When found in nature, mold has many benefits. However, issues can arise when the fungus takes root in your home. What issues are caused by mold growth?
Mold harms your home’s air quality. Mold can grow on any surface and disperse its spores within the interior of your home.
Bad air quality can lead to many health issues. Allergy symptoms such as eye, skin, or throat irritation are more common, but some people develop more serious problems. This can include asthma and other breathing illnesses.
If you find yourself suffering through persistent allergies or notice you or your family are having chronic respiratory, you may have a mold problem. Mold is not always obvious. It has many hiding places so it’s important for you to know where to look:
Anywhere with possible moisture: Pipe leaks, roofing failure, and recent flooding areas are all places where mold may be present. These conditions are perfect for mold growth. Fungi love damp areas and warm air so routinely check for leaks and water damage. If you had previous water damage, re-check the areas often for any possible mold growth evidence.
Basements and Crawl Spaces: These places don’t normally receive a lot of circulation in the air. Since they are underground, basements and crawl spaces with foundational cracks can let moisture seep in.
Attics: Air circulation is also poor in your home’s attic. Both heat and humidity rise in the home without properly installed ventilation, causing a perfect environment for mold.
Bathrooms: Your bathroom provides the perfect warm, humid environment to house mold growth. Steam from your shower or bath easily clings to the walls in the often small space.
If you find mold, there are many ways to minimize its survival and reproduction. It is not easy to completely remove mold, but you can minimize its growth:
Watch for condensation. A common place for condensation is in vents. They often collect moisture and condensate as the weather changes.
Keep your home at the lowest humidity possible. Keeping your home at slightly lower temperatures than usual can be one way to help with this.
Promptly fix pipes, roofs, and windows that may be leaking. Surface level inspection includes checking your walls and ceiling for water stains or mold and looking under sinks and toilets for any standing water or leaking pipes.
When it comes to mold removal and containing it’s spread, it may help to consult a mold specialist.
