Preventing Mold in a Manhattan Beach Coastal Home

Hold indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent

Coastal Manhattan Beach routinely runs humid overnight and through the morning marine layer. An inexpensive hygrometer in the main living area and one in the primary bedroom tells you whether you need a dehumidifier during the damp months.

Ventilation habits that matter

Most bathroom mold problems are ventilation problems, not plumbing problems.

• Run bath fans during and for 20 minutes after every shower
• Confirm fans discharge outside, not into the attic
• Use the kitchen hood when cooking or boiling
• Leave closet and cabinet doors ajar on exterior walls
• Keep furniture a few inches off exterior walls to allow airflow

Seasonal maintenance checklist

Twice a year, check under every sink, around the water heater and washer, along window sills, and at roof penetrations. Clear the HVAC condensate line and change filters on schedule. Verify crawl space vapor barriers are intact.