Most of us have encountered mold, a collection of fungal spores with a strange, musty smell. Mold is usually found in damp, dark areas that are poorly ventilated. It is easy to ignore small mold infestations because they are difficult to see or smell. However, mold can quickly grow and spread, given the proper environment. Of course, this is dependent on the type of mold, the amount of moisture available, and the material it is growing on. When the conditions are right, mold can grow within 24 hours. When it is not eliminated, it can destroy the organic matter, increasing the extent of the damage.
Mold mostly occurs when a building is exposed to water damage. Moisture is an important source for mold to thrive. Therefore, the excess water promotes the growth and spread of mold in buildings and homes. Besides, mold can also occur when there are leaks on roofs, poor ventilation, and high humidity. Mold occurs mainly during the summer months where the humidity levels are high. In regions with high temperatures, residents and business owners are more prone to mold growth if there is poor ventilation.
However, this does not mean that you should not look out for mold during the winter. Although mold does not grow in freezing temperatures, it survives in dormancy as it waits for warm weather to come. And since windows are often closed tight in the cold weather, the reduced ventilation and heating can make indoors hospitable to mold growth.
Mold can grow anywhere as long as it has the right conditions. If you are looking for mold in your home or office, keep an eye out for these signs.
If you can visibly see mold on the wall or surface, it is a sign that your home is exposed to mold growth. Different strains of mold can occur in other places.
While you may not see visible signs of mold, a musty, earthy smell could indicate that you have hidden mold growth. However, you should note that not all molds have a musty odor, but most of them do.
Has your house or office been exposed to water damage or flooding? Then you may be at risk of mold exposure. Moisture provides a favorable condition for mold to grow. Some signs of water damage to look out for include water stains on the wall, ceilings, and floor.
If you notice your wall bubbling or peeling, the chances of moisture behind the wall are very high. Hidden mold can cause plenty of physical damage to your property.
Most home and business owners deal with a mold infestation that they cannot see. Sometimes, you may have some signs indicating a mold infestation, but there are no visible signs to prove it. For instance, you may encounter a musty odor each time you get into your home or office. Also, the occupants in your building may be experiencing health conditions with symptoms pointing to a mold allergy.
There are several causes for hidden mold, including a roof or plumbing leak that goes unnoticed. This can also occur when mold hides in dark and unreachable crawlspaces, attics, HVAC air ducts, the basement, and under floorboards and carpets. Hidden mold can be a problem because you will not know the type of mold you are dealing with or the severity of its growth. As a result, it is crucial to hire a mold remediation service to inspect your house or office for mold. Professional services can help locate the source of the mold problem and deal with the issue, giving you peace of mind about the safety of your home or office.
Regardless of the type of mold on your building, you need to eradicate it. Although you can do some DIY projects to remove mold, it will not be so effective as professional mold remediation. Some mold-infested areas in your home may be out of your reach but not for experienced mold specialists. The experts have the knowledge and know-how to remove mold, preventing mold spread and further damage safely. They will use specialized equipment to check for mold and develop an effective strategy to get rid of it.
Mold can grow and spread quickly, and there is no way to eliminate it. The best way is to control the environment that acts as its breeding ground. If you are already dealing with mold in your home or office, there are several things that you can do to control its growth.
Allowing fresh air in your home can do several things. First, it can enable the damp areas to dry out; thus, making your home unsuitable for mold growth. Additionally, the outdoor air can regulate the indoor air, which can inhibit mold growth. It can also help to reduce musty odors. However, using an air conditioning system is not recommended as this will only spread the mold spores. Alternatively, you can use a box fan to vent mold-filled air outdoors.
Indoor humidity can encourage mold growth, especially in areas with excessive moisture like the bathroom, kitchen, and damp basements. To control mold growth, ensure that you measure humidity levels in your home. You want to ensure that the relative humidity in your home or office does not exceed 50%-55% during the day. Invest in a dehumidifier if you don't have one yet to control moisture accumulation in the air.
Mold cannot grow without the presence of moisture. Therefore, it will make a lot of difference when you dry out wet areas thoroughly and quickly. This will prevent the spread of mold in your home.
It can be challenging to clean material that has been compromised by mold on your own. As you wait for the mold remediation company, you can remove the mold-contaminated material to prevent the spread of mold spores.
Mold, whether in your home or business, can damage the building structure and lead to severe health conditions. If you think that you are dealing with a mold infestation problem, you need to seek professional help right away.
Feet Up Carpet Cleaning Salisbury NY is a mold inspection and remediation team offering services in and around Salisbury. We offer affordable, reliable, and fast mold remediation services to residential and commercial clients in Salisbury. Our highly effective tools mean that you will get back to a clean and mold-free home or business in no time. Give us a call today at 516-500-3485, and let us restore the integrity of your home or business.
