When renovating your home, choosing the right finishes goes a long way when it comes to maintaining a safe and healthy home. Quality finishes for your floors, walls, and cabinetry play a significant role in your susceptibility to mold growth. Some homes suffer from bad, long-term cases of mold due to low-quality materials that have been used during the building/renovation process. Materials that are not water-resistant or that are very porous put your home at a much higher risk of mold. This is why it is so crucial that you be mindful when selecting home finishes, especially if your home is prone to water damage or mold. If you have been struggling with mold and are unsure of how to proceed, contact Inch by Inch Inspections immediately. We offer mold removal in Toronto, along with indoor air quality testing to ensure that your home is safe from any unwanted substances.
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How Quality Finishes Reduce the Need for Mold Removal in Toronto
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To understand the relationship between mold growth and home finishes, it is essential to know how mold growth occurs. Mold growth occurs when mold spores land in an environment that allows them to thrive and reproduce. Most mold spores thrive in areas that are both warm and damp. Excess moisture in your home is usually the main cause of mold growth. So plumbing leaks, flooding, and poor ventilation all contribute to mold in your home. So, when it comes to picking finishes while renovating your home, you’ll want to avoid materials that harbour moisture.
Choosing finishes that are labeled as water-resistant or waterproof can go a long way in reducing the risk of mold growth. If your finishes cannot harbour water, they should not be susceptible to mold. This is extremely important when choosing finishes in areas that are prone to excess moisture, such as your kitchen and bathrooms.
Additionally, finding non-porous finishes can also help reduce your risk of mold. Porous finishes refer to building materials that have tiny openings (pores) in them. This allows them to absorb liquids and other materials more freely. Non-porous finishes do not have said pores, meaning that water and mold spores cannot get trapped inside of them, making them highly resistant to mold.
Best Finishes to Choose when Renovating
Before selecting finishes for your home when renovating, it is prudent that you conduct ample research to ensure that you are picking the right finishes to reduce the risk of mold growth. The main finishes that you need to select are for flooring, paint, cabinetry, and countertops.
Flooring
When it comes to selecting finishes for your floor, you’ll want to choose something water-resistant, such as vinyl or laminate. This should be a priority in spaces like your kitchen and bathroom, as these areas are more prone to water spills. Choose durable options that can withstand heavy foot traffic and are easy to maintain. Light colours are known to enhance light reflection, which can help contribute to a dry environment and effectively reduce moisture buildup.
You’ll want to avoid materials such as hardwood for areas like your bathrooms, kitchen, and even basement. Hardwood is a porous material that is known for being susceptible to water damage. This not only makes your floors more vulnerable to mold but also to wood rot and warping.
Paint
Many people may not be aware that mold can actually grow on your walls, especially since drywall is both porous and not waterproof. This is why it is crucial that you pick adequate paint for your home. When selecting paint, look for formulas that are labeled “mold-resistant” or choose options that are specifically formulated for bathroom use. Kitchens and bathrooms are especially prone to excess moisture on the walls, so ensure that you purchase enough paint for those two spaces. Avoid using standard paint, which offers no protection against mold or moisture.
Cabinetry
When choosing finishes for cabinetry, opt for moisture-resistant materials such as marine-grade plywood or specially treated fibreboard. Use water-based finishes that protect while allowing wood to breathe. Proper sealing of edges and joints is essential to prevent moisture infiltration. Additionally, selecting stainless steel or moisture-resistant hardware will enhance durability and resistance to rust while ensuring that the design promotes good airflow, which can help keep humidity levels down.
Countertops
For countertops, you’ll want to go for non-porous materials like quartz or granite that has been properly sealed. This will help to minimize moisture absorption. Choose finishes that are easy to clean and resistant to staining, ensuring longevity and hygiene. Heat resistance is also essential since mold thrives in warm environments such as kitchens. So consider heat-resistant materials as well. Avoid concrete-based or unfinished wood options, as these are too porous and prone to moisture and mold.
What to Do After Picking Finishes
Once you’ve picked water-resistant, heat-resistant, and mold-proof finishes, you should also consider what other additions you can make during the renovation process to reduce the risk of mold. Choosing the right finishes goes a long way, but adding some extra elements to your home will virtually eliminate any risk of mold. The two main things to consider are:
- Improving Ventilation: Improving ventilation by adding more vents or windows can help reduce moisture buildup in your home. Ventilation allows more air to move freely through your space, helping to dry moist surfaces.
- Monitoring Humidity: Monitoring humidity levels in your home can help increase your awareness of when and where you are susceptible to mold. If your home is especially prone to leaks, look into investing in a humidity monitoring system. If your humidity levels are ever above 60%, you are in the danger zone for mold growth. If this ever happens, call Inch by Inch Inspections for a mold inspection.
Set Your Home Up for Sucess with Quality Finishes
Overall, time and care should be taken when it comes to selecting finishes for your home renovations, especially if you are looking to avoid mold removal in Toronto. Selecting the right finishes can actually help you reduce your risk of mold growth. When renovating your home, look for finishes that are labeled as water-resistant and/or mold-resistant. When it comes to countertops and flooring, also look for non-porous materials. If you are ever struggling with a mold issue in your home, reach out to Inch by Inch Inspections for remediation or indoor air quality testing in the GTA. Call now!