So we talk about threats to your home from lightening strikes, floods, storms, etc, but we rarely talk about a biological threat to your home. Mold can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your home and result in extremely high repair bills. You definitely do not want your family and home to suffer from mold damage, but if you fall victim to an infestation of the fungi, make sure your CT homeowners insurance has you covered!
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, mold spores are present everywhere. Mold growth is most prolific in warm, damp weather, but high indoor moisture levels and poor ventilation can contribute to mold growth any time of year. To help reduce the potential for mold, provide adequate air circulation and reduce moisture levels in mold-prone areas, such as basements and storage areas.
Avoid storing items directly against walls in potentially damp areas, which restricts air circulation and trap moisture against surfaces.
Since prevention is always the best way to keep a home fit, the following tips can avoid the potential health and financial burdens associated with mold.
- Repair or reseal roof flashings when damaged or worn.
- Clean gutters regularly.
- Make sure the ground slopes away from your house foundation.
- Pipe downspout water discharge points away from the foundation.
- Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed.
- Check the condition of all water piping, fittings, and fixtures periodically.
- Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes, dryers to the outside.
- Keep indoor humidity low. Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
- Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever showering or cooking for extended periods.
- Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical.
- Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
- Add a moisture barrier over dirt floors in crawlspaces.
- Make sure attics and crawlspaces are vented properly.
- If you see condensation or moisture collecting on surfaces, act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.
Make sure to follow these steps in order to avoid the threat of mold in your house. You certainly don’t like mold on your bread, so you obviously don’t want on your walls either! Contact Paradiso Insurance about your CT homeowners insurance policy today. 860-684-5270