One of the biggest concerns when it comes to homes in humid or moist climates is mold or mildew. Limiting the risk of mold or mildew can be challenging, but it will be worthwhile in the long run. When it comes to enclosed rooms or sunrooms, limiting moisture may be even more of a task compared to the interior of your home. Since enclosed rooms have different or less insulation than a home, the risks of mold growth increase significantly. Let’s look at some ways that you can help reduce the risk of mold and mildew in your enclosed patio or sunroom.
Perform Frequent Cleaning
The best way to reduce bacteria or other growths around your home is to clean frequently. When moisture or dirt is left on surfaces for a long time, it can deteriorate the materials and lead to mold spores. Enclosed rooms need to be cleaned frequently to limit pollen, dirt, dander, and moisture from taking over the space. Cleaning surfaces and furniture frequently will prevent the mold from damaging these materials.
Use A Dehumidifier
Enclosed rooms without proper ventilation can trap moisture after a humid day, rainstorm, or hot weather. Placing a dehumidifier in your enclosed room can help keep the moisture content in the air to a moderate degree, thus preventing mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew need moisture to thrive, so a dehumidifier will help pull water droplets out of the air, keeping the area free of these growths and limiting a musty smell. Maintaining a lower humidity level will lower the condensation in an enclosed room, lowering your risk for mold or mildew, musty smells, and a muggy feeling when using the room.
Address Leaks Or Wet Areas Quickly
Limiting any kind of moisture is crucial when you want to prevent mold and mildew growth. If a spill or leak happens inside your enclosed room, you will need to address it quickly. Since these rooms are exposed to the outdoors more than interior rooms, you can utilize the natural sunlight to help dry up moisture that has appeared. A spill of any kind, including soda, food, or cleaning solution, should be cleaned up quickly to prevent the moisture from spreading.
Utilize Moisture-Absorbing Chemicals
Moisture-absorbing chemicals are often included with clothing or furniture during shipping to prevent mold or mildew concerns. Silica gel, anhydrous calcium sulfate, and activated alumina can help absorb moisture from the air inside a small space. Putting these packets or beads across the enclosed room can reduce the humidity to a level where mold or mildew is unable to thrive. Sprinkle the chemicals or packets on the floor, under sofas, or in open containers away from children and pets.
Signs Of Mold And Mildew
Understanding the signs of mold or mildew growth can help you prevent them from spreading. When you can recognize the signs or potential for mold growth, you can stop it in its tracks. Here are some indicators that mold could be a problem inside your home.
Frequent Leaks
Small leaks often go unnoticed, but frequent leaks and condensation build-up can be a major concern. Leaks can lead to a bigger problem down the line if they are not addressed quickly. If you don’t inspect your home frequently, this gives mold time to grow and go unnoticed until it is too late.
Dark Streaky Stains
Dark streaks on your walls, ceiling, or carpet are another indicator of mold growth. Black or gray streaks are mold growth and could indicate problems in other areas of the home.
Warping Paint
Bubbling or warping paint is a clear sign of moisture. Water can get trapped between the wall and the layer of paint when proper preparation isn’t completed. Letting this moisture sit between the layers of your wall could cause mildew or mold growth, and further paint damage.
Strange Pet Behavior
Breathing in mold spores can cause health risks in pets and family members. Mold spores can cause headaches, respiratory issues, and skin conditions. Pets are often the first to show signs of mold poisoning, especially if they are avoiding certain areas of the home. They will react to the mold in your home by scratching, decreased appetite, and becoming lethargic.
Enclosed Rooms From Kool Breeze
Enclosed rooms and sunrooms are a great way to add more living space to your home. Kool Breeze specializes in these extra spaces that help to improve your summer hangouts. Enclosed rooms help you to have a tranquil retreat during all types of weather, while remaining sheltered from the elements. Our team offers different styles and systems to help fit any home aesthetic. Enclosed rooms can help you enjoy the view without allergies, wind, or kicked-up debris to dampen the mood. Reach out to us to get your backyard retreat started today!
