You know mold is dangerous. But do you know the effects it can have on your health? Mold in your home can increase the risk of infections in immunocompromised people and people with chronic lung disease. It can also cause severe reactions in those with asthma. You can expect anything from a stuffy nose and sore throat to burning eyes and a skin rash, even in relatively healthy people.
Now that you know about the health risks associated with mold in your home, how can you prevent it from occurring? And how exactly does mold start? Mold will grow wherever the right environment of moisture and light exists, and sometimes you may be unaware that this is happening in your home. Small leaks in your roof aren’t easily seen; mold growing in your attic may go unnoticed.
Mold growth can start within 72 hours after flooding. Water damage is tricky to clean up because water soaks into construction materials and remains there for days if it’s not dried correctly – these are ideal conditions for mold to thrive.
In this post, we’ll investigate the top causes of mold, how to prevent mold, and look at mold remediation services.
What Causes Mold?
A few factors can cause mold to thrive. First off, mold needs moisture, humidity, warmth, oxygen, and darkness to grow. Of course, it also requires a food source such as wood, drywall, or even cotton and other mold spores. Combine all these factors and it will only take about 72 hours before the mold will start to grow.
So let’s look at the main causes of mold in your homes:
Lack of Ventilation
One of the main reasons mold growth on ceiling material arises in basements is that they are poorly ventilated. Without airflow, stagnant pockets of moist air are created. In these conditions, any evaporating water and heat will create humidity and accelerate mold growth.
Leaking Pipes
When your pipes that are hidden start to leak, you’re in trouble. Pipes inside a wall or above a leaking ceiling will take you a long time to find. By this time, mold is likely starting to grow without your knowledge.
Leaking in Your Roof
If you have an attic, it may take you a long time to discover any leaks in your roof. This could mean that mold growth on ceiling material is probably taking place. So make sure to check your attic and ceiling regularly for leaks.
Flooding
If your home has been affected by a flood, mold growth is probably in store. This is because your house will likely be very wet for a long time during and after a flood. It may take days or even weeks to completely dry out a home, depending on the extent of the damage.
Foundation Issues
Water build-up around the foundation of your home can lead to structural moisture issues. This is often problematic when your yard doesn’t slope away from your home but instead gathers rainwater around the base.
How Do You Prevent Mold Growth?
After you have noticed water damage in your home, it’s time to take action to prevent mold from growing further. Hiring a professional is highly recommended because they are expertly trained and have the professional tools and equipment that will get the job done right.
Here are a few tips on preventing mold from growing in your home:
- Keep Humidity Levels Low: Mold and mildew flourish in humid environments. If you live in areas renowned for humidity, consider installing an air conditioner, an HVAC system with dehumidification, or a dehumidifier. Keep your humidity levels no higher than 50% all day long.
- Ventilate Your Home: If your home doesn’t have adequate natural airflow, you may need to install fans. Two key areas to use exhaust fans are in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep your windows open as much as possible to dry out any damp and stuffy areas. Even having your windows open for 10-15 minutes a day will make a world of difference. If you have an attic, consider installing an attic fan to help regulate moisture and implement ventilation.
- Fix Leaks: Put together a regular maintenance schedule for your home. Regularly check for leaks in your home’s roof, walls, and plumbing systems. That way, moisture, and mold won’t creep up on you. When conducting your regular maintenance, remember to clean and repair gutters, check for leaks in pipes, inspect your basement sump pump, seal windows, and look for any foundation leaks. Also, ensure that your sewers and drainage systems aren’t blocked.
DIY TIP: When repainting your home, add mold inhibitors to your paints first. They should be easy to find in most home improvement stores.
- Keep Things Clean and Dry: Remember, mold can’t grow without moisture, so it’s important to immediately dry all surfaces and any wet areas. Large carpet spills, wet clothing or towels, kitchen and bathroom surfaces should all be dried quickly to keep your home mold-free.
- Check Your Cleaning Products: Cleaning products with strong odors usually contain many volatile organic compounds that can contaminate and reduce the indoor air quality of your home. These contaminants can encourage the growth of mold spores. That’s why it’s best to use cleaning products that are water-based, non-toxic, and non-aerosol.
- Keep Indoor Plants: An excellent way to reduce the chances of mold growth in your home is to add houseplants. Houseplants keep mold growth at bay as they naturally absorb excess humidity and moisture in the air. This will also improve the air quality of your home. Luckily, houseplants are on-trend, too.
Why Use Mold Remediation Services?
Because mold can be difficult to remove on your own, using professional services is your best bet. Improperly handled water damage can lead to mold. If mold is left unchecked, it could further reduce indoor air quality and create an unsafe environment that is hazardous to your health.
If your home has a mold problem, don’t hesitate to enlist Restoration 1’s certified mold remediation specialists to help you with mold cleanup. We’ll help you promptly restore your property back to normal. Even if you haven’t experienced extensive water damage, a problem as simple as a leaky window could lead to significant mold damage.
Call the Professionals at Restoration 1
Call Restoration 1, where our local experts will clearly explain our straightforward process. Any of our water damage services will immediately address mold issues and assist you in preventing mold growth on ceiling material before it appears.
However, if mold does arise, our team of specialists certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) can effectively remediate the problem. Our mold remediation experts have been thoroughly trained in procedures, including safety measures, engineering controls, containment methods, and how to use standard approved work practices.
If you have any questions about water damage restoration, mold remediation, and flood damage cleanup, please contact us 24/7 at Restoration 1.
