Mold can grow in many properties, and without notice, it can infiltrate walls, behind tiles, ceilings, and other corners of the house. It can devastate your home and health if you don’t do anything about it, says bernhardtrestoration.com, a Florida based company that handle mold inspection, water damage assessment, and mold project consulting and supervision of the remediation team.
Mold can be unimaginably risky to your health, especially if it reaches the “age” where it turns black. If this is your case, it’s already too late to remove it with distilled white vinegar – you need a professional mold remover. However, it’s essential to recognize the first signs of mold and take cautionary measures to prevent considerable damage to your home.
What is Mold?
What is mold, you may wonder? Mold is an organism formed of multicellular fungal strands. It’s capable of causing biodegradation of materials, which results in property damage. It’s no surprise that mold flourishes in watery spaces. The presence of the tiniest leak can attract mold, and spread quickly, as its bacteria can be easily carried by airflow. This results in contaminated areas, often affecting clothes and furniture – but most importantly, it can put your health at risk.
Mold Growth in New Homes
Mold can be found everywhere, even in newly-built homes. Sometimes, materials are left in the rain during the construction, so moisture settles inside them, causing mold growth. The lack of interest of workers may lead to such inconveniences. So, make sure you hire the right construction company to build your new home.
Too many times, the foundation of a home is still wet when the concrete slab is installed. The water inside will infiltrate into walls, creating more mold over time. Here are some signs you may deal with mold in your new home:
- Spongy walls
- Peeling and cracking paint
- Musty smell
- Stains
- Discoloration of the walls or ceiling
Some people report health issues, allergies, and even asthma when dealing with mold. They might also experience headaches, respiratory problems, trouble breathing, etc. These are clear indicators that mold is installed on your walls.
What Should You Do if You Have Mold in Your Home?
If you have mold in your home, you need to find a way to get rid of it. Nobody wants to live in the company of mold. Contact a mold removal expert to determine the cause of it. Once you have the results, make sure you file a claim with the insurance company. In some cases, they’ll cover the cost of mold removal.
Preventing Mold in Your Home
The best way to prevent mold in your home is through ventilation or airflow. As such:
- Open windows frequently to allow moisture to outflow
- Leave fans run for at least 1 hour afterward
- Check the concrete slab and each space where mold set in the past weeks
- Use a dehumidifier
- Call a mold removal company for an inspection
Mold Remediation
Until the source of mold growth is found and eliminated, mold will thrive and devastate your living space. Because it’s invisible to the naked eye, bacteria are carried in the air, affecting the building materials of your home, as well as damaging to your health. Before you notice, your home will be contaminated with mold, getting worse day by day. As a result, a mold removal is an option, although it’s a tedious and complex process, so it’s best to be done by an expert.
Mold Removal – DIY?
The DIY mold removal process can be very efficient if done correctly. First, you need to identify the signs of mold growth and manage to prevent its progress. Use a fungicide to remove mold, but make sure you also eliminate the source of mold in the first place. But remember: DIY mold removal can often be incomplete or a temporary solution. Household cleaners only hide mold problems. Disinfectants and cleaning products aren’t strong enough to remove mold. Also, they’re not efficient in cleaning contaminated materials, so it’s just a matter of time until mold appears again.
Most people choose to add a fresh coat of paint on top of the mold. But this isn’t a solution; it will just cover it for a while. Whatever your choices, don’t forget to wear protective equipment, kike gloves, a respiratory mask, and safety glasses. It’s essential to protect yourself from the battle with harmful chemicals that enter your home.