How to Prevent Mold in a New Build

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Find out how to prevent mold in your new build!

How to Build a Mold-Resistant Home or Commercial Building

Mold infestation can occur on almost any organic surface, and it is not a good look. When we think of mold, we think of rotten food that’s been left in the fridge for too long. But any place with moisture can attract mold and serve as a breeding ground.

No one likes having an unwelcomed outsider in their house, and mold in your homes can be extremely annoying. Getting rid of mold can be quite costly, and not only is it a bad look on your home, but it also causes many health effects.

So, instead of waiting around for your place to get infested with mold or taking precautions, it is safer to build a mold-resistant home or any building. Mold can make a living hard for the habitants and reduce the market value of your place as well. Here are some ways you can prevent this from happening in the first place:

Construction Strategies

You can get advice from a mold prevention consultant before you get started with your property’s blueprint. You can incorporate strategies in your building designs and water installation plans. Many construction materials are made of stuff that can withstand moisture and airflow.

You can use water-resistant material when you start the construction process, and you can have it installed for your walls, flooring, and roofs. Often, during rain or snowfall, water seeps into your walls and roofs, which can lead to mold infestation.

To prevent this from happening, you need to utilize well-coated moisture-proof wood or any other building material. Often, people design their building structure in a way that keeps water and rain from seeping inside your building’s foundations.

Keep the Building Dry

Just like when food is left in a place with heavy moisture, it can grow mold. The same thing can happen if any space or corner of your building is wet, and it can lead to mold. You can invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a place where the weather is often humid.

Mold can often start growing in places you don’t even think of! Cracks in your walls, cupboards, and cabinets are some of the places you should look into immediately. Make sure to seal and repair any cracks in your walls and roof as soon as possible.

You can use water-proof materials to install an extra layer on top of your flooring and roofs to make sure there is no room for anything to grow. Invest in the best quality plumbing equipment and materials, so there are no chances of any water leakage after a few years.

Get Rid of Any Sources of Humidity

A lot of time, a mold infestation can be tricky, and if you’re in charge of a commercial building, you might not be aware of all the places responsible for the spread of mold. Get the help of an expert to take a look at your structure and inform you about any possible sources of humidity.

Sometimes drying-in isn’t sufficient to dispose of dampness, and the mold can keep on spreading. That generally happens when there is another source of humidity in the house. For example, people often remove their drywalls to redesign their house or get rid of asbestos, and water is used in the process, which leads to humidity.

One method of getting rid of this new humidity source is to wait for a few days until the moisture evaporates and then proceed with the construction. However, it’s always best not to have any potential sources to prevent future disasters.

Double-Check Everything Beforehand

Once you are done with the construction and getting everything set up, it is essential to look all around the house or building because mold is supposed to be sneaky. Most of the time, we notice it after months when it has already spread too far.

It’s better to be safe than sorry; make sure you check everything beforehand:

• Having a water-resistant rooftop
• Utilizing water-resistant exteriors on the house
• Having water-tight windows
• Water-proofing each opening around the windows, entryways, and different regions

Ventilate During Construction

During construction in hotter and humid regions, doors and windows need to be kept open to ensure there is enough room for ventilation and natural drying of all the materials like cement, concrete, and in the end paint.

Ensure that you avoid using any heaters to dry out the building compounds and the paint because they add more humidity into the air. However, mechanical equipment like dryers or fans can be used to have low-humidity in the air and overall reduce any moisture.

Install Drains for Water to Exit

At times, because of heavy rainfall or snow, water can gather around on a rooftop, make its way to your walls and become a home for mold. You need to install proper drains on different places like your rooftop or shower to make sure the water exits easily.

You can make sure your structure is designed in a way, so it stays on a slope that is directed towards the drains. Unfortunately, if any water gets inside your wall, you can have water barrier designs installed to prevent this from happening.

Takeaway- Keep Mold Out of Your Buildings

Mold is never a good sign no matter where it appears because it leads to surface damage and health effects. It’s a huge risk for any business as well; imagine if your consumers are looking for professional services and they come to you, but see your mold-infested floors. They are bound to reconsider hiring you for your services.

Keeping your place dry and mold-free can be a complex procedure. You will need to be consistent, careful, and look out for any signs of mold. These tips can be helpful if you’re thinking of building a house or any building. Take preventative measures as a way to secure your building’s foundations from mold and call SERVPRO of Mankato/Owatonna to take care of an existing mold issue today at 507-200-3700.