December 11th, 2020
Mold in your home is not only a major health risk, but is very corrosive and can lead to structural damage in your home. When mold develops, it grows where there is an excess of moisture which also provides a risk to your home. Mold can grow in your furniture, appliances, and other possessions. Most importantly though, it can grow on the structural elements of your home like your walls, foundation, and flooring. If left alone, mold will start to cause rot and breakdown, leaving your home at risk for collapse.
How Does Mold Damage The Structure Of The Home?
Mold is a living entity that must feed. They primarily feed on organic matter like wood. They do this by releasing an enzyme that breaks down the material so it can be consumed for energy. The scientific term for this is “material biodegradation” and causes decay and rot. When this rot is on the structural foundation of your you like your framing and flooring, it can lead to those materials rotting and crumbling. That puts you at risk of your home collapsing. So when you have identified the presence of mold, you need to call a mold remediation expert immediately.
How Do I Identify Mold?
There are several signs to look for when investigating if there is mold in your home including:
You see mold spores which are typically a dark greenish color and fuzzy in texture
Your home smells musty or damp
You find excess moisture or pooling water
You and your family members are constantly battling cold or flu-like symptoms
Oftentimes though, the signs of mold are not readily apparent. The best rule of thumb is if you’ve had any excess moisture in your home, you get a mold inspection.
What Happens During A Mold Inspection?
A mold inspection is conducted by a licensed mold remediation expert. The inspection begins with a consultation to understand your situation. Then they will inspect your home using a combination of knowledge and specialized tools. In severe cases, they may have to remove a piece of drywall or flooring to understand the situation better. They will then document and explain the severity of the mold. Finally, they will put together a strategy for mold remediation to help protect the structural integrity of your home. If there is already the presence of structural damage, they will also help you develop a strategy to repair your home before it becomes a hazard.
If you believe that you have mold in your home, you need to work with an expert right away. Mold is very dangerous to both your family’s health and the structural integrity of your home. At Meridian Foundation Repair and Waterproofing, our knowledgeable team of mold remediation experts can help. We’ll do a full investigation to identify the mold, then put together a comprehensive strategy to keep the mold out for good. Give us a call to get started. Our team will be happy to answer any questions about the process.