Mold problems are ugly. Mold problems are costly. Mold problems can leave your home's air unpleasant and even unhealthy to breathe. With so many potential issues arising from mold, it's natural to want to do everything you can to prevent its growth. However, many people assume that if they've never had mold before, they don't need to worry about mold now.

The truth is that preventing mold growth isn't a passive activity. Mold spores are present nearly everywhere, including in even the cleanest homes. In most cases, these spores are harmless and go undetected, right up until the moment when conditions become ideal for colonies to form. Ensuring this doesn't happen requires proactive action from homeowners.

Moisture: The Missing Element

Mold requires nutrition, heat, and moisture for growth. Nearly every home will contain the first two elements practically everywhere. Unless you like to keep your home unusually chilly, there's probably enough heat for mold to grow. Likewise, most homes contain plenty of food for mold, from wood framing elements to paper drywall backing.

So, with so many tasty treats available, what keeps the average home from becoming overrun with mold? Moisture is the key. Most homes are relatively dry places, and comfortable humidity levels of human occupation are much too low for mold growth. While this situation seems great initially, it also means that your home is always just a hair from having the perfect conditions for mold.

Keeping Your Home Dry

You've probably already guessed that the best way to prevent mold is to keep your home as dry as possible. First and foremost, it's necessary to address leaks quickly and permanently. Even seemingly small leaks can create damp surfaces that will create a perfect mold environment. Once mold colonizes these surfaces, it will create more spores and ultimately cause a much larger problem.

However, leaks are far from the only sources of moisture in a home. Older windows and doors are other areas where water can enter your home, sometimes in imperceptible amounts that still provide sufficient moisture for mold growth. Carefully check for mold around your door and window trim since its presence may indicate mold entering your home from these areas.

Taking a Whole-Home Approach

After looking for obvious sources, you'll want to consider the wider picture. Using a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home is a good start. In warmer temperatures, mold typically grows at relative humidity levels above 65%. If you notice these humidity levels in one or more rooms in your house (especially during the summer), mold may be a serious concern for your home.

Your next steps will depend on the severity of your humidity problem. A single-room dehumidifier may resolve the issue if it's only present in one or two rooms. On the other hand, high humidity throughout your home may require you to do more. In these cases, consulting with a mold prevention expert is the best way to decide on an effective option to stop mold growth in your home.

For more information on home mold prevention, contact a professional near you.