Mould spores can be found all around us. Conditions of high humidity and temperature accelerate mould growth. Mildew is terrible for your health.
If you find mould growth in your house, you must seek the advice of a mould remediation expert without delay. Reztor Restoration has the essential skills and equipment to safely and successfully remove mould. In this post, we’ll share what our mould experts know about the origins of mould and the right methods for preventing its spread.
What Causes Mould Growth in Homes?
Fungal spores can reproduce exponentially under the right conditions. It can thrive on walls, air ducts, ceiling tiles, and other surfaces. For mould to develop, three things must occur:
- Food
- Temperature
- Water
Because our homes contain many potential mould “food,” and we normally keep them warm, they can be breeding grounds for mould. The addition of water makes the conditions ideal for the growth of mould. In the nation, water is the most common source of property damage. Overflowing sinks, plumbing leaks, drain or sewage back-ups, over-ground water from severe rains or river/coastal floods, and other causes may contribute.
Since dirt already contains organic material, its presence in the water might speed up the mould’s growth even more. Mould appears as “growth” or discolouration on paper or wood. White, orange, green, brown, and black are just a few of the colours found here. It can emit a musty odour.
What Are Mould’s Health Consequences?
Indoor mould exposure can lead to a variety of health issues. It is possible to experience minor irritations, allergic reactions, and even serious respiratory infections.
Indoor mould exposure, according to specialists, has been related to upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy persons. The Institute of Medicine found a link between breathing problems in apparently healthy children and mould exposure at home. For these reasons, you should always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) around the suspected mould; adequate PPE comprises goggles/eye protection, rubber gloves, and N-95 masks.
According to the expert, it is generally optional to determine what kind of mould is in a dwelling. He does not recommend routine mould testing but recommends removing all mould. All moulds, especially those that thrive in humid environments, can trigger allergic reactions or allergy-like symptoms in susceptible persons, so getting rid of them as soon as possible is crucial.
How to Avoid Mould Growth
Mould prevention can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. There are numerous methods for controlling moisture and preventing mould formation in your home. If you notice mould, the first step is getting rid of the water source and then cleaning and eradicating the mould. Identifying and eliminating moisture sources is critical before health and structural issues occur. Although nothing is certain, following these guidelines can help you avoid a mould infestation in your house.
Here are some mould prevention tips to consider
– To reduce moisture problems, repair leaks in walls, roofs, gutters, and plumbing pipes as soon as possible. Inspect ceilings and walls for water stains, which can indicate hidden leaks.
– Avoid excessive humidity. Use a dehumidifier, air conditioner, or open windows and doors to keep indoor humidity at 30-50%. Check humidity levels daily. If mould is present, do not use fans. A fan will distribute mould spores.
– Reduce the humidity in your home, change the thermostat, and add insulation to prevent condensation. Remember that certain parts of your home, such as a moist basement, may be more vulnerable and require more maintenance.
– Use exhaust fans to ventilate items that produce moisture (cooking range, shower, dryer, etc.).
– Have your HVAC system tested by a trained technician once a year. Make certain that your HVAC drip pans are clean and flowing correctly.
– Following a flood, a water damage restoration specialist should clean and dry all damp surfaces in your home within 48-72 hours.
– To prevent mould formation in indoor plant soil, mix a tiny amount of tea with the water you give your plants.
– To avoid moisture absorption in your walls, use mould-resistant paint, drywall, and sheetrock.
– Use water-resistant building materials for rebuilding or remodelling, such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, waterproof wallboard, waterproof glues, etc. Consider easy-clean, water-resistant floor coverings such as vinyl or stone tile in moisture-prone areas.
– To keep water at bay, slope the ground around your property away from the foundation. Install drainage, such as a French drain or culvert drain, to move water away from your property.
– Clear debris from your gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are directed away from the foundation.
– As much as possible, ventilate any crawl space to allow full drying.
What Should You Do If You Notice Mould?
Removing mould can be risky if it has been growing in a hidden area for a long time and needs to be cleaned thoroughly. If you are unfamiliar with mould remediation, it is preferable to hire an expert.
If the affected area is less than 10 square feet in size, you can take measures to eliminate mould on your own. Remember that these are different processes that a professional would follow. Get the facts about black mould removal right now. It would be safer if you never combined ammonia and bleach since doing so releases a hazardous gas.
For Mould Removal, Contact Reztor Restoration!
To avoid mould growth on your property, follow these prevention methods. If you notice mould, the first step is to locate and eliminate the source of the water, then contact a professional mould remediation firm, such as Reztor Restoration. When it comes to mould removal, you can trust that our licensed, expert technicians will use methods accepted in the industry.
Call your local Reztor Restoration office, the property damage experts, if you struggle with mould, water damage, fire and smoke damage, or biohazard treatment. Our technicians are ready to help with any property damage problem. We will reduce the loss to prevent further damage and then perform restoration services to return the property to its pre-loss state swiftly.
