What You Need to Know About Checking for Mold
Mold growth is a threat at any time of the year, but especially after wet weather. Mold is usually the result of water intrusion that has not dried or been cleaned up properly. It can grow within 24 to 48 hours when certain conditions are present: temperatures over 41 degrees Fahrenheit, water, and oxygen. If mold growth isn’t caught and properly addressed, it can lead to an expensive remediation project and negatively impact the health of your household.
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How to Check for Mold in Your Home
Even if you do not suspect a mold problem, it’s a good idea to have a mold prevention mindset. Inspect problematic areas of your home from time to time. For instance, water coming from outside the home tends to enter the lowest level of your home, so be sure to check your basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of moisture or cracks that have formed. Fix and seal any cracks as soon as possible to prevent moisture intrusion and subsequent mold growth.
Here’s What You Should be Checking in or Around Your House:
• Plumbing – Make sure connections are secure and there are no leaking pipes or faucets.
• Exterior foundation – Make sure the soil around your foundation is sloped away from your home and that gutter downspouts are draining far enough away from your home. Any pooling water near the foundation has a chance of entering your home, so eliminating this threat is crucial.
• Windows – Is there a fair amount of condensation on your windows throughout the year? If so, mold could be growing on your windowsills or around the windows as a result. Adjust the temperature and humidity in your home to prevent this.
• Roof – Black streaking on a roof is not uncommon, but it’s usually algae that is mistaken for mold. While an eyesore, algae isn’t as serious of an issue as mold. If you suspect mold is on your roof, it’s a serious indicator you may have mold inside the home that has spread to the exterior, and you should inspect your attic space for mold.
• Your Health – Those with mold sensitivity may experience an increase in allergic symptoms, ongoing headaches, skin rashes, and even trouble breathing. If conditions persist and seem to have no root cause, they could be the result of hidden mold.
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Remediating Mold
The presence of mold poses a health risk that should not be taken lightly. That said, if you’re comfortable handling all or part of mold remediation yourself, we strongly advise wearing a mask to minimize your exposure. If you’re cleaning a non-porous building material, you should be able to simply scrub the mold off using detergent and water. However, if you’re working with a porous material, you may have to remove and discard the material if it can’t be properly cleaned and dried. If you’re unable to properly clean up a mold-damaged object or just don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, contact a professional mold remediation company. Don’t let mold get out of control.
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