Worried about mold invasion in your garage? Follow these tips to keep your garage mold-free.
When it comes to maintaining a garage, your concern about mold invasion is very much valid. This is because garages are prone to moisture due to car washes and water from rain or snowfall brought inside by vehicles. On top of that, the clutter in the garage serves as food for mold. Food and moisture work together to create the ideal conditions for mold invasion.
However, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. We’ve compiled some tips to prevent mold growth in your garage.
Extend Gutter Downspouts
The steps you take inside your garage to remove mold can remain largely ineffective if you fail to fix the external issues. Downspouts and gutters are your garage’s first line of defense against water and mold damage. Keep your gutters well maintained and extend the downspouts to at least 10 feet far from the garage foundation.
Dry Items Before Storing
By storing mops, bikes, umbrellas, etc., in your garage while they’re still wet, you’re giving mold a chance for easy invasion. After using any storage tools, seasonal items, or cleaning supplies, dry it completely before placing it in the garage. Use a towel to wipe down any wet item and air-dry them to make them completely moisture-free.
Thoroughly wipe steel or metal tools but don’t air-dry them because when combined, moisture and oxygen can cause metals to rust. Aluminum does not rust, so if your bike is made from aluminum, air drying shouldn’t be a problem.
Insulate and Seal Your Garage Door
To prevent garage mold, you’ll also need to avert moisture intrusion. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to seal and insulate the garage door. If you notice that the water stripping is torn, crumbled, or ragged, replace it at your earliest. Besides, the bottom seal remains subject to wear, shrinkage, and elasticity. Therefore, keep an eye on it and replace it when required.
When it comes to insulation, nothing beats a pre-insulated garage door panel, which has a higher R-value than any other option. R-value shows how resistant the technique is to the heat flow.
Maintain Humidity Levels
Since garages are exposed to numerous moisture elements, they often have high humidity levels, which only facilitate mold growth. The humidity levels should stay between 30% and 50%. Anything higher than 50% will trigger mold infestation. To control the humidity, allow for natural light in the garage for several hours a day and install fans and vents for proper ventilation in the space.
Avoid Using Mold-Supporting Agents
Porous items like cardboard boxes, shelves, and paper quickly absorb water, which makes them a food source for mold. Avoid using cardboard boxes for storage. Replace them with plastic totes. This is because plastic is not only resistant to mold but also ensures better protection of the stored items.
If you suspect garage mold, contact STOP for mold inspection and remediation immediately.
