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Mold has a bad reputation, butÌýitÌýisn’tÌýsomething we need to be overly afraid of. In nature, theÌýpurpose of mold is toÌýbreak down organic materials, such as fallen leaves and trees. However,Ìýmold in our homeÌýcan be problematicÌýand costly. MoldÌýcanÌýproduce allergic reactionsÌýthat can beÌýirritatingÌýor even harmful, particularly to people withÌýexisting respiratoryÌýconditions such as asthma.ÌýÌý

September is the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Mold Awareness Month. SinceÌýhome improvement projects that involve insulation areÌýcommon at this time of year,Ìýhere areÌýthreeÌýways insulation can helpÌýprevent mold in your home.Ìý

1.Ìý Select theÌýrightÌýinsulationÌýmaterialÌýÌý

Mold needs three things to grow: moisture, warm temperatures and a food source.ÌýSoÌýwhen you’re choosing insulation for your home,Ìýthe first step is to choose anÌýinsulationÌýmaterialÌýthatÌýwon’t serve as a food source for mold.ÌýNone of Â鶹ֱ²¥appÌýfiberglass,Ìýmineral woolÌýorÌýfoamÌýinsulationsÌýare food sources for mold.ÌýÌý

2. ProperÌýinstallationÌý

The next consideration is proper installation.ÌýWhen installing insulation, youÌýneed toÌýinstall it dry and keep it dry.ÌýIt’s also important to insulate completely.ÌýSmall spaces that are left uninsulated orÌýgaps in insulationÌýcan allow moisture in and provide an opportunity for mold to grow.ÌýIf your insulation project is complicated or involves a potential moisture issue, you may want toÌýconsult a pro.ÌýA skilled contractor brings years of experience into the mix and will be informed on best practices for preventing mold.ÌýÌý

3. KeepÌýmoistureÌýoutÌý

After your insulation is installed, the ongoing challenge is making sure that it stays dry.ÌýPreventing mold comes down to one main issue:Ìýmaking sure youÌýkeepÌýmoistureÌýout ofÌýyour home.ÌýMake sureÌýwindowsÌýare well sealed. Inspect your roof to make sure there are no leaks.ÌýAnd make sure thatÌýbathroomsÌýand garagesÌýare properly ventilated.ÌýCheck out the EPA’s infographic on moisture control and moldÌý.ÌýÌý

If you suspect that there might be mold in your home, here are a few signsÌýthat might potentially indicate a mold problemÌýand warrant further investigation:Ìý

• A musty smell in the basementÌýor elsewhere.ÌýA musty smell could indicate that water has gotten in.ÌýÌý
• Leaks in the roof or around a chimney.ÌýDefects in construction can cause leaks. Leaks can also spring up over time. It’s important to quickly identify the source of the leak and repair it promptly.ÌýÌý
• Leaks around a window.ÌýIf water gets in andÌýtheÌýarea never has a chance to fully dry, there is a risk of mold.ÌýÌý
• Improper ventilation. If you have a bathroom that isn’t properly ventilated, there’s a risk that mold will grow on the adjacent walls.ÌýÌý

If you find that you have mold in your home, it may be best to bring in a professional remediation company, depending on the size of the mold problem. Read more about how to handleÌýa moldÌýcleanupÌý.ÌýÌýÌý

JohnsÌýManvilleÌýmanufacturersÌýaÌýwide range of insulation for your home improvement projects.ÌýFor more informationÌýabout Â鶹ֱ²¥appÌýinsulationÌýproducts, DIY tips,ÌýhelpÌýwithÌýR-values and more, visit us here.