Every fall the home services industry puts out the call for homeowners to begin their fall maintenance procedures. Having your HVAC system tuned up, checking the water heater and winterizing the condenser or window unit are just a few of the recommended actions. RestoPros also wants to remind Dallas/Ft. Worth residents that it is also important to inspect and prepare your home to ensure it isn’t infiltrated by mold.

Our unpredictable fall and winter weather generally comes with moisture and humidity; two elements that mold must have to grow and thrive. This means that there are areas both inside your home and out that will need to be addressed. The professionals at RestoPros have complied a list of essential areas of concern for home owners to explore before the seasons change.

Check for Air Leaks

• Check older windows to make sure that the glass is sealed within the frame. Loose panes, cracked frames and dried or shrunk sealant can promote air leaks, condensation and mold. Reseal these areas with silicon caulk.
• The areas where plumbing, ductwork and electrical wiring comes through walls, floors and ceilings will often need to be sealed. Check all places within the home (that are within your reach) for obvious cracks or gaps and seal with caulk.
• Make sure that windows and doors close tightly. You can test the tightness by inserting a piece of paper in the door or window frame and shutting it. If you can easily pull the paper out, then you have an air leak. Try adding weather stripping to stop the drafts.
• Are there any gaps or cracks where the house (or your garage) framing meets the foundation? They need to be sealed to keep out drafts and rodents. Vines can also creep into these gaps, making them wider and introducing moisture into the area.
• If your home is particularly drafty, consider installing foam gaskets behind the outlets and switch plates. These electrical plates, which cover holes in the wall to accommodate the wiring, are often magnets for drafts.

Inspect the Duct System and Water Heater

• Ductwork is an ideal place for mold to grow, especially within ducts that are loose or damaged. Check your ductwork for places where it may have come loose or shows signs of wear. You can fix these problems with aluminum duct tape or sheet metal screws.
• Check the return and supply duct openings to make sure that they are clean and free from obstructions.
• Check the water heater and surrounding area for leaks.

Inspect Gutters and Downspouts

• Clean out the gutters and downspouts for the fall to ensure that the rain can properly drain away from the house.
• Clogged gutters and downspouts can overflow if clogged – damaging your home and creating mold and mildew problems.

Inspect the Roof

• Check for any missing or cracked shingles, soft spots or signs of animal damage.
• Check the soffits/eaves for water damage, rot or signs of mold.
• Repair any damage immediately. A roof leak is one of the leading causes of mold in a home.

Check Attics and Other Storage Areas

• Assess all the rooms that are normally used for storage – or get little foot traffic because of the location. Check the humidity of these rooms – and check for leaks and signs of a mold outbreak. If you are dealing with a leaky roof, the attic will usually offer the earliest signs
• In Dallas/Ft. Worth there are more crawl spaces than basements. If you have a crawl space, you should have this area assessed as well to ensure there are no leaks or mold growth.

10 Mold Prevention Tips for Your Home

This fall, include mold prevention as part of your regular maintenance procedures. Ensuring your home is free from leaks and ready for the cooler weather will help greatly in keeping it mold and mildew free. If you do spot mold growth during your assessment, and think that the problem goes beyond a minor leak, contact the experts at RestoPros. We can help with all your testing, remediation and repair needs. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

Related Blogs:

Mold Awareness Month

Natural Mold and Mildew Removal

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