year. It’s important to check your home throughout the season to make sure that permanent damage isn’t going unnoticed.

HubInternational gives a list of common household areas to maintain during winter in order to make sure that there is no water or mold damage occurring. These main areas include the roof, basement, windows and plumbing. These are the most common places that water is likely to enter the home and collect bacteria that can possibly turn into mold.

Basement

·      Check for water leaks in corners and spaces where the wall and floors meet.

·      To remove excess moisture from the air, place a dehumidifier in the basement to decrease the humidity.

Roof

·      Keep an eye out for loose or missing shingles.

·      Check the seals around any openings in the roof such as skylights, chimneys or vents.

Windows

·      Dry any areas that are covered in condensation to make sure that the water does not sit and collect bacteria.

·      Check for loose or damaged siding or caulking.

·      Ensure that seals around windows are tight and not cracked.

Plumbing

·      To prevent exposed pipes from freezing, cover them in insulation to keep from bursting.

·      Make sure there are no leaks or cracks in the pipes that will let water out.

·      Let water drain from outside faucets and then turn them off for the winter.

·      If you’re not going to be near your home for an extended period of time, shut off the water.

Many people wait until spring to fix damages and inspect the home, but the damages have usually already occurred and gotten worse by then. Try to inspect before and during the winter to ensure that you catch any leaks ahead of time and prevent permanent damage to your Nashville home.