(NUI) - The growth of mold in buildings not only presents health-related problems, but also requires expensive home repairs. Some homeowners who find mold in their home have to completely remove and replace walls and ceilings where the mold growth has been discovered. Mold can grow when its food sources - such as wood construction materials and furniture, paper in drywall and wallpaper, and organic fibers in fabrics, carpet backings and dust -  are exposed to high levels of moisture.

The National Concrete Masonry Association suggests taking these precautionary steps to avoid mold growth:

• Look for visible signs of  moisture and eliminate the  source.
• Regularly maintain roofs, walls and openings. Replace caulking and repaint as needed.
• Keep the maximum relative humidity levels in your home at about 40 percent during the heating season and below 60 percent during the cooling season as recommended by the National Association of Home Builders.
• Install bath and kitchen fans. Vent fans and clothes dryers to the outside of the building.
• Seal all outlets, sill plates and through-wall penetrations including doors and windows to minimize uncontrolled air infiltration.
• Regularly inspect and clean the condensation drain line for central air conditioning units.
• Inspect the roof, windows and siding after storms to identify missing shingles, damaged flashing and visible water leaks.

Lighter-weight materials used in many new homes provide more food sources for mold to grow. Alternatively, walls built with concrete masonry do not provide a food source for mold. Concrete masonry also will not decay or rot when exposed to moisture or mold. When infected by mold, wood and drywall will most likely require complete removal while concrete masonry can be cleaned.

For more information about cleaning concrete masonry, visit www.ncma.org/cleaning.

Copyright© 2003 NewsUSA - http://www.newsusa.com/ reprinted with permission from the National Concrete Masonry Association.