The summer of 22/23 is set to bring with it more rain, possible floods and cooler weather thanks to a predicted record breaking third consecutive La Niña season.
With more severe weather on the horizon, it’s important to know how to prepare your home for La Niña in order to stay safe and keep mould at bay.
In this article, we’ll outline the key maintenance jobs around the home that can help you prevent mould from taking hold this summer.
6 Steps To Help Prevent Mould This Mould Season
To help prevent mould growth in your home throughout the La Niña weather event, follow these best practices.
1. Clean Your Gutters Regularly
A clear gutter system prevents any water build-up or overflow, allowing it to quickly drain away from your property in the event of a downpour.
Be sure to perform routine checks to clear your gutters and downpipes of any large branches, leaves and debris. This will help keep your home safe from water damage, potentially saving you thousands in unwanted repairs.
2. Check The Roof For Leaks
Older homes, especially those with tiled roofs, can be prone to roof leaks in the event of heavy rainfall. And any roof leak left untreated can quickly become a breeding ground for mould.
If you live in an older home, or have recently experienced strong winds where large branches have fallen, be sure to check your roof is structurally sound and fix and holes or leaks as soon as possible.
3. Trim Overgrown Trees
If your home has overhanging trees or climbing vines, it might be time to give them a trim in light of another La Niña season.
Climbing vines and overgrown trees make it hard for the outside of your house to dry out, creating the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow.
Not to mention, the strong winds of a storm can easily uproot trees or large branches. And the last thing you want during a rainy season is a sizeable hole in your roof!
4. Use Dehumidifiers And Extraction Fans Where Possible
The combination of heavy rain and humid weather creates the ideal conditions for mould. Not to mention, when it rains we usually shut up our homes, cutting off ventilation and only further worsening the problem.
So, during this La Niña season, be sure to use extraction fans in the bathroom and kitchen to help remove excess moisture in the air when cooking or showering.
If you live in a humid climate, set your A/C unit to dry mode or invest in a dehumidifier – just remember to frequently empty the dehumidifier water tray to stop mould from growing in it.
5. Check Stormwater Drains
During heavy rain, a stormwater drain is essential for allowing excess water to leave your property quickly. If blocked, your home could be at risk of potential flooding, water pooling and eventually – mould.
That’s why ensuring your home’s stormwater drain is clear from dirt, debris and leaves can greatly reduce your risk of flooding.
6. Take Immediate Action If Your Home Floods
Mould can begin to grow in a flooded home in as little as 48 hours.
So, in the unfortunate event that your home does experience flooding, it’s important to know the appropriate steps to take to help prevent mould from taking hold.
This includes engaging services like structural drying and water damage restoration as soon as possible to start the drying process.
Understand What Causes Mould
The best way to prevent mould in your home is to understand what causes it to occur in the first place. Some of the most common catalysts for mould growth include:
- Poor ventilation in mould prone areas
- Water damage or flooding
- Damp, dark areas like basements and crawl spaces
- Condensation around window frames
To find out more on what causes mould in the home, see our article here.
What Should I Do If I Find Mould In My Home?
On average, mould effects roughly 70-80% of Australian homes, with that number only expected to increase in light of La Niña returning.
So, while finding mould growing in your home may not be uncommon, it’s important to know how to get rid of it safely and effectively to avoid serious (and often costly) infestations further down the line.
What If I Am Renting Or Live In An Apartment?
If you notice signs of mould growing in your apartment or rental property, always contact your landowner
If the cause of the mould is out of your control, then your land owner must reach out to a professional mould remediation company to address the issue. Find out more on what to do about mould in a rental property and who is responsible in our article here.
Professional Mould Remediation Is Always The Best Option
While it can be tempting to reach for the DIY methods, or even do nothing, when you find mould – it’s important to note that any patch larger than the palm of your hand should be treated by a professional.
Removing mould yourself not only puts your health at risk, but also risks leaving any subsequent hidden infestations to grow and spread.
A professional mould remediation company will not only safely remove the mould from your home but provide you with steps to help it from coming back once treatment is finished.
To ensure your home is kept safe and free from mould, call MouldMen on 1300 605 960 to book your free inspection today.