You know that mould can cause serious health problems. Are you aware of the potential risks to your physical health? Those with impaired immune systems or chronic lung disease are particularly vulnerable to infections caused by mould in the home. It can also trigger severe asthma symptoms.
How can you prevent mould from growing in your home now that you know about the health risks? How soon does mould begin to grow? You may not even be aware that mould is present in your home if the conditions for its growth (moisture and light) are satisfied. Small leaks in your roof are difficult to detect, and mould forming in your attic may be left unreported.
Mould growth can begin as soon as 72 hours following flooding. Cleaning up after flooding is difficult since water can remain in building materials for days if they aren’t dried properly, creating the right environment for mould growth.
This blog will look closely at mould, its most common causes, prevention strategies, and the services available to eliminate mould.
Why Does Mould Form?
Mould can thrive in some circumstances. First, mould needs moisture, humidity, warmth, oxygen, and darkness to thrive. Of course, it needs a food source, wood, drywall, cotton, or other mould spores. When all these elements are together, mould takes 72 hours to grow.
In that light, let’s examine the most common factors contributing to mould growth in your homes:
Inadequate ventilation
Basements often have inadequate ventilation, leading to mould growth on ceiling materials. As a result, pockets of damp air form when there is no ventilation. Any evaporating water and heat will create humidity and encourage mould growth in these conditions.
Pipes that are leaking
It’s a major problem when the pipes beneath your floor begin to drip. It will take a long time to locate pipes inside a wall or above a leaking ceiling. Mould is most likely growing without your knowledge at this point.
Your Roof Is Leaking
Leaks in the roof may stay undetected for quite some time if you have an attic. It could indicate that mould is growing on the ceiling material. Check your attic and ceiling regularly for leaks.
Flooding
The likelihood of mould growth increases after a flood has damaged your property. As a result, water will be present in high concentrations for extended periods during and after a flood. Depending on the degree of damage, it could take days or even weeks to dry out a home thoroughly.
Problems with the Foundation
Moisture problems in the structure of your home might be caused by water that collects near the foundation. When the land around your house doesn’t slope away from it, water tends to pool around its foundation, which can be a major issue.
How Do You Stop Mould Growth?
If you discover water damage in your home, it’s time to take action to keep mould from forming. It is strongly suggested that you hire a professional as they have received extensive training and own high-quality tools and equipment.
Some suggestions for warding off mould growth at home:
– Maintain Low Humidity: Mould and mildew thrive in humid conditions. A dehumidifier or air conditioner with dehumidification might be helpful in humid climates. Keep the humidity at no more than 50% during the day.
– Ventilate Your Home: If your home lacks adequate natural ventilation, fans may be required. Exhaust fans are very useful in the kitchen and the bathroom. If you have musty or damp spots in your home, keep the windows open as much as possible. Keep your windows open for 10 to 15 minutes daily, and you’ll notice a huge difference. An attic fan can be useful for controlling humidity and providing ventilation if you have an attic.
– Repair Leaks: Create a regular maintenance routine for your home. Check for leaks in your home’s roof, walls, and plumbing systems regularly. Moisture and mould will not be able to creep up on you this way. Remember to clean and fix gutters, check for pipe leaks, inspect your basement sump pump, seal windows, and check for foundation leaks when performing routine maintenance. Also, make sure your sewer and drainage systems are clear.
TIP: Before repainting your home, add mould inhibitors to your paints. They should be available in most home improvement stores.
– Keep Things Clean and Dry: Because mould cannot form without moisture, it is critical to dry all surfaces and wet places rapidly. To keep your home mould-free, large carpet spills, wet clothing or towels, and kitchen and bathroom surfaces should all be dried rapidly.
– Examine Your Cleaning Solutions: Cleaning products with strong odours typically include a high concentration of volatile organic compounds, which can pollute and degrade your home’s indoor air quality. Mould spores can thrive in the presence of these pollutants. As a result, it is preferable to use cleaning products that are water-based, non-toxic, and non-aerosol.
– Keep Indoor Plants: Add houseplants to your home to reduce the chances of mould growth. They naturally remove excess moisture and humidity from the air. Air quality in your house will increase.
Why Do Mould Remediation Services Exist?
It’s better to hire a pro to help you get rid of mould since you may have difficulty getting rid of it on your own. Water damage that is not treated appropriately might result in mould growth. If mould is not removed, it can degrade indoor air quality and create an uncomfortable atmosphere that is harmful to your health.
If you have a mould problem in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Reztor Restoration’s experienced mould remediation specialists for mould removal assistance. We will assist you in quickly restoring your property to its original condition. A simple problem like a leaking window can cause significant mould damage even if you haven’t had substantial water damage.
Contact Reztor Restoration for assistance.
When you call Reztor Restoration, our local professionals will gladly explain our easy procedure. When your ceiling is damaged by water, we can fix the issue right away and help you avoid further mould growth with our water damage services.
If mould does appear, our IICRC-certified team of specialists can efficiently remediate the situation. Our mould remediation specialists have received extensive training in safety precautions, engineering controls, containment methods, and employing standard recognised work practices.
If you have queries concerning water damage repair, mould remediation, or flood damage cleanup, please contact Reztor Restoration 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
