Along with the arrival of summer comes an unwanted guest: mold. These fungi need a warm and humid environment to survive. Preventing mold growth might require prep work, but it’s easier and more affordable than dealing with a full-on mold infestation later on, which will require an expert mold remediation specialist, like Rytech Nashville.

Here are some steps you can take to stop mold growth before it even starts.

Clean and disinfect your home. Focus on areas prone to mold growth such as your bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, attic, walls, and ceilings. Dirt and moisture can facilitate mold growth; taking these out of the equation can help prevent a mold infestation from taking place.

Fabric surfaces such as couches, curtains, clothing, rugs, and towels are porous and susceptible to mold growth, especially if they’re left wet for too long. Keep them dry at all times.

Also, make it a habit to remove any standing water on any surface immediately.

Keep humidity at bay. Hot showers, cooking, and the warmer summer air all add to your home’s humidity. Use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity level inside your home. Ideally, indoor relative humidity should be between 30 to 50 percent to prevent mold growth. It also deters pests such as cockroaches and dust mites.

It should be an automatic thing to turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom while you’re taking a shower and in the kitchen while you’re cooking. Steam provides a sufficient amount of moisture for mold to thrive.

Control the temperature. Summer means temperatures are higher than normal, even inside your home. Even if you are trying to save a few bucks on A/C, setting your thermostat within 69 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit makes it more difficult for mold to grow. Mold grows best between 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Improve air circulation. Consider investing in ceiling fans. Opening all interior doors will allow air to circulate more efficiently throughout your home, which in turn will lower temperatures.

Do seasonal maintenance checks. Inspect your home for busted pipes, leaking roofs (especially if it’s a rainy summer), and repair them immediately. Make sure your HVAC system is checked by a professional every 6 months or at least once a year at a minimum.

Mold can damage your home not just during the summer months but any time of the year. If you notice a musty smell in your home, there’s probably mold growing somewhere. If the odor is there but you can’t find any traces of mold growth, it’s best to get in touch with a mold remediation professional. Rytech Nashville has delivered quick and effective mold remediation solutions to Middle Tennessee residents since 1995. IICRC-certified technicians will discuss the types of mold found and suggest an immediate and efficient plan of action to remove the mold and detect the moisture causing it. Schedule an appointment today – a member of Rytech Nashville’s Customer Service Team will get in touch and see how they can help.

Rytech Nashville has become a leader in the water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. From its humble beginnings in one location, the company has reached exponential growth and currently provides service to 49 major markets across 25 states. Call (615) 751-8445 for more information.

Summer storms are just a fact of life throughout the United States, and especially in the southern US. And while 90% of undesirable weather that rolls through town is little more than an inconvenience, the rest is capable of inflicting damage to your property. Downed trees and a water-logged basement are usually the main concerns. However, your roof, which is fully exposed during all weather events, may not always come out unscathed. 

According to the water damage restoration experts at Rytech Nashville, it pays to take a quick look at your roof once the sun comes out, even if you don’t have an apparent leak. Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions on how to identify storm and water damage, restoration needs, and other roofing issues.

Q: What type of roof damage can happen during a storm?

Rytech Nashville: That depends on the storm. High winds can rip shingles from the roof. Excessive rain can cause water buildup in the gutters that can also damage the shingles. Hail can remove asphalt granules, leaving the underlying material vulnerable to the elements.

Q: If the shingles look fine, what else can a homeowner look for?

Rytech Nashville: One telltale sign that the roof is at risk are raised nail heads. Even if the shingles are in place, this almost always means that winds have pushed the shingles out of place. You can also look at the flashing, which are pieces of metal around the chimney and air vents. Bent, broken, or dislodged flashing can cause water to penetrate your home through the walls or the roof. If this happens, you will almost certainly need water damage restoration services and may require mold removal to make the home safe.

Q: What should I do about sagging gutters?

Rytech Nashville: Gutters that have been dislodged from the fascia have likely become clogged with leaves, small twigs, and other debris. If it is safe, clear the gutters and reattach them to the house. Clogged gutters are a serious issue. When it rains, if the water cannot drain, it can build up and gradually seep into the walls through the roof. Rainwater can also pour off the sides of the gutters and pool around the perimeter of your home and then enter through cracks in the foundation. Even a small amount of water inside the home can cause significant mold growth. Mold removal can help, but unless you identify weak spots, it will grow back.

Q: Are there signs of roof damage that may not be apparent from the outside?

Rytech Nashville: Yes. Grab a flashlight and head to the attic. Chances are, the plywood sub-roof is exposed from underneath. From here, you can look for discolorations in the wood and will be able to see if the plywood is sagging. Dark spots likely indicate that it has been in contact with water. Turn the light off and make a note of any areas where you see sunlight coming in from the outside. The only spots that should allow light to enter are the gable vents on either side of the home. 

Q: There is a tree on my roof and obvious damage. What should I do now?

Rytech Nashville: Your first priority is to get yourself, your family, and any pets out of the home until it is deemed safe for return. Contact your insurance company to find out if they will cover the cost of a hotel or other accommodations until a roofing company can get out and inspect the damage. If your home has been flooded, ask them about water damage restoration coverage. The sooner your roof is fixed, the better, since standing water in the interior causes more damage the longer it is there. 

Rytech Nashville offers water damage restoration and mold removal throughout Davidson, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, and Rutherford counties. Visit Rytech.com/Nashville for more information.