
Molds can cause several bad effects in your home, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even skin irritations. If you notice any mold in your home, it's important to take mold remediation steps to remove it as soon as possible.
Detrimental Effects of Molds in Your Home
Molds can cause a variety of health problems, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Some of the potential problems caused by mold include:
- Respiratory problems
- Allergies
- Skin irritations
- Asthma attacks
- Infections
What Causes Mold Growth in a Property
Molds can cause a lot of problems in your home. They can give you respiratory problems, make you sneeze and give you a rash, and even cause asthma attacks. If you see any mold in your house, it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Molds grow in homes because of a lot of different things. Sometimes molds can form when the weather is hot and humid, or when there's a lot of water damage. Molds can also grow if there's not enough air circulation in your home, or if you have too much clutter that prevents people from cleaning well.
Common Areas in the Home Where Molds Can Grow
Mold and mildew grow best in an environment with high heat (between 77 and 87 degrees), humidity (between 62 and 93 percent), and a food source (organic material). That's why June through August are the months when mold thrives more than any other. Mold and mildew thrive in warm temperatures with high humidity.
There are a variety of molds found in the home, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, and Fusarium. The toxic black mold associated with “sick house syndrome” is probably Stachybortrys chartarum. Click here for a list of common household mold types. Regardless of the type you have, it is important to remove it from any living space – including offices and garages.
Other areas in the home where molds usually proliferate includes the following
* Bathrooms
* Kitchens
* Laundry rooms
* Basements
* Crawl spaces
The good news is that there are a variety of methods to combat mold or prevent it from growing in your home. We've put up a list of simple, proactive techniques for keeping your house dry and your air clean of mold and other airborne pollutants.
Tips for Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home
There are a few things you can do to prevent mold from growing in your home:
Keep Healthy Humidity Levels Inside Your Home
Mold and mildew grow in a humid atmosphere, therefore keep your humidity levels low. Make sure you ventilate any regions that are prone to excessive moisture. Turn on the vent fans when using the kitchen, bathroom, or basement. If no vent fans are available in these areas, have them fixed or installed by an electrician if possible. Whole-home humidification or plug-in dehumidifiers may also be beneficial.
Not only do attic fans help with moisture and ventilation, but they can also aid in the temperature of your home. You should ask your HVAC professional if adding an attic fan is the right decision for you.
Allow Fresh Air to Enter Your Home
By opening windows, you improve the ventilation in your house which leads to lower indoor carbon dioxide levels. When these levels are high, it can diminish oxygen flow to the brain.
If you have not opened your home in months, CO2 has probably been building up; especially if people spend most of their time indoors. Fresh air also helps get rid of moldy smells and reduces clutter. Every day for 5-15 minutes opens one or two windows for free natural ventilation.
Keep the Indoor Temperature Low
Mold grows quickly in hot temperatures. If it is cooler inside your house, it will be more difficult for mold to grow. You might also want to use a fan to help with circulation.
Ceiling fans and box fans are relatively inexpensive and can make a big difference in the temperature of your home. By circulating air, you will also be able to reduce the moisture in the air which will decrease mold growth.
Use an Air Purifier or Dehumidifier
If you live in an area that is prone to high humidity or notice that there is excessive moisture in your home, then you should use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air, which will make it difficult for mold to grow.
You might also want to use an air purifier. Air purifiers help remove mold spores and other particles from the air. This will create a healthier environment for you and your family.
Clean and Dry Any Wet Areas Immediately
If there are any wet areas in your home, it is important to clean and dry them immediately. This includes wet carpets, wet clothing, or any other wet items. If these items are not dried properly, they will provide an ideal environment for mold to grow.
Be sure to use a fan to help with the drying process. You should also open any windows in order to improve ventilation.
Keep Your Home Clean
It is important to keep your home clean to prevent mold growth. Dust, dirt, and other particles can provide a food source for mold. Be sure to dust and vacuum regularly. You should also clean any moldy areas immediately.
Mold can cause a variety of health problems, so it is important to take steps to prevent it from growing in your home. By keeping your home clean and dry, you can create an environment that is inhospitable for mold. If you do find mold in your home, be sure to clean it up immediately and take steps to prevent it from returning.