You are aware that mould is hazardous. Are you aware of the consequences for your health? In ill persons and those with chronic lung illness, mould can raise the risk of infection and trigger severe allergic reactions. Even in relatively healthy persons, you might expect a stuffy nose and scratchy throat to burn eyes and a skin rash.
How can you prevent mould from growing in your home now that you know about the health risks? What causes mould? Mould will grow wherever there is moisture and light, and you may be completely unaware of what is happening in your home. Small leaks in your roof are difficult to detect, and mould forming in your attic may remain unreported.
The first signs of mould growth typically appear within 72 hours of a flood. Water damage is difficult to clean up because water soaks into construction materials and can linger there for days if not properly dried – excellent conditions for mould growth.
In this piece, we’ll look at the leading sources of mould, how to prevent mould, and mould remediation services.
Mould Is Caused By What?
Mould can grow under certain circumstances. Firstly, mould needs moisture, humidity, warmth, oxygen, and darkness to thrive. Of course, it needs a food source, which may be wood, drywall, cotton, or other mould spores. When all these elements are together, mould will only take 72 hours to grow.
So, let’s look at the most common sources of mould in your home.
Inadequate ventilation.
One of the primary causes of mould formation on ceiling material in basements is a lack of ventilation. 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.
When your underground pipes begin to leak, you’re in big danger. Pipes hidden behind a wall or above a leaking ceiling will take a long time to locate. Mould is most likely growing without your knowledge at this point. The surrounding area may begin to smell musty, and if you are not covered, you may be responsible for cleanup charges.
Porch with a view of the garage.
Porches that overlook a garage will sustain water damage and mould growth. Rain or snow will cause water to spill onto your garage floor and drip onto your porch ceiling. Try repairing your roof and sealing joints on the porch to prevent water from leaking.
A house with a basement is more prone to leaking pipes, especially if it includes old wood structures or has been expanded. If you feel leaks, contact a waterproofing company or a plumbing specialist.
Your roof is leaky.
If you have an attic, roof leaks may be challenging to detect. It could indicate that mould is growing on the ceiling material. Check your attic and ceiling.
Flooding
If your property has been flooded, mould growth is almost certainly on the way. It is because your home will most likely be wet for an extended period during and after a flood. Depending on the degree of damage, it could take days or even weeks to dry out a home thoroughly.
Pipes that are damaged or deteriorating.
If your pipes are not adequately insulated or have been damaged by heat, you may wind up with excess moisture in your home, which develops mould. Ensure to insulate your pipes and call a plumber immediately if you notice any problems.
A need for more housekeeping.
Mould spores can readily migrate from a carpet or loose tile floor to the ceiling if a house is not thoroughly cleaned. Reztor Restoration estimates that inadequately ventilated homes are responsible for 80% of the mould that causes allergy and respiratory and digestive disorders. In an emergency, it is imperative to clean the house using effective techniques.
Mould Growth: What Can You Do?
If you discover water damage in your home, it’s time to take action to keep mould from forming.
It is highly recommended to hire a professional since they are well-trained and have the necessary tools and equipment.
Here are some suggestions for reducing mould growth in your home:
Maintain Low Humidity: Mould and mildew thrive in humid conditions. In humid climates, dehumidifiers and HVAC systems with dehumidification are good choices. Ensure that the humidity level is at most 50% during the day.
Ventilate Your Home: If your home lacks appropriate natural ventilation, fans may be required. The use of exhaust fans is recommended in the kitchen and the bathroom. It would help if you opened as many windows as possible to dry out any moist or stuffy places. Even 10-15 minutes of daily window opening can significantly affect you. Consider adding an attic fan to help manage moisture and provide ventilation if you have one.
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.
Systems for heating and cooling.
Moisture will condense within the house due to wood heaters and cooling systems. Water vapour can accumulate inside your home, especially if your heating or cooling system is older. A single leak could endanger your health, especially if you reside in a humid climate.
In the summer, ensure your cooling system is working properly and that the temperature in your attic is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, close all vents and windows to prevent warm air from leaving.
Finally, mould avoidance starts with preventing dampness. Make sure you perform essential maintenance to avoid leaks in your home and that any spills or moisture are cleaned up as soon as possible. If you discover a moisture buildup in your home, you should immediately consult a professional. By taking these precautions, you can keep mould from growing in your house.
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.
Check 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: Adding houseplants to your home is a fantastic strategy to lessen the chances of mould growth. Houseplants inhibit mould growth by absorbing excess humidity and moisture in the air. It will help improve your home’s air quality. Fortunately, houseplants are also popular.
Why Do Mould Remediation Services Exist?
Because mould is tough to eradicate, hiring a professional is your best bet. 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’ll work with you to quickly return your property to normal. 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.
Call Reztor Restoration, and our local professionals will walk you through our simple process. Any of our water damage services will handle mould concerns instantly and help you prevent mould growth on ceiling material before it develops.
If mould does develop, our team of IICRC-certified 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.
