While the winter months can provide the perfect opportunity to relish in the joys of a cozy night inside, the harsher weather conditions can lead to some nasty surprises, not least of all the prospect of mold.
If you are currently in the process of some home improvements and need to make sure your new construction project is sufficiently protected against the threat of mold, it is worth taking a look at putting a few preventative measures in place.
Installing Air Barriers
Air barriers can be a wonderful addition to your construction project, as they can protect your home and the integrity of your build from the elements.
Taking the time to install a superb vapor permeable air barrier membrane can ensure that your walls are sufficiently equipped to deal with air leakage, while at the same time, able to defend your structure from the formation of mold and moisture.
Developing a solid infrastructure is critical in construction of any kind, particularly in foundational elements like walls and roofs.
Seal Your Building
To eliminate the risk that damp weather presents to your construction efforts, sealing your building, also known as ‘drying in’ is probably the best way to go.
A watertight building can combat the chance of your interior becoming compromised and allow you to continue building without any worry from outside damage.
Make Sure Your Materials are Dry
If you build with damp materials, you may be setting yourself up for failure without even realizing it.
Any moisture absorbed by your materials may accelerate the growth of mold behind the scenes, so if you suspect they have been exposed to the rain or the damp, taking the time to dry them out is vital.
Use the Right Materials for the Job
Some materials are vastly more prone to mold accumulation than others, which means that you should make sure you are using the right materials for the job at hand.
Say you were building in a humid area – wallpaper, wood and fabric will likely be more susceptible to mold than dedicated mold resistant drywall.
When the time comes to spruce up your final creation, you may even want to consider getting your hands on some mold resistant paint just to be on the safe side.
Make Sure the Windows and Doors are Sealed
Old windows are particularly pesky when it comes to the subject of mold. They may end up leaking air and energy if they are not properly sealed.
Thankfully, this is an inexpensive fix that you can carry out quickly with the help of some caulk.
Use Ventilation
Mitigating moisture is the aim of the game when it comes to mold prevention. Using a dependable and effective ventilation system may be able to help you in this area.
If you have already noticed a buildup of mold on your construction project, it is worth carrying out an assessment to determine whether or not your materials are beyond saving. If this means contacting the professionals, then it’s likely worth it for the sake of your new build.