The Dangers of Mold in Your Home
How to Prevent Mold Growth & What to Do if You Find It
Mold is a type of fungal growth that thrives in moist environments. It is often found outdoors in soil and on decaying leaves, and plays an important role in the natural world by breaking down organic matter. Mold can also grow indoors on wet surfaces and can spread rapidly through a home or office building if it is not properly treated.
Mold is a common problem, particularly in regions with warm climates with high humidity like Cordova. Mold thrives off these kinds of conditions – high moisture and lack of airflow create excellent breeding grounds for mold spores. Because of this, bathrooms and basements are often prime areas for mold growth.
Although mold is not always visible, it can cause serious health problems for people who are exposed. If you suspect that you have mold growing in your home, you should have the area inspected by a professional as soon as possible. At ServiceMaster by Cornerstone, we have the tools and experience to help you ensure that your home stays mold free.
Let’s discuss the dangers of mold and why it’s so important to get rid of it quickly.
Understanding the Health Risks Related to Mold
Mold is unsightly and hazardous to your health. Left unchecked, it can lead to serious health issues, especially if you are continuously exposed over a long period.
The following symptoms can be caused by mold exposure:
- Aggravation of asthma or allergies
- Congestion
- Coughing or wheezing
- Headaches
- Redness and itchiness of the eyes
If you notice any signs of mold growth in your Cordova home, the problem should be addressed immediately. Not only will removing the mold reduce potential health risks, but it will also prevent the issue from getting worse over time.
Tips for Preventing Mold from Growing in Your Home
It’s important to stay proactive to prevent mold from growing in your home by keeping it dry and properly ventilated. This could involve sealing off windows, doors, and cracks or using a dehumidifier to help regulate your home’s moisture levels.
Other ways to improve your home’s ventilation and regulate its humidity include:
- Adding ventilation grates that allow air to pass freely throughout the house
- Fixing water leaks immediately
- Maintaining a steady temperature with your thermostat
- Using exhaust fans while showering or cooking
Additionally, mold growth could be the result of poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Humidity control and ventilation will help improve your home’s IAQ, but you might also consider installing air purifiers throughout your home to further improve the air’s cleanliness. These units work by using a filtration system to remove dust, mold spores, pathogens, and other particles from the air.
It's also important to check for mold regularly, especially in any areas of the home with excess moisture like the bathroom, laundry room, or near your water heater. Finding mold before it becomes a serious problem is the best way to reduce the chance that you’ll need extensive mold removal services.
Indicators that mold may be present in your home could include:
- Damp, musty odors
- Spots and stains on walls or floors
- Persistent allergy or asthma symptoms
- Buildup of gunk on kitchen or bathroom tiles
- Recent flooding or water damage
As soon as you notice signs of mold growth, you should take action to identify the source and remove the mold.
How to Effectively Remove Mold
Mold infestations can quickly take over a space and spread rapidly if left untreated. It is sometimes possible to effectively remove the mold by yourself, depending on the extent of the growth and the surface it is growing on. If the mold is present on a non-porous surface such as plaster or sheetrock, it can usually be scrubbed away. If you discover mold in your carpets, clothes, or another porous surface, it is best to replace them.
Before you begin removing mold, you should always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and a respirator. Inhaling mold spores can be hazardous for your health. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask a professional for help.
Follow these steps to remove mold:
- Step 1: Start by thoroughly cleaning with warm water and soap to remove dirt and debris which may otherwise inhibit the removal process.
- Step 2: Scrub the mold away using an EPA-registered mold and mildew disinfectant, making sure to cover the entire affected area.
- Step 3: Ensure that the area is properly dried before replacing any furniture or items that were removed during treatment.
While it is ok to handle small amounts of mold on your own, you should always contact ServiceMaster by Cornerstone for thorough mold removal services. Our technicians are equipped to remove mold effectively, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your Cordova home is in the care of trained professionals. Mold is a serious problem, and it’s worth taking the time to properly address it before it gets out of hand.
To find out more about our residential mold removal services, contact us online or give us a call at (901) 459-3675 today! Our team would be happy to assist you.
