How to Protect Your Garage Against Mould

Garages tend to be dark, moist, and unventilated, which can make them a breeding ground for mould. In this article, the team at Creative Door Services™ details the most effective mould prevention measures. Here are the steps you should take.

Weather-Proof Your Garage Door

Moisture is the main cause of mould growth, and a properly sealed garage door is your first line of defense against water infiltration. Ensure that the weather-stripping around the perimeter of your garage door is snug against the frame. If the weather-stripping appears loose or if you notice tears in the material, you’ll need to repair or replace it. You can do this yourself if you’re handy. Alternatively, you can call in a garage door technician.

Get Rid Of Standing Water

Even if your garage is well-sealed, you can count on water getting into your garage due to wet boots and tires coming through. To prevent mould growth, regularly remove standing water with a mop, squeegee, or sponge.

If pooling is an issue in your garage, you may also consider improving the drainage system in your garage. This may involve installing a drain and adjusting the floor slope.

Keep Your Garage Ventilated

Increasing the circulation of fresh air in your garage will not only help drive out musty smells, but also help regulate the temperature and humidity, making your garage less hospitable to mould spores. If you have a window in your garage, try to keep it open for a couple of hours at a time when the weather is nice. Alternatively, you can keep the garage door open for awhile.

If you don’t have windows, or if humidity remains a problem, you may choose to keep a dehumidifier in your garage. This will help eliminate excess moisture from the air. The relative humidity in your garage should be maintained at 60% or less to protect against mould and mildew.

Natural light also helps to prevent mould growth. If you have windows in your garage, keep them uncovered to allow maximum light penetration. It’s also important to keep these windows clean. The same goes for any windows on your garage door.

Combat Mould with Chemicals

Certain chemical products, such as colour-treated silica gel and activated alumina, absorb excess moisture from the air. They can be placed on shelves in your garage near items that frequently come in contact with water, such as rags, watering cans, and water hose attachments.

Upgrade Your Construction Materials

Mould primarily feeds on organic products including wood. If you live in an older home, chances are your garage was built using wooden studs, which are a magnet for mould. Retrofitting your garage with mould-resistant materials such as metal and aluminum can help prevent spores from forming.

Other materials mould likes to grow on include drywall, fabric, and paint. If you’re painting the walls or the concrete floor of your garage, make sure you choose a mildew-resistant product.

Be Smart About Storage

Think about ditching your cardboard boxes and replacing them with plastic storage bins. Or, keep materials such as wood, cardboard and fabric in drier areas. Keeping them off the floor is a good start. If you’re thinking of installing shelving or implementing other garage storage solutions, be sure to check out our tips for organizing your garage.

Tackle Mould Right Away

Mould spreads, so if you notice it in your garage, you should eliminate right away. Use bleach, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial mould remover to kill the mould. Next, scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush. Finish by rinsing the area with water. Repeat until no mould remains.

Be sure to take the proper safety precautions when using chemical products to clean mould. Work in a well-ventilated space and wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask. If you have a serious mould problem, you should call a mould remediation company.

Comprehensive Garage Door Services In Western Canada

If worn weatherproofing, a damaged garage door panel, or a stuck garage door is allowing excessive moisture to penetrate your garage, turn to the team at Creative Door Services™ to resolve the problem. And if you’re on the market for a new garage door, count on our team of experts to set you up with a weather-sealed door that keeps the elements out.

Contact our team to find more about our selection of garage doors or to ask about our garage door installation, maintenance, and repair services.