Mold removal is essential to keeping a home and the people who live in it safe, healthy, and comfortable. Mold, mildew, rot, and dust mites can cause serious health problems, including asthma, allergies, respiratory and eye problems, and much more. Mold can also reduce the property value of a home and cause costly structural damage. Read on to learn more about rot and how to control, remove, and prevent mold growth in your home.
Mold can be sneaky and frequent
Mold affects indoor air quality and, unfortunately, can grow very quickly. In fact, mold can begin to grow in a home with humidity greater than 60% in less than 48 hours. Mold can even grow and thrive in cold spaces, like a refrigerator, as long as the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. “Hidden” rot can also secretly grow in fiberglass insulation and behind wallpaper and drywall. Although you may not be able to visibly see the rot, it does not mean that it is not there and that it is causing damage to your home and health.
Serious effects of mold growth
The presence of mold in a home has many negative effects. People can be exposed to rot through direct skin contact, breathing, or ingestion. Exposure to mold can cause a number of health-related problems, including shortness of breath, asthma, and a topical skin rash. Black mold is rare but highly toxic and contains carcinogenic mycotoxins that are linked to certain types of cancer, liver and nervous system damage, and more.
Mold can also cause structural damage and destroy the value of your home – no one wants to buy or move into a home with a serious mold problem!
Mold growth can also seriously affect your wallet for two reasons: 1) if left intact, mold will continue to grow and will be increasingly expensive to remove; and 2) Due to a growing number of rot-related lawsuits, many home insurance companies now exclude mold insurance from homeowners policies.
Mold prevention
A simple but effective way to prevent mold growth is to invest in an energy efficient dehumidifier. Because mold loves dark, damp, and humid spaces, it naturally thrives in basements and crawl spaces. Investing in a dehumidifier can significantly lower the humidity levels in your home, making it impossible for mold to grow or survive.
Professional mold removal
Mold can be scary, but fortunately, it is not something that is impossible to control or eliminate. Experts know that mold must have two things to survive and thrive: moisture and moisture. A mold removal specialist can visit your home to identify places where mold is growing or has previously grown.
These specialists can then completely seal your home so it is fully waterproofed and protected against future mold growth. If necessary and applicable, the mold removal specialist may also want to install a vapor barrier system in the driveway to protect both your home and your health.
If you suspect mold growth in your basement or other areas of your home, contact a mold removal specialist as soon as possible. Remember: a house that smells musty is an unsafe house. Take steps to protect your family and property by investing in mold removal services today!