Mold can grow in a home due to floods or leaks or in moist, humid areas hidden from view, especially in Florida, where all of those are a constant issue..
Mold can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and nasal stuffiness. Individuals who already have breathing problems due to asthma or chronic lung disease or who have particular mold allergies can experience more severe symptoms.
Learn how to determine if you need mold remediation and then what to do to remove it from your house permanently.
Water leakage
Mold development can be caused by excess moisture from leaking water pipes, toilets, and ceilings. If the leak is hidden behind drywall or another surface, you may not notice it. Even when the leaks are repaired, mold may have already infected the surrounding areas.
If you have any type of water damage, major or minor, you should seek the professional assistance of an expert for an assessment.
Musty odors
If you perceive a musty or mildew-like smell coming from any place in your home, especially in areas where there is usually moisture, mold might be lurking beneath or within that area. The only way to find out is to hire an expert. If you detect any unpleasant odors in your house and suspect that they are caused by mold and mildew, you may be dealing with a hidden problem.
Humidity and condensation
Mold thrives on moisture, and the two usually go hand in hand. Moisture is produced by humidity, giving it a mold-friendly environment. On the other hand, condensation may build on windows, water pipes, and other things in your home if there is too much moisture.
If the humidity in your house exceeds 60%, you are at significant risk of mold infection. In addition, if you find rust on your pipes, this shows excess moisture, leading to mold formation.
You’ve had mold before
Mold can be annoyingly stubborn, and some people feel that the problem can be solved by just clearing any visible mold using do-it-yourself approaches. On the other hand, Mold colonies can spread to regions of your home that you can’t access or see, such as between walls and even into the ductwork. The only practical alternative for eradicating the problem is to hire a mold remediation professional.
Allergies
Suppose you or anybody in your household suffers allergy symptoms such as a scratchy throat, congestion, skin irritation, headaches, or other allergic responses. In that case, this might indicate the presence of mold.
Ventilation problems
Moisture will not disperse rapidly enough in rooms or locations with limited ventilation, creating an atmosphere favorable to mold development. Bathrooms with no windows or exhaust fans, basements, and even kitchens with steamy areas are examples of places where moisture builds.
Mold spores or discoloration
Mold may not even be recognized as such. Mold spores might appear as fuzzy or slimy discolorations. Mold isn’t necessarily black; several numerous species can be seen in white, gray, red, brown, and even some pastel colors.
It can look like a vibrant shade of orange, pink, or purple if it grows behind colored wallpaper. Some molds resemble dust or fuzz, while others resemble sand particles. You will undoubtedly want expert cleanup if you discover mold spores on surfaces.
Carpets in rooms don’t dry out
Mold grows on surfaces with a lot of moisture and organic materials on them for a long time. Carpets, especially after a storm or flood, become breeding grounds for mold. A flood normally leaves a large amount of water on the floors of your home.
The main issue with many Florida homes is that carpets cover the whole floor. To thoroughly eliminate the mold, you will need to tear away the whole flooring. Stay vigilant anytime your carpet flooring becomes wet to avoid such serious conditions. If it has been wet for an extended period, have it cleaned and dried by a professional.
Why do you need a mold remediation expert?
Mold cleanup is important before more problems arise. Refusing to seek expert treatment can harm your and your family’s health. Furthermore, trying to remove mold on your own may result in re-infestation. Mold test kits sold over the counter are pricey and do not inform you how bad the situation is or where it is concentrated.
Mold strains that affect only a small area, such as a small growth in the bathroom tub or on a small bit of drywall near a leaky tap, can, on the other hand, be readily handled. To fully clean an affected area, use a mild cleaner. A little patch of moldy drywall (approximately 10 square feet or less) is also not considered significant. Therefore, it is possible to isolate it from the rest of the home and clean it using a mold remover. However, keep an eye out for any other warning signs elsewhere in your home.
Frequently asked questions
How can I prevent mold?
If you find mold in your home, you can try to prevent it from spreading or growing by cleaning it using a natural mixture of tea tree oil and water, followed by a vinegar rinse. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used. Vinegar has a strong odor, so apply these methods to remove vinegar odors in your house.
To prevent mold from forming in your house, do the following steps:
- During the warm, humid months, use fans anyplace mold may form.
- Repair any leaks as quickly as possible. When painting your walls, add mold inhibitors.
- When cleaning restrooms, use mold-killing solutions.
What should I throw away if my home has mold?
Solid surfaces, such as glass, metal, and plastic, can be preserved with relative ease. Clothing, towels, and bedding can be saved by washing them fast and thoroughly. Large appliances can be cleaned and operated normally, if not internally damaged.
If you are contaminated with mold, you must dispose of the following items:
- Padding
- Cardboard
- Paper products
- Mattresses
- Carpeting
- Stuffed animals
- Upholstered furniture
- Food
- Books
- Food preparation items
Conclusion
A certified mold remediation specialist for South Florida should inspect any major mold concerns. Mold spores develop quickly in some situations, and the sooner you take action to control the issue, the better. Conversely, the longer you wait, the more likely the mold will spread and cause costly mold cleanup expenses.
Mold should not be underestimated. It damages both your house and your health. If you see any of these symptoms, you should seek professional assistance.
