Mold can be quite a challenge for individuals maintaining a home, especially if one does not understand the basics of it.
First we need to know that without mold in our environment we would not have a breakdown of refuse material such as leaves and grass clippings just for a start, so mold is very important to the environment. We need to understand that mold is virtually everywhere and all that it takes to become what we will call out of control, is that certain criteria is met. It is in our best interest that we prevent these criteria from being met in our homes as mildew and out of control mold may be the result.
So we now know that mold spores are in the environment basically everywhere even in our homes. So what can we do to prevent it from blossoming out of control? Essentially mold needs moisture, proper temperature and a cellulose food source such as drywall, cardboard, clothing, etc. to grow. We mainly need to prevent moisture buildups especially in finished basements. Moisture can buildup not only from water leakage but from areas in our home, especially basements that reach what is called the dew point of which is a certain amount of humidity in relation to a certain lowering temperature that condensation then begins to take place. One way to reduce these chances for mold to take place is to prevent wall areas in basements from being blocked so that those areas do not unnecessarily cool down and have condensation on them. We also should keep rain gutters clean with good downspouts and extensions. Proper grading around the foundation should also lessen the chances of moisture entering the basement.
I suggest that you study the New Your City Guidelines to gain as much understanding as you can about mold and what to do to prevent it or to clean it up.
