Can I Make My Home Mold Resistant?

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

If you got a sinking feeling in your stomach while reading the title of this article, it’s understandable. Mold is a homeowner’s worst enemy! Not only is it unsightly, but also it’s a possible health concern.

In some cases, you’ll want to hire a professional to perform mold remediation. But, there are also strategies you can utilize to help reduce the chance of a serious mold problem.

You see, proper mold remediation is not only removing and cleaning the mold. Preventative measures also play a part. For this reason, we’re sharing steps you can take to combat mold growth.

First, we’ll help you understand how mold invades your home. Then, we’ll talk about the specifics of making your home mold resistant.

The Basics Of Mold

Okay, here’s the deal — it’s everywhere. Whether you’re inside or outside, there are mold spores flying through the air. But, don’t freak out and lock yourself in a panic room. Mold is a fungus that’s needed in nature to break down materials such as dead leaves and trees. There’s really no way to avoid it.

Fortunately, in small amounts, mold isn’t always harmful; however, once spores settle in an ideal indoor environment, they can grow and cause problems. This is usually when professional mold remediation becomes necessary.

Spores are the result of mold reproduction. It’s kind of like spreading plant seeds. They can enter into houses a number of ways. They’re tiny enough to slip through the smallest cracks and crevices, even those you might’ve tried to block with sealant. Also, when spores move through the air, they can stick to your body and hitch a ride into your home.

So, when does it go from harmless spore to a worrisome nuisance?

Mold Likes To Feed

Yes, it’s true. Mold is ravenous and loves to eat items in your home. Mold remediation can help curb the appetite; just keep in mind where you need to look to start the process. Some areas are often a favorite meal:

• Carpet
• Insulation
• Concrete (yup, mold is strong enough to break down concrete)
• Nutrients on Wood Surfaces
• Paper
• Food

Of course, it’s not guaranteed mold will always be on these items in your house. Mold likes warm, moist environments. Many people have several spots where mold can thrive:

• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Attic
• Basement
• Fireplace
• Utility closets

It’s important to note that this is not a complete list. In actuality, mold can exist almost anywhere if the conditions are just right. In fact, it may end up in a spot invisible to the naked eye. Mold remediation companies can assist with this problem.

When Mold Becomes A Health Concern

Finding mold in your house can be a stressful situation. Generally speaking, when the mold spore count increases in a home and becomes more concentrated, the problems begin. And, you have little time before it starts to attack. Mold only needs one or two days of moisture to start its growth process.

The scary part is some molds can be toxic. What you’re probably most familiar with is black mold (in the science speak, it’s called Stachybotrys Chartarum). This type of mold doesn’t happen immediately. It usually requires one or two weeks of wet material. For example, the aftermath of a flood can encourage growth. Here are some symptoms caused by black mold:

• Breathing Problems
• Nose and throat irritation
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Skin and eye sensitivity

This is not to say black mold is the only type of mold to cause health problems. Any mold can cause issues. It’s all dependent on the individual person.

What You Can Do To Reduce Mold

And so, we shall now move on to what can be done to help prevent all types of mold from wreaking havoc in your home.

Reduce Humidity

As was mentioned previously, mold loves warmth and moisture. Condensation is one indication there’s too much moisture. Try using dehumidifiers in damp areas to get the humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. Additionally, open the doors to rooms and closets so air can flow through the house.

Keep It Clean

It’s probably no surprise to hear that cleaning helps. Dust and vacuum regularly. Don’t leave wet clothes out.  Make sure to take care of spills and leaks as soon as possible. If there are any damp materials that won’t dry, remove them from the house. Perform regular cleaning on rain gutters and air conditioners. If you’re storing boxes, keep them off the floors and foundation. Also, think about using mold-inhibiting cleaners and paints.

Ventilate

Mold enjoys poor ventilation. Install ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Ensure your clothes dryer has a vent to the outside of your house. If an area of dirt is present, cover it with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture from rising up from the ground.

Expert Mold Remediation

There is no way to completely remove all mold from your home, but you most likely want to get rid of as much as you can. What’s more, you may feel uneasy about handling mold yourself. That’s okay. Mold remediation companies can do the dirty work for you.

We actually suggest finding a full-service restoration firm. This means you’ll have a professional working with you from beginning to end. If you find the right company, you’ll start with a free mold inspection. From there, if mold is present, technicians will work through the professional remediation process:

1. Contain the space where there are hazardous particles
2. Install HEPA air purifiers
3. Remove the mold as well as materials with mold on them
4. Clean affected belongings
5. Rebuild any areas that were torn out (this is key — not all companies do this!)

If you’re a Texan, SERVPRO of North Irving can be your go-to source for mold removal in Dallas. We offer free mold inspection, utilize the latest methods and technology, and we treat all types of mold with the same care. Our highly-skilled technicians are available 24/7 and yes —we are a full-service company. If we tear it out, we rebuild it.

Don’t get stuck with mold problems or a company that won’t complete the job. Call (972) 986-7677 if you notice mold in your home. We’ll respond immediately with exceptional mold remediation services so you can feel safe and healthy in your home!