Understanding Mold Damage
Mold is a naturally occurring substance in nature. It helps with the decomposition of dead substances, as well as serving as the source of penicillin, a useful medicine.
However, molds that enter your home pose a threat to individuals who are exposed to them. Not only can molds cause serious illnesses and respiratory ailments in humans, but they can also inflict structural damage to your home. To help you understand why you should take mold remediation in your home seriously, here are some of the effects molds can have when left to fester in your home:
Structural issues – Molds grow due to the presence of moisture. They also decompose and speed up the deterioration of porous materials. If molds attach themselves to wood and grow rapidly, the wood can become its food and the wood will get destroyed.
That will create serious structural issues in your home. Wood beams, walls, ceilings, and other parts of your home will need to be removed and replaced when molds take a hold of them and damage them beyond repair.
Health issues – Molds can also cause a long list of health woes in your home. Molds produce spores, which are released into the air and can cause health issues when they are inhaled or land on your skin. These can also land on your food, which can cause spoilage and possible health issues.
Those who are allergic to molds can experience itching, rashes, and other similar skin problems. Inhaling these spores can also result in health issues such as respiratory ailments, sore throat, and even headaches. These can also result in watery eyes, nasal problems, and in worse cases, lung infections.
Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home
The best solution to a mold problem is actually to prevent it from occurring in the first place. To do this, you need to know which parts of your home are prone to dampness and to address this problem head-on. For example, bathrooms are known to become very damp and can be very humid. This can bring about the growth of molds in places that you can’t see, like in the ceiling and in cracks and crevices in your bathroom. To prevent these, you need to do the following:
- Dehumidify – In areas of your home that are prone to excess moisture, you need to use a dehumidifier. You can also have an exhaust fan installed for this purpose.
- Dry wet areas – Areas in your home that are exposed to constant moisture like countertops and floors should be dried off whenever possible. If moisture is left on these areas, molds can grow in cracks, crevices, and in the grout.
What to Do When Mold Growth Happens
When you find mold in your home, you need to call in an expert to help remove it. Letting a professional handle this for you will ensure that not only will these growths be removed, but preventive measures will be enacted to help stop them from coming back.
Aside from getting rid of mold growth for you, we can also help you with water damage restoration, content restoration, and fire damage restoration. To get the help you need for these issues, do not hesitate to contact us at 585-252-5929 today.