September 25th, 2020
Most people don’t realize how easy mold can penetrate and start destroying your home. Many of us are unaware that it is not “normal” for a basement to smell “musty”. If mold is growing in your house, it can cause multiple issues, including health issues. So let’s look at some moldy facts:
Mold growth can start within 48 hours
Mold is present everywhere both indoors and out
Mold spores float along in the air and can enter your home through windows, doors HVAC system, or even on your clothing or pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture and can rapidly grow into colonies.
Mold produces a strong, musty odor
Even if the humidity in your home goes above 45% you can start developing mold
The process of removing mold is called “mold remediation”
Four Signs You May Have Mold
If you notice any of the following or experience them as a homeowner, there is a good chance that you may have mold in your home and require remediation:
Water Damage:
If you have water damage such as an overflowing toilet, leaky shower, or even flooding outside from heavy rain. Moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. Any porous material in your home such as drywall, carpeting and fabric furniture can develop mold if damp.
Musty Smells Inside Your Home:
If your home smells musty and damp and you can’t seem to determine where it is coming from, you probably have mold. First thing is to check for water around your AC unit, water heater, under the sink. Check for leaks in your roof or water in your basement. These are places most homeowners don’t notice right away.
Spots Of Mold Growth:
If you see spots of black it is a definite sign of mold growth, but it does not always have to be black. You may also notice yellow, orange or brown discoloration of ceiling tiles, on the walls or in your bathroom.
Family Members Develop Health Symptoms:
This is one of the most critical signs that you may have mold in your house and not know it. You may find yourself with one or several of the following symptoms and no clue why:
Sinus and nasal congestion
Coughing
Wheezing
Sneezing
Chest tightness
It is also important to note that if it seems that you and your family members catch colds a lot it could be mold. This is especially critical for those who have asthma as it will increase their attacks. If the mold in your home goes unnoticed for a period of time the exposure to toxic mold can lead to other serious illnesses.
If You Think You Need Mold Remediation
If you notice or suspect any of these signs of mold in your house, the best action to take is to call a mold remediation specialist. A specialist will come to your home and complete a thorough inspection. If mold is detected, then the remediation team will remove any moldy porous building materials, disinfect, clean and also use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) scrubber to make sure the air in your home is clean and fresh. When it comes to mold remediation, Meridian Foundation Repair and Waterproofing is certified and fully insured. Using the latest technologies available and keeping your comfort in mind we will get your home mold free and your family breathing better again.