Preventing Mold from Growing in Your Garage

One of the most overlooked areas for mold growth on a person’s property is the garage.  As in other areas of southern Florida, Broward County sees a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, especially during the rainy months of May through October.  This is also the time of year when homeowners have to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for mold.  Whether attached or detached, your garage has an elevated risk of flooding during the wet season. Thus, you need to be vigilant so that the areas around the doors do not aid growth of mold.

With any southern Florida home and garage, the chance of incurring water damage can be extremely worrisome.  Consequently, when moisture and water are present, you can bet mold growth will soon follow.  Furthermore, it’s only a matter of time before that growth takes over if it is left undetected.  As a homeowner, there are certain measures or precautions you should take to ensure that your garage and the vehicles inside it are protected.  Here are some prevention tips to consider.

• Garage door seal – ironically, you can spend hundreds of dollars on a new garage door and yet the seal won’t fit as tightly as it should. Consequently, water will have an easy time entering your garage.  Buy a flood barrier strip for more protection.

• Garage roof – be sure to look for cracks, dips, and swelling as these are areas where problems can easily develop. If that type of damage already exists, you should call a Broward County mold inspector as soon as possible.

• Humidity control – open your garage door during the day for an hour or so to let the stuffy air out. Unfortunately, you can’t always do this during the rainy season.  A more permanent solution would be to purchase a dehumidifier.

• Pipes – check any pipes for leaks as this is one of the primary causes of mold growth homes and garages. Mold thrives in areas that are moist and warm, and a leaky garage pipe certainly qualifies. If there is any signs of mold or algae around the pipe, call in the experts and get it repaired.

• Rain gutters – if your rain gutter currently empties in close proximity to the garage door, this is a recipe for disaster. Add an extension piece so the water is directed further away and cannot enter the garage.

Keep in mind that preventative maintenance can go a long way to avoiding costly damage to your home and garage, especially when it comes to preventing the growth of mold.  To learn more about mold growth and the hazards of it or to schedule a mold inspection, contact Florida Inspections Unlimited today at 954-861-0666.