Preventing Mold in Your Florida Garage

It would be nice if mold was something you only had to worry about in specific cases. For example when the basement is flooding, or faulty gutters lead to moisture on your homes exterior. But unfortunately, this is not the case. Mold is a resilient organism and is always looking for a place to grab hold.

Most homeowners never think about the garage as a place that will present a mold problem. Mold can infest your garage just like any other area of your home. Mold is a common problem in many homes in Florida and even conscientious homeowners can sometimes run into a mold problem in the garage.

Mold thrives in moist, dark, and unventilated environments.  You can prevent mold by making sure your garage stays dry, well ventilated, and not too dark.​

Garages - Prone to Water Damage and High Humidity

Water enters the garage more than other areas. When you drive through the rain and park in the garage, the moisture of your car can drip into the floor and into the air. Water can also enter beneath the garage door or on damp materials and equipment that are stored in the garage without being dried. Make an effort to minimize moisture in the garage, this is a big step toward preventing mold growth.

Build a Mold Proof Garage

If you’re building a new garage it’s important to use materials that mold will find unattractive. Constructing a garage with metal studs instead of wood is a great idea.

​Choosing materials other than wood for your new garage will not only eliminate the possibility of mold growth but you’re also preventing wood-eating pests that can damage your new garage. Pre-coated aluminum and vinyl siding is the best idea for garage walls.

How to Prevent Mold in Your Existing Garage​

Your highest priority should be reducing the moisture content of the air as much as possible. Start with getting a good air dehumidifier. Ensure that your garage is well ventilated, this is a good step to take to prevent mold.

​Water entering through the roof of the garage is a sure way to grow mold. Keep your garage roots in good shape. Fresh, circulating air and a well-maintained garage should be enough to prevent garage mold. Sunlight will also help mold from growing. Try keeping your garage door open for a few hours a day to prevent mold in your garage.

Removing Mold in the Garage

Removing mold in the garage is a generally less complicated issue than in other areas of the home. The biggest issue with mold removal besides proper precautions and disposal methods is ensuring that the mold is removed. Mold can hide behind garage walls, so it’s important to locate and remove the mold. Getting professional help to remove the mold in your garage is advised.

It’s a smart decision for any homeowner to take a good look at the conditions in your garage. You can assess the potential threat of mold growth. Not doing this could result in a costly cleanup process. Maintenance, regular cleaning, and controlling humidity in your garage are key to putting an end to mold in the garage. All of these small steps can help with solid mold prevention in your garage.

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