The Connection Between Moisture Control and Mold Prevention

At MoldTech, our number one piece of advice for homeowners facing mold removal in Vaughan is to get their indoor moisture under control. This prevalent problem affects thousands of homes in Vaughan and across Ontario, even though there are dozens of solutions to minimize or eliminate excess moisture. During mold inspections, moisture is one of the key factors we look for because of its critical role in mold growth. In today’s article, we’ll unpack this relationship and share some general tips for reducing indoor mold growth. 

The Ingredients for Successful Mold Growth

Mold is a natural part of the environment, and in our sealed, temperature-controlled homes, it can be challenging to prevent. Mold needs three ingredients to thrive successfully: 

• Organic material
• Stable temperature
• Moisture

Our homes are made up of dozens of organic materials that mold likes to grow on. And it’s not just growing — mold is actively consuming and breaking down these materials, just as it would out in nature, where it helps, for example, leaves break down into dirt. This is, however, not what we want to have happen indoors. Common materials for mold to grow on include wood products like sheathing, joists, furniture, and flooring, but also textiles, paper, and other manufactured materials involved in construction. 

Stable temperatures are provided year-round in our heated and air-conditioned homes. Many household molds can survive at temperatures as low as 0°C, which means that there are no freezing cycles to kill off infestations. The even temperatures that keep us comfortable are, unfortunately, also good for mould — which is why controlled moisture is the best weapon in the mould prevention arsenal. 

The Wheres and Whys of Moisture

Mold needs water to live, and our homes are happy to provide it. Moisture arrives indoors through several means, such as: 

• During bathing or cooking, which creates steam and splashes
• Through washing clothes and dishes
• In pipes and water tanks
• Through damage to the exterior of your home
• In standing water in toilets or open sump pumps and drains
• From wet clothes and shoes
• Through leaks and floods

It’s impossible to stop moisture from entering your home — the more important thing is to control where and why it enters. Some things, like a flood or burst pipe, are hard to predict, but for others, like steam from cooking, there are strategies we can recommend to help bring down your moisture levels. 

Tips for Reducing Indoor Moisture

There are several things you can do today to help reduce moisture in your home. One of the MoldTech team’s top suggestions is to install an exhaust fan in your bathroom or above your stove. This fan should be routed out of your home and will pull wet, moisture-laden air out of your indoor environment. The next best thing is to crack a nearby window — regardless of the time of year, this will have a significant effect on indoor moisture. 

Other things our team likes to recommend include: 

• Insulating pipes that run along exterior walls, which prevents condensation
• Updating insulation
• Ensuring you have airflow in critical areas like the basement or attic
• Using a dehumidifier downstairs
• Installing a back-water value to prevent flooding
• Rerouting downspouts away from the home
• Cutting back large plants or bushes from around your home to increase airflow
• Regular mold inspections to monitor problem areas

What We Look for During Mold Inspection

During a mold inspection, the MoldTech team will do an in-depth assessment of your home and property. We look at both the interior and exterior for risk factors that lead to mold growth and poke around in both dark and bright corners — while the dark basement might be the stereotypical site for a mold infestation, the living room, kitchen, and other high-traffic areas may also have hidden mold colonies due to subtle moisture or airflow problems. 

We also like to make temperature and humidity readings, which establish a baseline in case you wish to have yearly or seasonal testing, a service that can help detect infestations before they take hold. Mold inspection before or during a renovation can also be beneficial — we can advise you on mold-resistant materials or steps you may like to take to protect your new bathroom or kitchen. 

The number one cause of mold removal in Vaughan is moisture — don’t let this problem sneak up on you! To book a mold inspection or ask us about mold removal and remediation, reach out to the MoldTech team today. 

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