Molds are a common occurrence in homes and pose a serious health hazard. This has necessitated mold remediation services for decades. Mold replicates by producing “spores” – microscopic cells that spread easily through the air. Not only do molds produce irritants, allergens, and sometimes toxic substances, they can also trigger respiratory problems. Asthma, for example, is worsened by mold spores when inhaled.
Oftentimes when mold is present in your home, so is wheezing, stuffy nose, red or itchy skin, and eyes. Mold remediation is particularly important because molds are a hazard to homes, and people with weakened immune systems are likely to be affected by it and suffer infections.
Mold thrives in warm and humid conditions. As a homeowner, it is vital to note the humid areas in your home (such as the bathroom, or basement) and inspect for mold growth regularly.
5 Reasons You May Need Mold Remediation Services
Early detection of mold in your home is important for your health and that of your family. Moreover, while it may be hard to realize that you have a mold problem, you should immediately engage mold remediation experts as soon as you notice any of the signs below:
1. Mold Odor
Although this is not the same in all cases, some molds give off a strong mildewy or musty smell. You need to be on the lookout for strange smells, especially if you just returned from a long trip and your home had been locked for a while. If you perceive a really strong musty smell, it invariably points to a mold problem. You may not be able to see the growth, going by smell is a great recourse to detecting mold infestations.
The earthy odor molds give off are usually pronounced in areas such as behind curtains, under the carpets or carpet pads, walls with insulation, above the ceiling tiles, etc. That said, mold remediation services have just the right tools and know-how to locate mold growths and examine tight areas in your home that you can’t reach by yourself.
2. Dark-Colored Spots
This is especially important if you are moving into a new home. If you notice dark spots on the walls of the basement or the bathrooms, the apartment may have a mold problem. Molds feed on organic materials, which lead to discoloration if the growth is left unchecked for a long enough time.
Nonetheless, contrary to general belief, molds are not always black in color. Some molds may appear white and thread-like (white molds look like fluffy veins creeping out of a center spore), others may be gray-brown, pink, or gray-green. If you notice any discoloration or patchy stained spots on your walls, it is a sign that something is wrong. In which case you should contact a mold remediation service.
3. Water Damage
Molds thrive in humid areas of the house. Whenever there is a water leak, you risk creating a habitat suited for mold growth, so it’s best to have leaks fixed on time. Furthermore, If leaks occur in hard-to-reach areas, like inside the walls, you should call a mold remediation professional to inspect it and checkmate any mold growth that may have started.
Signs of water damage may be peeling wallpaper, cracks in the paint on the walls, or ceiling. Also, homes or locales with a history of flooding are prone to mold growth and would need mold remediation to be considered safe.
4. Condensation
Condensation happens when warm, moisture-rich air meets a cold surface. This causes the surface to cool down quickly, releasing water droplets on the cold surface. This can happen on walls, windows, and in air ducts. This type of moisture build-up encourages mold growth, especially if it happens regularly.
Air ducts are more likely to have condensation when it is colder outside. A way to combat condensation – and by extension, mold growth caused by it – is by regulating your home temperature appropriately. You may also want to consider investing in a good humidifier and install it in your bathrooms and other humid areas in your home.
5. Allergic Reactions
People with sensitive or weakened immune systems suffer mold allergies, such as irritated eyes, runny or stuffy nose, coughing and sneezing, and in some cases, parched or scaly skin. If you suffer any of these conditions, chances are you may have a mold allergy and your home has a mold infestation, especially if these symptoms stop or reduce whenever you are away from home.
Molds are also a known trigger of asthmatic episodes in people with asthma.
Why You Need A Mold Remediation Professional
If you can see mold growth in your home, knowing what type it is, is not relevant. Mold remediation is essential before more issues occur. It is important to appreciate that what is needed at this point is not an inspection. Rather, you need to take drastic steps to remove the growth. Additionally, refusing to seek professional help and deciding to take matters into your hand when the growth is visible and spreading fast might have you spending needlessly on a mold inspection.
Besides, you risk re-infestation if you attempt to get rid of mold by yourself. Over-the-counter mold test kits tend to be a rip-off as they don’t tell you how serious the problem is or where it is concentrated. Mold remediation must be done by professionals with the expertise to tackle the problem.
Mold strains affecting limited areas, such as a very small growth in the bathroom tub or on a small section of drywall near a leaky tap, can be easily treated. A mold cleaner can be used to thoroughly wipe an affected area, along with grout and caulking replacement. A small portion of drywall (about 10 square feet or less) with mold is not considered severe either. It can be isolated from the rest of the house and wiped down with a mold remover.
Contact a Mold Remediation Professional
For serious mold issues, you need a professional mold remediation expert to take a look. Mold spores grow rapidly in a nurturing environment, and the faster you take steps to get the situation under control by taking the necessary steps, the better. The longer you wait, however, the more you risk letting the growth fester and incur significant mold remediation costs to fix the problem.
To ensure your home is professionally treated for mold and technical advice on how to prevent the reappearance of mold, contact Restoration 1 Water Damage Experts today for around-the-clock support. You can also find a location around you today and pay us a visit.
