Mold is caused by moisture and dampness, and if not treated can cause more problems than just being smelly and unsightly. The most common form of mold found in homes is Alternaria, which can be brown and green in color, and is a type of fungus.
This fungal growth thrives in moist environments and feeds off of the building materials in your home because they provide a great source of nutrients. It can only need 24 hours to proliferate so it’s important to keep your house as dry as you can all year round!
Causes Of Mold and Prevention
Mold in the home is very common and shouldn’t be something to worry about if you spot it early and take steps to remove it. It’s almost inevitable in the home and sometimes it might not be noticed for a while. If you ignore it then it can spread and cause more problems but an industrial hygienist mold removal service is always only a phone call away should you need it, or if you just want to make sure it’s gone completely after trying to remove it yourself. There are different causes but are all fundamentally caused by moisture and warmth, so most of them are easily preventable.
Humid Weather
Higher humidity is when there’s naturally higher water content in the air. So when this air enters your house through windows, doors and gaps, more water also enters the house and, as we’ve found out, more moisture in a room can cause mold. If you live near the ocean or a lake, or another humid climate then this might be one of the main roots of the problem. Because you can’t change the weather (I’m pretty sure…) then the way to prevent this is by keeping your home well-ventilated. Opening windows to allow airflow will dry damp areas and will stop the moisture in the air in your home from building up.
Leaky Roof
If you’ve got gaps in your roof then it’s time to fill them in! A build-up of water in your roof space and attic can cause mold to grow in your ceilings. You’ll also want to clean gutters to prevent water overflow and build-up.
Leaky Pipes
You may find that mold keeps forming around your plumbing and pipes. If there’s a leak, this will lead to a backlog of water that won’t be able to dry naturally. You’ll want to get that fixed to avoid problems in your walls and in places like under your sink.
Wet Washing
If you have to or prefer to air dry your clothes then try to do it outside or with a window open. Laundry day is always a bit of pain so don’t make it worse for yourself by leaving damp clothes in a pile when you say to yourself “Oh, I can just hang it up later” and then wonder why there’s mold growing on your walls! Whatever time of year, you should aim to keep clothing and furniture dry, but especially in the warm months which can accelerate mold growth. The same goes for any spillage on carpets and rugs – don’t just let it set in!
Home Location
If the area around your house is prone to flooding, or if water is not draining away from your house properly then this could lead to mold growth. If it’s particularly bad, then you may have to speak to a landscaper to see if you can create channels for water runoff, to try to keep the ground surrounding your walls dry and less water-logged. This also applies to basements, where water might naturally accumulate, so be sure to maintain this area too so it keeps from spreading.
So basically, to prevent mold, you want to keep your home and its surroundings as dry as possible and treat it before it continues to spread.
Useful Equipment
Devices can help you monitor humidity and prevent growth. Keep a moisture meter and try to keep the humidity levels in your home between 30-60%. You can lower humidity by opening windows to increase airflow or you can use a dehumidifier, which sucks in air and traps moisture. You’ll be surprised how much water collects in the tray which you can then tip away down the sink.
What Does Mold Lead To?
Exposure to mold can cause health issues, especially if you’re exposed to it over a long period of time (which you might be if you’re living and sleeping in the same room as a problem area!). Some people are more sensitive than others but can harm everyone, particularly causing respiratory and immune system issues. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, rashes, irritated eyes and more. You may wish to see a doctor who can refer you to an allergist.
As well as allergies and illnesses, the fungus can eat at the materials in your home which can cause issues to the structural integrity of your home. This is often wood which can, after a time, crumble apart, causing rooves to collapse and other damage. So it’s vital not to let mold set in and ‘make itself as home’.
How To Get Rid Of Mold
You can treat mold yourself sometimes but you should be cautious by wearing a mask, gloves and goggles. You can often simply scrub at the fungus from most surfaces using detergent and water – or purchase a specialized mold cleaner. You should wash your clothes on a hot wash and dispose of the rags you used to prevent the spread of the fungus.
So as you can see, resolving the issue of mold by preventing moisture in your home is crucial in preventing health problems for you and your family, and ensuring the home you are in is structurally safe. It is easily preventable by keeping things dry by doing things as simple as turning the fan on when you go for a shower. If mold does form, then simply scrubbing it away can work, and if it comes back then consider hiring a professional.
Related Posts:
- A Glimpse of the Negative Impact of Crawl Space Mold on Your Health
- 7 Useful Ways To Prevent Mold Forming In Your House
- Make Sure You and Your Skin are Breathing Clean Air: Indoor Air Quality and Its Effects on Skin Care Clinics
- 5 Best Dehumidifiers for a Basement
- Home Humidifiers: Why You Should Get One
- Does Air Conditioning Reduce Humidity? Everything You Should Know
- Humidity and Your Home: 3 Tips for Balanced Air
