Mold is a potential issue within your home that is caused by moisture exposure and water damage. It is a serious health hazard, as mold in your home can leave spores in the air that can cause or aggravate respiratory conditions. Whether you have already had mold remediation done in your home, or simply feel that there are high risk areas that suffer from high levels of moisture and humidity, there are a number of things that you can do to cut down on the risk of mold taking root in your home.

Fans and Vents

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of mold growth in your home is to improve overall ventilation, especially in areas that are particularly prone to high levels of moisture. This means running the exhaust fan in your bathroom after you take a bath or shower, and making sure that you always have the range hood on while cooking on the stove. Running your air conditioner on fan only mode when the temperature is moderate but the humidity is high is another good way to remove moisture from the entirety of your home's interior. This will drop moisture levels and the risk of mold growth.

Landscaping Changes

Besides the bathroom and kitchen, you should also pay attention to the basement. The basement, being below ground, is particularly susceptible to flooding damage and the resulting mold growth can be relatively extensive. In order to make sure that water is draining properly away from the sides of your home, you should make sure that your downspouts are extended at least several feet from the wall, and that the ground is properly sloped to carry water into a municipal drainage system or at least to an area of your home that can absorb a large amount of water.

Plumbing Issues

Finally, the next most common source of water damage within your home comes from broken or leaking pipes. Any sort of drip, no matter how small, can build up over time and encourage extensive amounts of mold growth. You should keep an eye on your exposed plumbing for signs of condensation or leaks, and should also watch for signs of water damage behind your walls, like peeling paint and wallpaper, sponginess, and the sound of running water. Further, it's not a bad idea to have a professional plumber inspect your system every year or so: this can help identify potential issues early, before they require expensive repairs (and additional water and mold damage remediation to boot).