Unfortunately, mold is a common problem in many rental units. Not a surprise when you realize that the Texas environment offers them every opportunity for growth: moisture, nutrients and the right temperature range. Studies claim that there are over 100,000 species of mold. Only a small percentage of these are toxic, but others can still expose infants, seniors and asthma patients to health issues.
As such, you must take steps to prevent mold growth in your rental units or problems will arise for your tenants.
What paves way for mold growth?
Excess moisture is one. Maybe your rental home recently suffered from extensive water damage or some of your areas remained wet for a prolonged period. This single factor can allow mold to grow if the temperature is right. And when this happens your tenants are subjected to mold hazards.
And what leads to increased moisture? Water damage is just one reason; there are others as well such as a faulty roof, ground water seepage, leaky plumbing systems and so on.
How can you prevent mold?
Regular inspection is the best way to prevent mold growth. While at this, you will have to control moisture in the environment and hopefully, you will not have to deal with any mold issues. We talked to some industry experts and they shared the following suggestions with us:
Fix leaks
Where is the water coming from in your property? If it is outside, you can prevent it with waterproofing techniques. From the foundation of your property, the ground should decline in a downward slope. If there is water in the basement, it is probably because of ineffective gutters or a water flow into the house from the outside. Also get your gutters maintained; they might have become clogged.
Prevent moisture in the crawlspaces
Crawlspaces can also allow moisture to seep through the ground. Cover them with dirt and ventilate them properly.
Maintain moisture levels in the inside
A bathroom and a kitchen are the wettest places on any residential property. Install an exhaust fan in every bathroom and kitchen.
Use dehumidifiers
Educate your tenants to use dehumidifiers if the outside weather is hot and humid. This will control the amount of moisture in the air.
Act on our advice and mold infestation should not be an issue that you will encounter.
Source: www.aoausa.com
