The perfect environment for mold growth is a very little ventilated and mostly sunlight deprived room. One very common but usually overlooked space is the garage. They have wide entrances that allow the water to get through during storms but have little ventilation or sunlight to dry it. Mold grows very fast on cardboard, drywall, fabric, paper products, or ceiling tiles in this environment. 

If you already notice signs of garage mold, it is time to call the mold removal and remediation experts. Before you get there, there are some easy things you can do to prevent mold growth in your garage.  

Garage Mold prevention tips

Seal and insulate your garage door.

Garage doors are a source of mold growth most of the time. Whenever there is heavy rain, the water gets in and it takes a long time to dry. You should weather-proof the space by sealing and insulating the garage door. This will keep out the water from heavy rain or snowstorms.

Remove the water from the garage floor 

Whether it is due to rain, washing your car, or snow-covered tires, the pooling water creates the perfect environment for mold growth as it increases the humidity level. Remove the pooling water on the floor as fast as you can and avoid washing your car in the garage. If you experience a water damage, mop the water as fast as possible and contact water damage professionals to dry the space properly. Mold grows faster than you think – in about 24-48 hours after the water damage occurs.

Reduce the humidity level

Garage humidity is the number one culprit for mold growth.This is because Mold thrives and will grow much faster in areas that have above 50% relative humidity. You might notice a white mold on the garage floor or walls growing over time. White mold is very destructive, as it infiltrates in the drywall and other porous materials. You may see mold on the garage ceiling as well and behind furniture, ceiling tiles are often affected. You can reduce garage humidity by installing a dehumidifier. Alternatively, you can use vents and fans. Either way, letting the sunlight in at least a couple of hours each day is a great way to prevent garage mold growth.

Inspect your garage periodically

You should check for any roof or pipe leaks regularly, especially after a storm. Check your gutters as well to make sure nothing is stuck. Replace or repair any damage as quickly as possible.

Use mold-resistant materials to prevent garage mold

If you choose to remodel your garage or build a new one, make sure everything is mold-resistant. You can get mold-resistant drywall and paint the walls and concrete with waterproof paint.

Replace cardboard storage boxes with solid plastic ones

Mold grows very fast in porous materials, such as cardboard or other paper goods. You should avoid overcrowding your garage with items that are prone to mold altogether. But if you must keep any goods in the garage, make sure to use plastic totes that are durable and mold-resistant. 

When to call the mold removal and remediation experts

Mold prevention is a fairly easy process. However, once it starts growing, it gets more and more difficult to get rid of unless you act quickly. Our garage mold remediation licensed technicians use advanced equipment to inspect and detect any sign of mold that might be hiding in the walls, ceiling, or floor. We make sure to get to the root of the issue and then remove it permanently. We also use professional equipment to disinfect the garage and remove the mold odor.

iFlooded Restoration has more than 30 years of experience in the restoration industry, serving all 5 boroughs of New York, Long Island, and Westchester.

Is mold covered by insurance?

Homeowners insurance usually does not cover mold damage unless it was caused by a ‘covered peril’, such as burst pipes, ice dams and others. You may buy an mold coverage endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy, 

The key point is that if you fail to ignore the mold issue and it gets worse, then it is not typically covered by most insurances.You should always check with your insurance company to make sure your garage mold or any other type of mold damage is covered.