Preventative Measures to Prepare Your Home for Winter Moisture
The following are measures that can be taken to help prevent water and moisture intrusion to your home, and subsequently mold growth and potential mold contamination. Bay Mold, LLC is available to “winterize” your home and to provide you with preventative measures and home improvements to keep your home warm, dry and mold free!

Call us today at 888-664-MOLD to set up and appointment to
“winterize” your home and reduce your chances of mold contamination!

HELPFUL HINTS
1. Check roof for potential leak areas or weaknesses.

2. Remove debris from gutters (perform a test of your gutter system by placing a hose in the gutter to ensure gutters are evacuating correctly and have no “clogs”.)

3. Provide extensions to downspouts with splash blocks to avoid water run-off into foundation or crawl area.

4. Place metal or tin flashing at wood to wood, or wood to stucco exposures, such as fencing flush with siding or patio decking flush with home exterior.

5. Repair any cracks in stucco or penetrations to stucco (i.e., cable or wiring holes, etc.) especially around window areas – silicone caulk, not latex!

6. Homes without insulation often encounter condensation due to warm interiors and cold walls. Insulation reduces the risk of mold growth on walls and also reduces your electric bill!

7. Ensure all windows are sealed correctly with sealant recommended by manufacturer on exterior of window.

8. Trim all overhanging limbs and bushes away from roof and any overgrowth that is flush with windows or doors.

9. Leave window coverings open during the daylight hours to allow evaporation, especially on aluminum frame, single pane windows, as these windows often “sweat.”

10. Clean tracks on windows to ensure no dirt is present which would prevent moisture from draining to the outside versus weeping into the sheetrock.

11. Forced air heat allows air to circulate and reduces the potential for “cold spots” which cause airborne mold spores to become trapped.

12. Dehumidifiers are great for homes that tend to have higher humidity due to location (i.e., dark forested areas, ocean or marine exposure, high water table) or unwanted crawl space moisture.

13. All dirt, debris and landscape coverings should not be flush with home (should be below weepscreed) and should be graded away from wood siding, stucco or brick.

14. Homes with hills or slopes that allow run-off to the property should have proper drainage – French drain systems and sump pumps are often necessary for these landscapes.

15. Repair screen vents at crawl area – keeps ‘critters’ out!

16. Ensure sprinkler systems do not saturate soil next to home to avoid moisture leeching into foundation.

Give us a call if you’d like your home inspected for winter preparation! WE provide all of the services recommended above to “winterize” your property! Give us a call to set up an appoi