Most health experts agree that mold can lead to allergenic and respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing or congestion. Some experts contend that ongoing research will eventually establish connections between mold and serious health problems.

Tips to Prevent Mold in Your Home

1. Buy a new water heater at the recommended life limit of your current one. It is easier to buy a new one before an older one leaks or bursts.

2. Check your reverse osmosis units regularly for leaks.

3. Do not wall paper bathrooms.

4. Install a good exhaust fan in  your bathroom.

5. Maintain grout and caulk in the shower.

6. Turn outside sprinkler heads so they do not spray against the exterior of your home.

7. Avoid planters touching the exterior of your home.

8. Grading should slope away from your house.

9. Have your A/C maintained at least once per year to clean out the condensation line.

10. When you leave town, have a friend or neighbor check regularly to catch any leaks early.

11. If you live in a neighborhood with tall oleanders (roots grow into the sewer lines), have your toilet line snaked as a regular maintenance item.

12. Call in a professional dry-out company to remove drywall and use de-humidifiers and industrial fans to draw moisture out of building materials.