If Black Mold and the formation of it is of utmost importance to you, (and it should be) consider these tips to prevent it from forming in the first place. Preventing the formation of toxic black mold is far easier than the alternate, which involves its removal or black mold mitigation, which can be very very costly. I have even seen structures demolished because of severe black mold formation.

Another striking fact to consider is that more and more home insurance companies are refusing to pay claims on black mold mitigation and the health-related issues because of the excessive costs involved with this process. Consider these tips to get you well on your way to prevention of toxic black mold.

1. Indoor relative humidity of greater than 55% promotes the formation of black mold. Consider the purchase of a good quality humidistat, also know as a moisture meter or hygrometer. They are relatively inexpensive @ between $19 and $25. A good one is the Indoor Health Products 810 or 811. Read my article on it for advice.
2. If you determine that you have an indoor humidity problem, consider the purchase of a quality dehumidifier. You may determine that your basement has too much humidity and are looking for a lower cost option than air-conditioning. Consider the purchase of a Surround Air 510, low cost, low power consumption and quiet dehumidifier.
3. Keep water run-off from your roof away from the foundation. Install gutter and downspout systems and run the downspouts to an area away from your home, preferably to a low spot.
4. If your yard is improperly graded, you may have water running toward the foundation rather than away from it. Read my article on How Do I Determine if I Need to Waterproof My Basement -and- How to Cure a Damp Basement to rectify these problems.
5. Eliminate ice dams on your roof. If you have ice buildup, such as ice cycles on your roof edge. You have an attic ventilation problem. This could mean not enough ventilation or areas blocked of proper ventilation. See my article on How To Fix Roof Ice Dam Problems.
6. Fix leaking pipes that are either exposed or buried within wall and roof/ceiling cavities.
7. Insulation cold water piping to prevent condensation.
8. In new construction provide sheet membrane waterproofing around all window and door openings in the exterior walls.
9. Add rigid insulation to the foundation walls. This could be on the exterior of the walls in new construction or the interior of existing basement walls for existing construction.
10. Ventilate all combustion appliances to the exterior. This would be such appliances as furnaces, water heaters, dryers, fireplaces, space heaters etc.
11. Make sure all high humidity indoor spaces are mechanically ventilated to the exterior, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, showers and other water-source usage rooms.
12. Have a leaky chimney? Fix it up. See my article on Fixing a Chimney that leaks.
13. Make sure you have slightly positive pressure in your home. This can be measured and set by a quality heating contractor or a good home inspector with these special measurement tools. Too little pressure and you will have mold build-up. Too much and you drive moisture into wall and roof cavities.