Have you noticed strange discolored spots or areas around your house? Maybe there’s an odd musty smell coming from certain damp areas? Are you or your loved ones experiencing unwanted allergen symptoms and are having trouble locating the source?
No one looks forward to hearing the infamous “M” word, but if you relate to the above scenarios then you very well could have mold in your house.
Mold growth indoors is not something to be taken lightly and should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Though many people are not affected by mold, it can cause serious health issues for those sensitive to mold allergens or with compromised immune systems if not resolved as soon as possible.
In a rental property, mold can be even more costly. A landlord may not be inspecting a property often enough to notice a mold issue, and a tenant may inadvertently encourage conditions that promote mold growth. Pete Evering of Utopia Management, “One of the issues that a property manager needs to stay on top of is mold prevention and treatment. The financial losses that a rental property owner suffers can lead to a losing investment. Regular inspections and immediate treatment are a must.”
Prime conditions
Mold is a fungus that grows almost everywhere but specifically thrives in places where it is damp and moist, such as humid conditions. Managing mold in this type of climate can be very tricky because of how easily it can form. It only needs a small amount of water to survive and feeds off substances found in most homes such as wood, paper, and even dirt and dust.
Other common culprits of mold growth are water leaks or poor ventilation in your house; specifically, areas where water is already present such as the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. If these areas stay moist, then it creates the perfect recipe for mold growth.
Different Types Of Mold
There are several different types of mold that commonly grow indoors and some are more harmful than others. Here are just a few common types that can cause issues:
Aspergillus
This is a very common type of mold that is found both indoor and outdoor. There are several species that grow on anything from vegetables to pillows to doors. Many people are not affected by this mold but those with compromised immune systems are more likely to get very sick from it. It is commonly black or green but can be other colors depending on the species.
Stachybotrys a.k.a. ‘Black Mold’
This is the infamous mold that coined the term ‘toxic mold’. This type typically has a musty odor and can cause very severe health problems in people. Black mold releases very small spores that easily travel around in the air when the slightest breeze blows by. The spores release mycotoxins which, if inhaled, can cause almost anyone to get sick with symptoms.
Now What?
Once you have visibly identified mold in your home, there are a few different options you can take moving forward. Don’t think you need to pack up and move quite yet. It’s important to identify what type of mold is growing in your residence to see if it’s dangerous and then determine if it is safe for you to continue living there not.
If you are not overly sensitive to mold and would like to try removing it yourself, this can easily be done with a few different methods. Although, it might be a good idea to hire a professional mold inspector to come into your house and test the air quality and housing structures for mold as well. There are also at home test kits you can buy at your local hardware store or even order online. These can be sent into a specified lab for a much cheaper price than hiring someone and the results will determine what type of mold you have and how hazardous to your health it could be.
Mold removal methods
If you have spotted and confirmed the presence of mold in your residence, the next step is to get rid of it immediately. Though some situations may be serious enough to require you to change residences and have a professional clean out the mold, the most common cases require some of these simple at home methods that you can use to Get rid of mold.
Prevention
If you live in a humid climate or have leaks anywhere in your house, you are at a high risk for mold growth. It’s very crucial to have awareness of mold prevention in order to keep you and your loved ones safe.
• Keep house dry and soak up any water that leaks immediately
• Ensure there is no leaking water in the property. Even if you get rid of mold but don’t solve the initial leaking issue, then mold can still grow and thrive.
• Use a dehumidifier to ensure that susceptible areas are kept moisture-free.
• Get an air purifier. This can trap and kill mold spores that are floating in the air and can be a great help for getting rid of mold in the air.
Hiring a licensed mold removal specialist is always a good option if there is any suspicion of mold growth.