Keeping your house clean and free from disease-causing organisms makes you a responsible homeowner. However, no matter how often you maintain and clean your property, pesky molds can still grow and make themselves at home.
Fungal spores can quickly thrive and spread in warm and moist environments. You can find different mold species indoors and outdoors. They can cause severe illness and property damage.
If you think you have a mold problem at home, you must contact a mold damage restoration specialist ASAP. This article will discuss how mold grows at home, how it can affect your health, and steps to prevent its growth.
Root Causes of Mold at Home
Mold spores can rapidly multiply at home since houses are breeding grounds with several food sources and areas where they can thrive. They can grow on walls, ceiling tiles, and in air ducts.
Organic material, temperature, and water allow mold to thrive. Dirty water also increases the chance of rapid fungal growth since dirt includes organic materials. At the same time, water is a common culprit of property damage, such as overflowing sinks or plumbing leaks.
Mold produces a musty smell and typically appears as small plants or discoloration on paper or wood. They’re typically white, orange, green, brown, or black in color.
Health Effects of Mold
From minor irritations and allergic reactions to severe respiratory infections, exposure to indoor molds can cause several health problems.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated that indoor mold exposure could cause upper respiratory tract illnesses, such as coughing and wheezing, even in healthy individuals. Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as eye protection, rubber gloves, and N-95 masks, can help protect you when working around the suspected mold.
The CDC further stresses that you must eliminate all indoor molds as soon as possible, especially if someone is allergy-prone.
How to Prevent Mold Spores
An old proverb once said, “Prevention is better than cure.” In this case, immediately tackling the causes of mold problems can save you time, money, and stress.
Regular cleaning and maintenance and proper ventilation can help prevent mold infestations in your home. Using mold and water-resistant materials for your home improvement and construction projects can also help prevent mildew from thriving at home. At the same time, avoiding condensation at home by reducing humidity, adjusting the thermostat, and adding insulation can shut out mold growth.
What Should You Do
Part of the mold damage restoration process is cleaning up the affected areas. Cleaning and removing molds can be dangerous, especially if they are hidden and have been growing for a while.
If the mold occupies an area of less than ten square feet, you can easily clean it. Remember, NEVER mix ammonia and bleach products, as it creates a toxic gas. Using the correct personal protective equipment can protect you from severe diseases.
However, if you have no experience in mold damage restoration, it’s best to let professionals handle the situation.
Keeping Unwanted Spores Out
Responsible homeowners must keep their houses clean and free from disease-causing by regular cleaning, maintenance, and proper ventilation. However, if an uncontrollable mold infestation arises, it’s best to let the professionals clean up the mess.
Besides being the best local remodeler, Trademark offers superior mold damage restoration services in Fresno, California. Reach out to us now to get a free estimate and enjoy a safer home!