What To Do If You See Signs Of Mold In Your Home

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Maintenance on our belongings is part of life if we want to keep things in good working order, and our homes are - of course - no different. Today we’re going to talk about mold and what to do if you see signs of mold in your home, as this is one of the most difficult maintenance issues to handle. It can be a serious issue and impossible to completely eradicate once it gets established, so engaging the help of a professional mold remediation expert can be one of the most important steps you take in the event that mold has started a colony in any of your living spaces. 

Mold spores are microscopic and they are everywhere. They float in the air, so they are able to enter your home through windows and doors or HVAC systems, and in damp conditions, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Mold often produces a strong musty odor, so that odor will alert you to areas in your home that have developed a problem. Keeping the humidity level in your home below 45 percent can be a big help in blocking the growth of toxic mold in your house, as well. 

The scientific name for the mold that is often called black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. It can produce both health effects. However, many other types of mold can produce those same health effects, so it’s best to treat any mold with caution. Do not touch or disturb any mold found, and be sure to stay out of affected areas.

Here are some steps to take that will help you both identify signs of mold in your home and prevent an infestation:

LEAKS

Leaks always need to be cleaned up and dried as soon as possible to prevent water damage and mold growth so you will want to be vigilant here. Keep an eye open for stains on ceilings and walls - telltale signs of leaks that are happening behind the scenes. Keep rain gutters clean and in good repair, and make sure water is properly diverted from the foundations and low-lying areas of your house. 

MANAGE DAMP

Mold grows where it’s wet and can take over in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Even leaving wet items lying around the house, such as beach towels and swimsuits, can create a problem, so make sure those who live in your home keep wet items off of the flooring. If there are large spills these will need to be sponged up and dried completely, as well. If you see that tell-tale black dust where wet items were left, you can use a bleach/water mixture to get rid of it. Carpeting and textiles will probably need a professional touch, however. 

VENTILATION

If you experience that musty smell whenever you go indoors, you may have a mold situation developing. Make sure your home is properly ventilated, and ensure that any appliances that produce moisture are vented to the outdoors. Using a dehumidifier is always helpful, as well; today’s energy-efficient homes can actually hold moisture indoors, so monitoring and managing the humidity levels in your home will help you keep the atmosphere healthy.

INDOOR VEGETATION

Mold is likely to grow on houseplants, and you will know it is happening if you see white or black dust on their leaves. Keep your indoor vegetation clean and dry by wiping down leaves periodically. Your local plant nursery will carry products that can help you here.

MOLD-RESISTANT MATERIALS/PRODUCTS

Whenever you repair or renovate your home, using mold-resistant products such as drywall or sheetrock can help you prevent mold infestations in the future. 

Many types of mold can cause adverse reactions, so you should contact us here at SERVPRO of North Nashville right away no matter what type of mold you find in your home. You can actually experience many types of mold in the same house or structure, some of which are toxic. The help of a professional mold remediation company will be vital in this situation. Keep in mind that we handle water damage, fire damage, and clean up projects of all sizes, and we can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, as well. This franchise is individually owned and operated.