A common myth is that only old homes have mold problems. The truth is that mold doesn't care whether your home is old or new. If there is a moisture problem, mold will just grow in a new home as it would in an old home. However, it is important to know that as the building materials age, they may become more prone to mold growth but unless there are moisture problems mold will not grow. The only logical reason why old homes are likely to have mold growth is that they may have had leaks here and there which have gone unnoticed for a long time.

Next time you are looking for a new home to buy, remember new homes are not free from mold growth if there are moisture problems.

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Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold growth is better and cheaper than trying to remove it after growth.

Suggested steps you can take to prevent mold growth in your home

• Reducing moisture content in your home will reduce the possibility of mold growth. Moisture is the only element mold needs that you can control to some extent. The other elements: air, food source and temperature are practically difficult to control. Very few molds can grow at a humidity less than 60%. Therefore keep your home's humidity low. You may want to consider a dehumidifier if necessary.


• Repair leaking pipes, roofs and window sills immediately. Mold requires persistent moisture for the spores to germinate and and grow. A leak won't cause mold to grow if you clean up the water and repair the problem within 24-48 hours.


• Ensure your house has positive drainage. In other words, rain water should drain away from your house, not into the basement.


• Areas such as sinks, showers, laundry rooms and bathtubs should be kept free of standing water.


• Inspect your home's interior (and even exterior) regularly for moisture intrusion. Any visible mold growth indoors no matter how little should be removed. If visible mold is not removed it provides more spores for new mold growth.


• Ensure your house is well ventilated.


• Keep your house as dust free as possible by vacuum cleaning the carpet, upholstery and mattresses as regularly as possible. Spores settled in dust on surfaces start new mold growth once moisture becomes available.