What Parts Of Your Home Can Mold Get Into?
Mold is a common problem in many homes. It is caused by humidity, condensation, and leaks. Poor ventilation and lighting encourage its growth.
Mold is not just unsightly. It's a health hazard as it worsens the symptoms of allergies and asthma. If left unchecked, it could damage your home, and worse, make you and your family sick.
How do you know if your home has mold? You will notice peeling, cracking or bulging of wall paint. You may also notice tiny green or black dots on the surface. Then there is that tell-tale smell of mold. In which areas of your home do you commonly find mold?
Walls
Often, molds grow inside walls due to humidity, leaks, and condensation. Condensation is the result of contact between water vapor and cold surfaces and is common on exterior walls as these are more exposed to cold weather.
A lot of indoor humidity is likely to promote the growth of molds on interior walls. Practices such as drying clothes indoors and steam from hot showers encourage molds to grow.
Check areas around pipes and taps for leaks. Leaking pipes inside walls may also cause molds to grow. These may not be outwardly visible, so you have to have them checked by a specialist, using special mold-testing equipment.
Always ensure you keep your house well ventilated. Keep your windows open whenever the weather permits or use a dehumidifier.
Ceiling
Mold on the ceiling can be externally visible or growing on the other side of the ceiling. Look out for signs of leaks in the ceiling.
Basement
This is the part of your house that is most likely to get mold. This is because it is lower than other parts and moisture is more likely to seep in from outside.
It also tends to be colder, resulting in a higher likelihood of condensation. To cap it all, the basement is often dark and poorly ventilated.
Ensure the area around your house is well drained.
Mold Remediation
On non-porous surfaces, wipe away the mold using a wet cloth or use mold removing products such as borax, bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or baking soda.
If the surface is porous, such as an unpainted drywall or ceiling, it means the mold is growing inside the walls, and that section has to be cut away.
For extensive or recurrent infestation, call a mold remediation company like Servpro Of Washington County to assess the extent of the infestation and give advice on the way forward.
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