Preventing Mold and Mildew in Your Garage

Garages could be the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. They often lack natural light and are poorly ventilated, and they can become damp as they’re more exposed to external weather than your home. We want to help you avoid mold problems in your garage, so we’ve got some tips to help you prevent mold from growing and get rid of it when it appears.

Avoiding a moldy garage

You should try to keep moisture out of your garage since mold thrives in damp conditions. Check that your weather-stripping and all other seals are in good condition to keep rain out of your garage. Having a regular garage door tune-up should ensure that there are no leaks. Make sure that you properly ventilate your garage. This can easily be forgotten if you don’t spend much time in the garage. If you still have problems with humidity, then a dehumidifier can help you remove moisture from the air.

Your garage door can also play a part in preventing mold and mildew. Installing windows in your garage door can help you ventilate your garage properly and also let in natural light. Since mold likes dark conditions, this can help you fight it. Properly insulate your garage door to make it more weatherproof, keeping moisture out effectively. And the material of your garage door makes a difference, too. Metal garage doors like steel and aluminum aren’t susceptible to mold like wood is.

If your garage door and walls are painted, then you should use water-resistant paint so that condensation does not build up on them, as this can greatly encourage mold growth. If water ever gets into your garage, after a heavy rainfall, for example, then you shouldn’t let it stand. Soak up or drain off the water to keep your garage dry.

Getting rid of mold in your garage

If you do find mold in your garage, you should clean it thoroughly to remove the mold and prevent it from spreading. Scrub the visible mold with warm water and then with a cleaner designed to eliminate mold. A stiff-bristled brush is the best tool for scrubbing the spores away. Then rinse the area with water again and dry the area properly so you don’t encourage further growth.

If you have mold and mildew problems in your garage, then taking these measures and upgrading your garage and garage door materials could help you fight it. Contact us if you’re in need of a new garage door or maintenance around Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, or High Point.