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Mold and Moisture at Home: What the EPA Says

By AAA Construction Pros ·

Mold needs moisture. That is the whole strategy: if you control the moisture, you control the mold. The U.S. EPA's guidance is practical and worth reading before a problem starts.

The central idea: control the moisture

The EPA's brief guide to mold, moisture and your home frames it simply: there is no way to eliminate every mold spore indoors, so the way to control mold is to control moisture. Find the source of the water, and fix it.

Speed matters

After a leak or flooding, the EPA advises drying the affected area quickly. Its guidance on mold cleanup after floods says that if a flooded home and its contents are not dried within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume mold growth. Items that cannot be dried or cleaned may need to be removed.

Everyday moisture sources worth checking

  • Leaks. Roofs, windows, plumbing under sinks and around toilets and showers.
  • Condensation. Cold surfaces, such as windows and pipes, that sweat.
  • Ventilation. Bathrooms and kitchens should exhaust to the outside, and fans need to move enough air to do the job.
  • Drainage. Water that pools against the foundation can end up inside.

What to do first

  1. Stop the water. Fix or shut off the source.
  2. Dry the area. Open windows, use fans and dehumidifiers where appropriate, and remove wet material that cannot be dried.
  3. Protect yourself. The EPA's disaster guide recommends at minimum an N-95 respirator, goggles and gloves when cleaning up mold.
  4. Check it stayed dry. A surface can look fine while the material behind it is still damp.

When to call a professional

Large areas of mold, mold that keeps returning, mold after sewage or contaminated floodwater, and any situation involving health concerns call for a qualified professional rather than a do-it-yourself fix. Read the EPA's homeowners and renters guide to mold cleanup after disasters for how to decide.

Building it right the next time

When you remodel a kitchen or bathroom, ask about the waterproofing, the exhaust fan and the drainage around the house before choosing finishes. See bathroom remodeling, and our guide on why looks dry is not enough.

AAA Construction Pros is a licensed general contractor for remodeling and additions. We do not provide emergency water extraction, mold remediation, environmental clearance or insurance adjusting. If you are planning to rebuild once a property is dry, safe and cleared, call and ask whether the project fits our work.

Sources

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Keep reading

General information, not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with the source linked above and with your city. Planning prices come only after a field technician assesses your property.