General prevention tips - Check your home for signs of moisture and moulds.
- Fix water leaks immediately.
- Use exhaust fans or open windows to help eliminate moisture.
- Eliminate clutter to improve air flow.
- If you notice mould or signs of dampness, check humidity levels.
Basement or crawl space - Discard badly damaged materials.
- Dehumidify the basement during the warm months.
- Avoid carpets on below grade floors.
- Clean the drain in your basement floor.
- Avoid standing water and keep sump pits covered.
- Clean and replace furnace filters on a regular basis.
Laundry areas - Check that your clothes dryer exhausts outside.
- Remove lint every time you use the dryer.
- Dry your washing machine after use.
Bathrooms - Check the bathroom fan to make sure it exhausts directly to the outside.
- Turn the bathroom fan on when you shower and keep it running for about an hour after you finish your shower.
- Dry surfaces that get wet, such as the walls around the bathtub and the shower.
- Remove any carpet in your bathroom.
- Keep drains in good condition.
Kitchen - Use range hood when you cook.
- Keep drains in good condition.
- Dry walls and under the cupboards after cooking.
- Clean the refrigerator drip pan and vacuum dust from the coils at the back of the refrigerator.
Closets - Increase air flow to closets by reducing the amount of clothes and items stored.
- Doors should have one inch space at floor.
Exterior - Check the roof and exterior finish for any places where water might enter.
- Make sure that eavestroughs and downspouts are connected and free of debris.
- Install downspout extensions to lead water away from the building.
