Even though Colorado is a dry, cold climate, it doesn’t prevent it from being the 9th in the U.S. for incidence of mold and mold intrusion. Mold isn’t always caused by standing water, or humid conditions – things you normally associate with mold buildup. Watch these 8 areas in your home to keep your family safe against mold.
- Leaky or dripping pipes.
When a pipe bursts, it’s pretty obvious you have a problem. But a slow leak or drip may not be noticeable for weeks or even months. We’ve faced some severe temperature dips these past few months and have had low temperatures remain for weeks at a time. If your pipes aren’t insulated properly, a bursting pipe might not be your problem – it may be the slow leak. - Leaky roof.
After a fresh snowstorm, do you find dry spots on your roof where heat is escaping? Lack of insulation can allow your heat to slip into the cold air. It can also allow a slow leak to creep into your attic or wallboards. - Damp basement.
Unfinished basements are a perfect source for mold. They are cold and not well ventilated. And you stack and store things in piles, making it difficult to see every wall and corner. Do a thorough check a few times per year. - Damp crawlspace.
While a basement usually provides some structure with cement and boards, a crawlspace is even more susceptible because of the exposure to natural surroundings. Check under plastic covers, and watch for stains on the plastic and wood surroundings. - Houseplants.
Do you have a plant in a large pot in your family room? If you haven’t moved it in a while, it’s a perfect place for mold to hide. Just a little overwatering can cause water to settle under the pot, and begin eating its way through your carpet, padding and floor. - Tiles, paneling and wainscot.
We all put tiles and paneling into the bathroom, or use wainscoting to add character and personality to a room. But if they aren’t installed correctly, they are perfect hiding places for water – and ultimately mold. - Clothes dryer.
If your clothes dryer isn’t properly vented inside to allow heat and humidity to escape outside, you risk the chance of mold buildup along the path. - Refrigerator.
Love the automatic ice and water feature in your refrigerator door? While it is a great convenience, it’s also a potential mold threat. Maintain the refrigerator water line to prevent leaks and cracks from allowing small amounts of water to spill down your walls, and puddle onto your floor.
