09 Jan Where You Will Find Garage Mold and How To Get Rid Of It
Mold can be found in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. But did you know that it can also grow and spread in garages? Mold thrives in areas with little sunlight and ventilation, so your garage could be the ideal place for it.
Our Long Beach Mold Remediation Company provides expert garage mold removal services. We can help you keep your garage free from mold. We will also offer tips for keeping mold out of your home.
Why does mold grow in garages?
To grow and spread mold, three conditions are necessary: darkness, humidity, and insufficient air circulation. Garage mold can be caused by:
- Door seals that are worn out and allow water and dampness to seep in can be dangerous.
- Flooding can be caused by leaky plumbing, burst pipes or broken washing machine lines.
- Combining summer heat with rainstorms can increase humidity.
- Keep cardboard and other paper items in your garage to feed mold growth.
- Water seeping onto garage floors from undercarriages and tires of wet vehicles.
Signs and symptoms of mold in the Garage
Garages are moist, dark and humid places where mold can grow. Mold spores can then spread to other organic matter such as ceilings, drywall and wooden structural elements.
These are five signs that mold needs to be removed from your garage:
- An unpleasant odor that is musty, damp or “dirty socks”
- You can choose from black, white, red or gray spots or fuzzy spots on the ceiling and walls.
- Excessive moisture caused by a recent flood, or leak.
- Paint that is peeling, discolored or powdery.
- Mold-related symptoms in family members and guests
Although mold can’t grow on concrete or other inorganic materials, it can be grown on any mineral deposits or spills on the garage floor.
Garage Mold Damage Can Cause
Mold can have the same negative effects on your garage as it does in your home. Mold spreads quickly and consumes everything it touches. Mold can cause permanent damage to building materials such as drywall. If mold removal services are not performed quickly, it can also destroy the structural integrity and strength of wood framing materials.
Exposure to standing mold can cause serious health problems.
- Headaches
- Other respiratory problems, such as coughing
- Fatigue and listlessness
- Skin rashes
- Memory confusion
Although mold is often blamed for asthma in young children and adults, nearly everyone can develop asthma, even seniors, pregnant women and people with immune disorders.
Garage Mold Removal
Garage mold can be a nuisance at first, but quickly becomes a problem. Although it is possible to clean up small areas of mold growth, mold works like any other living organism to defend itself against attack.
You should not use bleach to remove small amounts of mold. It is also not a good idea to cover the mold with a paint sealing agent. You must remove all mold and organic material.
To safely remove garage mold, a professional Long Beach Mold Remediation Company will be your best choice. Our Long Beach Mold Remediation Specialists are experts in mold removal and can quickly locate the source of moisture to safely remove any mold. They can contain the mold, remove it and clean up and treat any affected areas to prevent it from returning.
Tips to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Garage
Because they are often exposed to the elements, garages are especially susceptible to mold damages. Rain can easily enter the interior if it isn’t sealed properly. Garages are used for storage of items such as wood, cardboard and fabric furnishings. This provides mold all the food it needs to thrive and survive.
These tips will help prevent mold from returning after professional mold removal services have been performed.
- Check the garage for any leaks. Look out for small puddles in the floor. Water stains can also be found on walls and ceilings.
- Make sure to inspect your roof, gutters , and piping . Repair any damage immediately, no matter how minor.
- Seal your garage door to stop water seeping in. Install weather stripping that is damaged, torn or crumbling. If you don’t have one already, install one with a higher R value.
- To eliminate moisture buildup, reduce humidity. You should ensure that the garage is well-ventilated and dry. To let sunlight in, you might want to open the doors and windows from time to time.
- Always remove any standing water immediately.
- Keep your garage dry to avoid water pooling. The garage floor slope should be properly designed to divert water away from the garage. This will help prevent mold growth and water damage.
- Keep stored items dry by organizing them . To protect clothing, paper, and other organic materials, install metal shelving.
- To protect your foundation and garage from moisture buildup, extend the downspouts.
Consider using waterproof paint and mold-resistant wallpaper when remodeling or installing a garage. Pre-coated or viny aluminum siding can be used to protect garage walls against water damage.