Mold is an important part of nature and has been around for millions of years. Like most fungi, mold helps break down decaying organisms like dead leaves and animal matter. However, mold can easily get into your home and cause serious health issues and damage to the structure of your home. Therefore, mold removal, mold prevention, or the complete eradication of mold in a household should be prioritized.
Here are the dangers of mold in your home and how to stop it.
The Dangers of Mold in Your Home
Mold is a problem that can ruin the components of your house and much of what's in it. What's worse, mold can cause significant health problems from mild to more serious. Symptoms of mold exposure include a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, a sore throat, skin irritations, and coughing. Mold is especially irritating to allergy sufferers or people who have chronic respiratory illnesses. Severe reactions such as fever and shortness of breath have been identified in workers in occupational settings where mold is prolific.
In buildings, mold can weaken wooden support beams and cause walls to sag. It crumbles wallpaper, causes discoloration on walls and ceilings, breaks down the cellulose in paper, and contaminates carpet and clothing.
How and Where to Look for Mold
Mold is difficult to spot visually, and you may have to depend on other clues like constant cold-like symptoms and a musty smell like old books. Mold spores enter the home through windows, around roof leaks, and even on pets, and they seek out moisture to grow and thrive. Carpet, piles of paper, walls, furniture, and potted plants provide the moisture it needs.
If you do see mold, it will look like a furry growth or dark stain. It may be black, white, green, or brown. As the mold grows, the spots grow bigger.
The most common areas in the home to find mold are bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawl spaces, or anywhere moisture is high.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
Prevention is the best way to control mold. Don't allow water to build up anywhere, and keep the house dry. After showering, dry the shower walls and doors. Don't let a heap of damp clothing pile up. Make sure your home has good ventilation, especially in rooms that tend to be damp. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers in warm, humid climates and in areas like basements where mold tends to grow.
Limit the number of indoor plants, and make sure the soil dries out thoroughly after watering.
Importance of Professional Mold Mitigation
When mold gets out of control, it's best not to fight the battle alone. You need to enlist the help of a mold removal specialist. Considering health issues and home damage, you'll save money in the long run.
A professional has the techniques and resources to find the source of mold, which is a very important step. They use specialized equipment like air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, and antimicrobial treatments to safely remove mold without spreading spores.
A professional will conduct an assessment to determine the source that caused mold in your home in the first place. You will be given guidance and tips to prevent future mold growth.