Everyone loves their home and wants to protect it against all kinds of damage. Houses are exposed to a variety of damage including fire damage, smoke damage, flood damage, and mold damage. Among these damage types, the most preventable is mold damage. Despite this, many homeowners become victim to it.
To help you keep your home safe from mold damage, we are going to talk about why mold grows and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Mold Grows?
Mold exists everywhere around us. It’s a type of fungus that’s present in the air and is a component of dust. Generally mold doesn’t present a health risk, however, when it is allowed to grow, it can create problems for you.
Mold growth commonly occurs after water damage or flood damage. Usually, mold grows in the form of thread-like structures and it may appear green, grey, blue, or even black.
Most home materials are made up of organic matter where mold can thrive. Drywall, wood, carpeting, cardboard, insulation, paneling, ceiling tiles, upholstery, fabric, lint, dirt, and paint can all provide the nutrients to encourage the growth of mold when moisture is present. When these items get wet, mold will start spreading rapidly. In order to prevent mold, it should be ensured that no moisture accumulates anywhere in your home.
Preventing Mold Growth
Here are some things you can do to prevent mold growth in your premises.
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Identify the Source of Moisture and Fix it
Stay on the lookout for condensation, standing water, and damp spots. If you notice them, identify the source of moisture and fix it immediately. If can’t fix the source of the moisture yourself, hire a plumber to do the job for you.
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Use Exhaust Fans
In bathrooms and kitchens, use exhausts fans to ensure that air is properly vented outside.
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Avoid Using Humidifiers
If you notice condensation forming on walls, ceiling and/or windows avoid using applications that generate moisture – like humidifiers.
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Use Dehumidifiers
Consider using dehumidifies in areas of your home that are prone to moisture or when it’s extremely humid outside.
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Clean and Dry All Affected Areas After Water Damage
If your home suffers from water damage, immediately call a reputable water damage restoration firm to complete the clean-up process and dry all affected areas. Mold can grow if moisture isn’t removed thoroughly and quickly.
Some Common Places Where Mold Generally Grows
You should check the locations listed below at least once a week to ensure that there isn’t any sign of mold growth.
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Basement
Mold can thrive if there is moisture in your basement. Check for mold around windows and along the foundation. In addition, look near the hot water tank as well as the cooling and heating systems and by laundry facilities. If you spot water stains and/or damp spots, identify what’s causing them and fix the issue before it leads to mold growth.
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Kitchen
Check the caulk work around the sink and faucet. If they aren’t in good condition, have them fixed. Make sure that the kitchen is properly ventilated. Check for signs of mold growth inside the kitchen cabinets and under the sink.
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Bathrooms
Check for mold around the bathtub and the toilet. Ensure that the grout and caulk work in the shower or tub are in good condition. If your bathroom isn’t properly ventilated, consider installing an exhaust fan.
What You Should Do If Mold Has Already Grown?
If mold has grown anywhere in your home, you must deal with the problem before it gets worse. The main reason behind mold growth is moisture; so, identify the source of this moisture first and then fix it. Then use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the area. If mold grows on a hard surface, clean it with bleach and water. If mold has taken refuge on porous materials, throw them away as they’ll continue harboring mold spores even after you clean them.
Although you may be able to treat the surface mold yourself, you will likely not be able to remove mold permanently. Even after you have cleaned the surface with bleach, mold may continue to lurk behind drywall or wallpaper, underneath carpeting or flooring, or in the ceiling and walls.
Therefore instead of trying to remove the mold yourself, consider calling the mold remediation experts at Square One. Our mold remediation team knows how to remove the mold and contain it so that it doesn’t spread and degrade the air quality. They will remove the mold and disinfect the surfaces to prevent mold growth in the future. Call us today at 602-714-1092 if you want us to remove mold from your home and fix the damage that it may have caused.