As winter gets closer there are a few maintenance items that can save you a lot of grief with mold. Yes it’s the M word. (Maintenance) Mold and water live in the same home so let’s look at prevention of water.

The following is a basic prevention list. The first line of defense is the outside of the home. Clean gutters and drains are a must. Inspect the roof for failing flashings and seals along the roof to siding areas, fireplaces and plumbing flashings.

A common failure is the windows and door trim. A good siding job will have metal flashing over all of these. Some may need to be recaulked with a good quality (30 year, oil base) caulk. Painted siding needs protection and the best is a good paint job. If you have lp siding that is failing you may have mold under it. Replacement is the only solution. Most acrylic latex paint has a fungicide in it. For wood siding do not use linseed base products in this environment. These encourage mold growth especially on cedar siding.

Clear foundation vents from brush and make sure the water will drain away from the house. These are basic but in order for mold to start it needs water. You don’t want to deal with these in the middle our first rainstorm.