If you own a home, dealing with mold might be something you’ve faced before. Your garage could be a prime spot for this fungal growth because mold thrives in damp, dark places. It can grow practically anywhere, inside or outside.
It’s important to tackle mold quickly after you find it because it can stick to your shoes, clothing, and pets. Luckily, you’re not alone in the fight against mold. You can use one of the many proven strategies to prevent it from attacking your garage.
Why Mold Grows in Garages
Unlike the inside of your home, a garage isn’t always warm and cozy. It’s subject to the weather every time you open the door. The garage door seal isn’t always tight, so it can let in water easily. You may find puddles of water inside your garage after a heavy storm. Wet boots and tires bring additional dampness into the space.
All of this water continues collecting and slowly adds up. If your garage isn’t adequately ventilated, has poor drainage, or has little natural light, it’s a welcoming environment for mold.
Preventing Mold in Your Garage
It doesn’t take long for mold to grow on materials in your garage such as wood, cardboard, and cement. But you can stop mold from taking over your garage by making a few simple changes.
Seal and Insulate the Door
Protecting against mold starts with having a good seal and insulation on your garage door. If the weather stripping looks worn or deteriorated, change it immediately. Picking a garage door panel that contains insulation gives you a head start in protecting against heat loss.
Decrease Humidity
Garages naturally attract a lot of moisture, causing a high humidity level that encourages mold growth. Control these levels by providing adequate ventilation using fans and vents. Allow sunlight to shine through the windows for several hours daily. Using a dehumidifier will also help minimize moisture.
Have Proper Drainage
Garage floors need a good drainage system to mitigate water problems like flooding. Your garage must have an adequate system, plus a floor with a slight slope in the right direction. This slope sends water out and prevents it from pooling inside.
Reduce Plant Growth
Many homeowners enjoy making the space around their garage aesthetically appealing with bushes and flowers. But this greenery contributes to the moisture in the area, which could leak into the garage. It’s best to keep plants away from the garage walls to maintain a dry garage.
Comprehensive Garage Door Service Technicians
If you’re having trouble with your garage or want to schedule maintenance, rely on D Bar Garage Doors. Contact our team of experts to help you get things squared away!
