Archive for Mold
What is Mold Remediation?
Posted by: | CommentsSimply put, mold remediation is the clean-up and removal of mold from an environment by professionals who have the special training, equipment, and knowledge to safely ensure that it is done correctly. Mold remediation can take from hours to days depending on how large the area of contamination is and how wet it is.
It is important that anyone working on the situation is properly protected. Mold can cause many types of health issues, which is why mold remediation is so important. Attempting to clean up mold infestations yourself can be dangerous, and can result in the helping to spread the mold to other parts of the home.
Mold is caused by a moisture issue within the area where the mold is growing. The first step in mold remediation is resolving what is causing the moisture and allowing the mold to thrive. Once the existing problem is removed, this knowledge will be helpful in preventing any future mold problems.
If you see mold in your home, contact a company that specializes in mold remediation. Not only will they be able to deal with the problem quickly, but they will also help you understand what caused it in the first place. Armed with this knowledge, you can work to make your home safe from mold in the future.
Some Basic Facts About Mold
Posted by: | CommentsMolds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors, and they have the ability to survive harsh environmental conditions, making them difficult to eliminate. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.
Many people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. In cases of individuals with serious mold allergies, the reactions can be far more severe. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
When mold is found in your home, it can present a danger not only to your health, but to the structure of your home as well. Mold left untreated can destroy the building materials used in your home, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage. Along with the ever-present health risk associated with mold exposure, the potential for damage makes mold one of the worst problems a homeowner can face.
If you find mold growing in your home, don’t try to tackle the problem yourself. This is one of those instances where it really pays to bring in an expert. A company that is certified in mold remediation is your best chance of removing the problem quickly and reducing the potential dangers to your home and your family.
Wet clothes can be a source of mold
Posted by: | CommentsThis time of year, many of us are enjoying the warm weather by going to beaches or swimming pools, and often coming home with wet clothes or swimsuits. Placing wet clothes in a hamper can lead to mold growth in a very short period of time. Not only can mold stain your clothes, but it can spread to other areas of your home. In addition, having a large amount of wet clothes packed into a small area can even increase the relative humidity levels inside the house.
The best way to prevent any of this from happening is to never put wet clothes or towels into a hamper. Hang them somewhere where they can dry out first. If you have tennis shoes which have become wet, consider letting them dry outside before bringing them into the house.
If you’re not going to do laundry right away, you can always throw wet clothes into the dryer long enough to remove the moisture, and then place them in the hamper. Make sure that your clothes dryer is vented outside of the home so that you are not releasing moist air back into your house.
Preventing mold and saving energy while on vacation
Posted by: | CommentsSummer is peak vacation time for many people, which often involves closing up their homes for extended periods of time. Any time a house is going to be closed up during the warm summer months, there is the possibility of mold developing due to lack of air circulation and rising humidity within the home. An easy solution is to leave the air conditioning running, but that can become costly.
One way to prevent mold and not run up high electric bills is to use a programmable thermostat. By setting it to run your air conditioner at 72 degrees for just two hours every morning, and over 80 degrees the rest of the time, you can remove moisture from the air during the cooler hours when the humidity level is highest and your A/C runs most efficiently. Programmable thermostats can be found at most home improvement stores, and the majority of them allow you to program multiple settings.
When you return home from vacation, it’s a good idea to air your home out as much as possible. Take a few moments to visually inspect the home for signs of mold such as discolored tiles, walls, or ceilings. If you see signs of mold, don’t wait to take action. Contact a mold remediation company as quickly as possible to stop the spread of mold before it gets worse.