Mold is present in various places both inside and outside buildings. Especially in a home, it is not uncommon to find mold in certain places. When you have a possible mold infestation in your home or work area. It is possible to tell with a damp smell or even by just seeing it. Due to the health concerns that mold can cause, you must sort any possible mold issues that may arise in your home. There are many places that mold can be found, so it is important to know where mold can be hiding, to take the preventive measures, and avoid any growth of mold to start. Below are things you should know about mold in the home, to have an idea of how to handle it.
- It affects your health
Did you know that people who have allergies can help you know if you have mold hiding in your home or building? Not only them but other people with respiratory issues like asthma as well. As their symptoms start getting worse, they may be in an area with mold present. You can test this by checking if their condition improves when they move away from that area for some time. Therefore, it is vital to know that mold has potential health effects that you can see immediately, and if the mold is not taken care of quick your health can get worse.
2. Mold thrives in indoor humidity
Secondly, mold thrives best where there is indoor humidity, and thus you must reduce it to ensure you decrease mold growth. If you notice that your home has a lot of humidity, it is best to use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to help you reduce the moisture levels in the home. Besides, you can use exhaust fans every time you are cleaning, cooking, and dishwashing to ensure that the humid air does not remain in one place. What’s more, ensure that you vent dryers, bathrooms, and other moisture-generating sources to go to the outside of the home. Plus, increase ventilation in your home, and through this, you can control indoor humidity and help prevent mold growth.
- Clean smaller areas affected by mold
When your mold is covering a large area in your home. This is best dealt with by mold inspection Houston companies, for they will handle the mold problem as professionals. However, in an area of less than 10 square feet, it is possible to use water and detergent and clean off the hard surfaces by scrubbing the mold off. Thereafter, use ventilators and fans to dry the area completely, since when there is any water left, it will attract mold growth again. However, if you have moldy ceiling tiles and other absorbent materials, chances are you will have to replace it.
4.You can find mold anywhere
Since moisture is present in many places around your home. Try not to only check common places like the bathroom, kitchen, attics, and others but where moisture is always present. There are other places you can still find mold like children’s toys, wardrobes, and even in your car. Since it also grows in virtually any substance where there is the presence of moisture. So do not be surprised to find it growing on paper, carpet, food and also on wood. Hence, it is important to ensure that your house has proper ventilation to help control moisture levels.
- Water issues cause mold growth
As discussed above, the presence of moisture is a perfect environment for mold to grow. This also applies to any area of your home that has water issues. The leaking pipes in the attic, the leaks in the kitchen sink, bathroom tap leaks, possible floods in the home, among other possible water problems that you may experience. Therefore, it is best to fix the source of this water problem or leak issues to prevent mold growth. When there are no more leaks and you have sorted out any water problems. Ensure that you keep your surfaces dry and clean like kitchen sinks and bathrooms. Also, clean and dry wet or damp building materials, among other things.
- Carpets are a common target for mold
Due to the dirt and moisture that carpets attract in the home, they are common targets for mold. Hence, you should know how to prevent mold from carpets to keep them away from your home. For instance, avoid installing carpets where there are moisture issues like bathrooms, concrete floors, sinks, and basements. Prevent mold in the home by controlling indoor humidity and keeping your carpets clean. Besides, if you had to throw your carpet away due to it having mold. Choose microbial carpet padding for your new carpet that is less prone to developing bacteria and mold. Although it is pricey, it helps a lot to keep mold at bay.
7.Condensation causes mold
When there is dampness in your home it may be due to condensation. The condensation happens where moist air comes in contact with a cold surface. Since the air finds it impossible to hold the moisture and the tiny drops of water they form create a perfect environment of mold to grow. Due to this mold brought by condensation, it is important to decrease any possibility of it. Some ways that you can try are adding insulation to piping, windows, floors, roof, exterior walls, among other areas that condensation can easily form.
In summary, many homeowners have had to deal with mold in many instances. It is time-consuming and worrisome getting through mold infestation. Especially when you have had a flood in your home or it has spread in a large area. Fortunately, learning about some of the essential things about mold in the home as those discussed above will help you keep the mold out of your home. Plus, you can consult a mold restoration company that can help you deal better with a mold problem.