Preventing Mold and Water Damage at Home

Mold is a risk. Do you know the impact it has on your wellbeing? The presence of mold in your home could make it more likely for getting infections for those with immunocompromised conditions and those who suffer from chronic lung diseases. The mold can also trigger serious reactions for people living with asthma. There are a variety of symptoms to expect that ranges from an irritable nose to irritation of the throat, to burning eyes and skin rash even for healthy individuals. If you are aware of the health risks of mold within your house, how do you avoid it from happening?

How exactly does mold begin?
It can grow anywhere an ideal environment of light and moisture exists. Sometimes, you might not know that it's taking place in your house. The smallest leaks on your roof may not be obvious, and the growth of mold in your attic could be unnoticed. The growth of mold can begin within 72 hours of flooding. The damage caused by water can be difficult to deal with because the water gets soaked into building materials and lingers for days if not dried properly. These are the ideal conditions for mold growth. In this blog, we'll explore the main sources of the mold problem, how to avoid mold, and examine the remediation options for mold.

What Causes Mold?
Certain factors can trigger mold to flourish. The first is that mold requires humidity, moisture, oxygen, warmth, and darkness for growth. Of course, it requires food sources like drywall, wood, or even cotton, or various mold-related spores. Take all of these elements together, and it'll take around 72 hours before mold starts to grow. Let's examine the major causes of mold growth in your home: Lack of Ventilation One of the major reasons that mold growth on ceiling materials occurs in basements is that they're not ventilated properly. In the absence of airflow, pockets of humid air can be created. In these conditions, evaporated heat and water will cause humidity and increase mold growth.

Leaking Pipes
If the pipes you have concealed begin to leak and become soiled, you're in danger. Pipes hidden in a wall or over a leaking ceiling are going to take a considerable time to discover. At this point, mold may have begun to develop without even knowing it.

Leaking in Your Roof
If you've got an attic space, it might take you a while to identify any leaks in your roof. This could indicate that mold growth on your ceiling materials is likely happening. Make sure to inspect your ceiling and attic frequently for leaks.

Flooding
If your home was affected by flooding or other water damage, then mold growth could be on the way. This is because your home is likely to be soaking damp for a long period in the aftermath of an event of flooding. It can take a few days or even weeks to dry out your home, dependent on the severity of the destruction.

Foundation Issues
A buildup of water on the base of your house can cause problems with structural moisture. This can be a problem if your yard isn't sloping away from home but rather collects rainwater in the area around the foundation.

How Do You Prevent Mold Growth?
If you've discovered the effects of water damage to your home, you must act to stop mold growth. A professional is highly recommended since they're highly trained and possess the tools and equipment to ensure the job is done correctly. Here are some ways to prevent the growth of mold within your house: Keep the humidity levels low Mildew and mold thrive in humid areas. If you reside in areas known for their humidity, think about setting up an air conditioner HVAC system with dehumidification and a humidifier. Ensure that your humidity is not greater than 50% throughout the day.

Ventilate Your Home 
If your house does not have enough natural airflow; you might need fans' installation. Two of the most important areas to exhaust fans are the bathroom and kitchen. Make sure your windows are open as often as possible to get rid of the damp and stuffy places. The simple act of opening your windows for a few minutes each day can make a huge amount of impact. If you've got an attic space, think about installing an attic air conditioner to control moisture levels and provide ventilation.

Repair Leaks 
Create a routine maintenance schedule to maintain your house. Make sure you regularly check for leaks within your home's roofing and walls as well as plumbing systems. So, moisture and mold won't sneak onto you. As you perform your routine maintenance, be sure to wash the gutters and fix them, search to see leaks within pipes, check the basement sump pump Seal windows, and check for foundation leaks. Also, make sure that your drainage and sewer systems aren't blocked. If you are repainting your home, you should add the mold inhibitors you want to use in your paint first. They'll be easily available in many home renovation stores. Keep your home clean and dry Be aware that mold can't grow without moisture; therefore, it is essential to dry any surfaces and wet areas. Carpet spills that are large wet towels or clothing on the surfaces of your bathroom and kitchen must all be dried fast to ensure that your home is mold-free.

Examine Your Cleaning Products 
Cleansing products with strong odors are usually made up of volatile organic compounds, which can cause harm to indoor air quality in your home. These pollutants can promote the development of spores of mold. For this reason, it is recommended to select products for cleaning that are non-toxic, water-based, and non-aerosol.

Keep indoor Plants 
The best method to decrease the chance of mold growing in your home is to include house plants. Plants in the house keep mold growing as they naturally absorb moisture and excess humidity within the atmosphere. They also enhance the quality of air in your home. The good news is that houseplants are in fashion as well.

Why Use Mold Remediation Services?
​Since mold is difficult to get rid of on your own, employing professional assistance is your best option. Incorrectly treated water damage could result in mold. If mold is not addressed, it may further decrease the indoor air quality and cause an unhealthy environment that could harm your health. If your house is suffering from mold issues, do not hesitate to contact Elkhart Restorations certified mold remediation specialists to assist you with the cleanup of mold. We'll assist you in restoring your property to its normal. Even if you've not experienced massive water damage, an issue such as a window leak could cause significant mold damage.