Mold can be a serious problem for homeowners. While mold is naturally occurring in the environment, it can become a health hazard when it is allowed to accumulate in your home. It’s important to take proactive steps to prevent the growth and spread of mold in your home – not only will this help keep your home safe, but it will also save you time and money by avoiding costly repairs down the line. Let’s look at some of the causes of mold infestation and tips for keeping your home safe from mold.
What is Mold and What Are the Causes of Mold
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that has been around since ancient times. It grows on organic materials like wood, plants, paper products, or food products as long as there’s enough moisture present. mold is commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics, and other areas with high levels of moisture. Mold spores can spread through the air, water, or contact with contaminated items. When mold finds an area with enough moisture and food sources, it starts to colonize and reproduce quickly. This is why it’s important to take action against mold when you see signs of its presence in your home.
Are Mildew And Mold The Same Thing?
Mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different things. While mold and mildew may both appear as fuzzy, dark patches on surfaces, they belong to different species of fungi and have distinct differences. Mold is usually found in damp areas and mainly grows on food, walls, and furniture, while mildew is typically found preferring wetter environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, and fabrics. To tell mold and mildew apart it helps to know that mold appears in an array of colors, including green, gray, black, and orange, while mildew usually appears in a grayish-white color with a flat and powdery texture. Although mold and mildew can both produce allergens that can cause health issues such as asthma attacks or other types of allergens-related illnesses, mold has greater potential for damage because of its high moisture needs due to its ability to decompose organic material quickly.
Types of Mold Found in Homes
There are several different types of mold including black mold (Stachybotrys), green mold (Cladosporium), brown mold (Aspergillus), orange mold (Fusarium), white mold (Penicillium), pink mold (Trichoderma), yellow/golden mold (Alternaria).
Why Should You Be Concerned About mold?
Mold can damage surfaces by discoloring them or causing them to rot over time if left untreated. Furthermore, dust mites feed on mold spores so prolonged exposure could lead to an increase in dust mite populations which can further aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms.
Can Mold Make You Sick?
Mold can be a serious health hazard and understanding the risks mold poses is important. Exposure to mold, both through inhalation and contact with the skin, can cause adverse physical symptoms such as respiratory issues, headaches, and even fevers. Long-term mold exposure has even been linked to depression, fatigue, and memory loss. Therefore, it is important to take action when mold is present in your home or workplace since it can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.
Signs of Mold in Your House
The first sign that you have mold in your home is usually a musty smell coming from a certain area or room.
You may also see visible spots of mold or discoloration on walls, fabrics, or books if the infestation has been going on for some time.
Another sign that you may have an issue with molds is the presence of dust mites that feed on mold spores.
What are the Causes of Mold
Mold can grow in many places due to high humidity levels, poor ventilation and exhaust fans, wall-to-wall carpeting in wet areas, and leaks or standing water. In order to prevent mold from taking root in your home, you need to understand what causes it to grow so that you can take preventive measures.
Humidity Levels
High humidity levels are one of the most common causes of mold infestation. This is especially true in warm climates or during hot seasons where moisture from outside air accumulates inside your house. To keep humidity levels low, use dehumidifiers, fans, and air conditioners whenever possible.
Poor Ventilation and Exhaust Fans
Poor ventilation can lead to an accumulation of moisture which can cause mold growth. Make sure that all exhaust fans (in bathrooms and kitchens) are working properly and turn them on whenever there is steam or moisture present. This will allow excess moisture to escape outside instead of settling into walls or other areas where it can cause problems later on.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting in Wet Areas
Wall-to-wall carpeting should be avoided in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms as they tend to retain moisture which leads to mold growth over time. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting installed already, make sure it is well maintained (i.e., vacuumed regularly) so that any excess moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath it resulting in potential damage down the line.
Leaks and Standing Water
Leaks should be fixed immediately as they can quickly lead to a buildup of standing water which creates an ideal environment for mold growth over time if not addressed quickly enough. So make sure all plumbing fixtures are checked regularly for any signs of leaking or accumulations of standing water around them – better safe than sorry!
When to Call Professionals
Mold can be tricky to deal with, which is why it’s important to know when you should approach a professional for help. If mold has spread across an area of 10 or more square feet, it probably means that the problem has become much more serious and beyond the capabilities of bacteria-fighting solutions and DIY tactics. Professionals have access to powerful mold-killing chemicals and know how to safely handle mold-infested materials such as furniture, insulation, and personal belongings.
Restore Services is a company based out of California County that specializes in safely and effectively eliminating mold without damaging property.
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For more information, visit the CDC’s Guide on Mold.
