20 Feb What Moisture Related Issues Can Lead To Mold In Your Home?
Mold is a concern for many homeowners. And the damage that mold can cause to your home and property can be disastrous if it is not addressed.
To prevent mold growth in your home is vital for your health and safety. Controlling moisture is the best way to stop mold from growing.
The Relationship Between Indoor Moisture And Mold Growth
Extreme moisture is the cause of mold and mildew. You will need to deal with more moisture the hotter and humider it gets. Both mold and mildew can be described as fungi. Mildew, however, is mold at its earliest stages.
They are also vital to the environment. However, they can be a problem if they get out of control in our homes. Here are some examples:
- Health effects Mold can cause severe health problems in people with allergies and other respiratory conditions.
- Structural damages –Mold relies on organic matter to thrive. Mold attaches to paper backing, walls, insulation, carpeting and insulation. Cleaning and/or removal of mold is often required.
- Personal property If mold begins to grow on personal items like clothes and shoes, or household objects like furniture and mattresses you may be able to remove it. You can restore your items to their original condition by hiring a Long Beach mold remediation company.
- HVAC systems.Mold is commonly found within heating and cooling equipment. It is not possible to inspect many parts of your HVAC system. Long Beach mold damage restoration professionals can inspect the system thoroughly and clean it to prevent having to remove it or replace it.
Mold only needs the right mix of humidity, temperature, food source, and nutrients to grow. Mold spores can get into your home through windows, doors, HVAC units, people and pets. Here are some common spots:
- Humidifiers
- Leaky roofs
- Sinks, bathtubs, and showers
- Leaky pipes
- Any area that has been submerged, including toilets.
A musty or mildew odor, visible mold growth due to high indoor humidity and visible growth in moist and humid areas are all signs that mold has invaded your home.
Control Mold & Moisture in Your Home
Mold is prevented by controlling the interior humidity, particularly in hot and humid summer months. Here are some ways to control mold and moisture all year.
- Monitor indoor humidity levels – Mold growth can be a problem in as little as 24 hours. You can keep humidity levels at 30-60 percent by using a humidity monitor or whole-house humidity control system.
- Properly using air conditioning and humidifiers –A/C may dry out the air but just running it 24 hours a week doesn’t solve high indoor humidity. To remove humidity from the air, anyone living in a humid area should also have a dehumidifier.
- Replace your HVAC system’s filter regularly to prevent mold growth. Your individual circumstances may dictate that you swap out your filters every 30-60 days.
Most importantly, fix any moisture problems, hidden leaks.