Are you finding strange spots around your bathroom? Signs of water damage? Feeling ill? If so, you may be dealing with some sort of mold infestation in your home.
Not only is mold capable of causing serious health concerns, but it can also lead to substantial damage if left unaddressed for too long. ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company is here to explore the dangers of mold in your home and how you can properly identify it so that you can start to remediate the issue today!
Where Does Mold Come From?
Mold spores are always present in the environment, and if they can find their way into an area with excessive moisture – like a kitchen, leaky window seal, or even a basement without proper ventilation – they can spread quickly.
So quickly, in fact, mold can go from a few small spots to large colonies in as little as 48-72 hours. It can feed on any organic material, including wood, leather, fabrics, paper, carpeting, and even soaps or detergents, as long as moisture is there.
Mold growth can be a result of a number of moisture-related issues in the home, including:
- Faulty plumbing or appliance issues
- Outdated or inefficient heating and cooling systems
- Improper ventilation (especially in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room)
- Leaking roofs, windows, and door frames
- Humidity levels that are too high
Plumbing leaks, floods, and other water damage should be taken seriously to prevent mold growth. Always seek out a water damage restoration professional to help assess and mitigate the issue immediately.
Health Dangers of Mold
Prolonged mold exposure can cause serious health concerns for you, your family, and anyone else that enters your space. But what’s considered prolonged exposure? Experts suggest that any amount of time is too long, and the more mold you have in your home, the greater risk for health complications.
Prolonged mold exposure can lead to:
- New and aggravated respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia
- Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itchy eyes, and sneezing
- Headaches, fatigue, and a general sense of not feeling well
Repeated exposure to mold can also increase an individual's sensitivity, causing more severe allergic reactions and serious illness. Prolonged exposure is especially dangerous to the young, elderly, and those who already suffer from allergies and respiratory issues.
Property Damage from Mold
Mold growth is not only an aesthetic nuisance but can also be incredibly damaging to your property if left alone for too long.
Mold will eventually lead to:
- Damaged personal belongings, including clothing, books, photographs, and other items that cannot be replaced
- Weakening or rotting building materials being eaten away by the mold, compromising the structural integrity of your home and potentially leading to collapse
- An average 20% to 37% drop in home resale value (for both minor and major mold problems)
Tackling mold growth early on can save you from having to spend the time and money to replace studs, drywall, insulation, flooring, furniture, and more down the road.
How to Identify Signs of Mold Growth in Your Home
Whether it's superficial surface growth or a result of recent water damage, understanding how to identify and address mold is essential to successfully remediating it.
If you notice any of these signs, you may have a mold infestation:
- Musty odors in your home that cannot be explained or dissipated with air fresheners
- Discoloration of walls or ceilings, usually black or green spots
- Dampness on carpets, floors, and furniture that can't be easily dried
- Water damage from a storm, flood, or plumbing issue
If you're unsure if your home has a mold problem, don't be afraid to test for mold with the help of a licensed professional. This will give you peace of mind if it's negative or get you on the road to recovery if it's positive.
Best Practices for Getting Rid of Mold
Cleaning mold can be challenging, but there are several ways to do it safely and effectively.
Here are a few guidelines to follow to remove small amounts of mold:
- Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, throughout the cleaning process
- Use a solution of bleach and water to clean up the mold
- Dispose of any material contaminated with mold as soon as possible
If there is a lot of mold, hiring a professional to take care of the issue is best. This will keep you safe, limit the number of mold spores released into the air, and help prevent the mold from returning.
Find Professional Mold Remediation Services for a Comprehensive Recovery
Even if you can wipe away mold, this does not always solve the problem. Without properly addressing the underlying issue, mold can fester in hidden places and cause further damage. Because of this, it's best to turn to a trusted company specializing in mold remediation.
What's the Difference Between Mold Removal & Remediation?
Mold removal and mold remediation are two distinct processes often used interchangeably, but they have different scopes of work.
- Mold removal refers to the process of physically removing mold from surfaces and eliminating it from a specific area.
- Mold remediation is a broader term that refers to identifying, addressing, and restoring the conditions that led to mold growth in the first place.
In other words, mold remediation involves not only removing the existing mold but also addressing any underlying issues that might have caused its growth. Mold remediation involves a more comprehensive approach, which includes identifying the causes of moisture, treating any affected surfaces, and cleaning up the mold.
Turn to ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company for Columbus Mold Remediation
At ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company, we have knowledgeable technicians specialized in mold remediation and inspection services. Our team of experts can help assess your property, identify potential problem areas, and deploy the necessary strategies to ensure comprehensive recovery.
We understand the dangers of mold and prioritize safety and efficiency in our process. From water damage restoration to deodorization and removal, our team is here for you to help restore your home or business to good health!
If you've spotted mold in your home, don't hesitate to contact us now – we're available 24/7 to take your call!
