Nevertheless, these are all problems homeowners should address, from a musty odor in the house to black mold in bathrooms. Mold can lead to many problems, some of which could have serious consequences for your health.
Mold 101
Mold is a natural part of the environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It can be found anywhere there is moisture or oxygen. Mold can be dangerous to your home, regardless of whether it is visible. Also, mold growth is not good for the structure of a home. It is important for homeowners to understand the signs and risks associated with mold growth in their home as well as how to remove it.
What Causes Mold?
It’s not uncommon to see mold on plants, soil, or other dead matter outside. As long as there is moisture, it can grow. Mold thrives when there is high moisture, little sunlight, and the temperature is within a safe range. According to the University of Illinois the ideal temperature range for mold growth would be between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mold can be found on exterior walls such as siding, windows frames, bricks and roof shingles. Mold can also be found indoors on sheetrock, insulation and grout. Mold can also grow on carpets and in upholstered furniture. There are many ways to reduce mold growth in your house.
What is the Contribution of Moisture to a Home?
Although every home is different, there are common elements and conditions that can contribute to moisture. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Humidity
- Condensation
- Leaks
- Inadequate air-flow/ventilation
- HVAC system
- Laundry
- Flooding
- Preventing mold and moisture growth
Humidity: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that humidity levels in your home should not exceed 50 percent. A dehumidifier or air conditioner can be helpful in warmer months. A bathroom exhaust fan can be used to lower humidity. It may be more difficult to regulate the humidity in homes that live in humid areas or are near water bodies.
Condensation: Condensation can cause humidity and mold growth in your home through condensation on the windows, basement walls, concrete floors and pipes. To reduce condensation, you should insulate pipes and ensure that crawlspaces, basements, and attics have adequate ventilation.
Leaks: Leaks can lead to excess moisture which could create a favorable environment for mold growth. Leaks in pipes, drain lines and behind bathtub surrounds, as well as roof leaks, can all lead to mold growth. To prevent costly damage and rapid mold growth, leaks must be fixed as soon as possible.
Inadequate Air-Flow/Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for indoor air quality (IAQ). Ceiling or floor fans are usually not sufficient. Regularly cleaning and running exhaust fans when bathing, showering, or cooking can help to keep moisture levels under control.
HVAC System: It is important to inspect HVAC systems at home for mold. These systems naturally contain moisture, which is what mold loves. Mold can also be found on HVAC equipment if there is condensation. An HVAC specialist can perform annual maintenance checks to spot problems like impaired airflow, duct leaks and thermostat issues.
Laundry: Wet clothes can be left in the dryer, washer, on an indoor rack/line or on the ground to increase the humidity levels. Dry your laundry quickly and only use indoor drying racks/lines sparingly.
Flooding: Sometimes basements flood because of leaks, pipes breaking, or even bursting. Mold can grow in 24-hours. It’s crucial to get rid of it as soon as possible. A water remediation team may be required depending on the extent of flooding.
What Does Mold Do to Your Health?
Mold in a home can cause health problems for anyone. Most common allergy symptoms are:
- Congestion, runny nose and sneezing
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Creasy, scratchy throat
Some people may have more severe symptoms. This could affect breathing and trigger asthma attacks. More health problems can develop if you are exposed to mold for a longer time. Mold exposure can cause serious health problems for people with certain diseases and respiratory conditions or those with weak immune systems. These people are at high risk of fungal infections, internal organ damage, bleeding, cancers and even death.
Mold infections and respiratory complications are more common in children under age 5 than in older adults. These symptoms can cause death.
How Dangerous Is Black Mold?
Actually, black mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) is a greenish-black color. It can form after basement flooding, water damage from a leaky roof, or when there’s too many condensation. Black mold (or any other mold) should not be exposed and should be avoided.
What Does Black Mold Smell Like?
When trying to find potential mold issues in their home, homeowners often wonder what mold smells like. Mold generally has a distinct, musty smell. It may smell like soil after a storm or saturated paper to some people. Black mold can smell pungent or earthier.
How do I know if my home is contaminated with mold?
While some types of mold can be seen visually, others may require a special test. There might be:
- A musty, mildew odor
- Ceiling, floor, and/or wall staining
Residents who are suffering from these symptoms may need to seek medical attention.
It’s difficult to detect or see mold. Mold can hide behind insulation and furniture.
Removal of Mold
A homeowner can resolve minor mold problems by using soap and water, followed by a solution to kill the mold. To prevent mold from returning, the affected areas must be dried thoroughly. To keep yourself safe while removing mold, you should wear protective gear. You should dispose of all contaminated materials in a proper manner. It can be costly to remove mold-affected materials such as drywall, insulation, or flooring.
A professional is often the best mold removal expert. FEMA recommends homeowners hire professionals to remediate mold if it is greater than 25-square footage.
Mold can pose serious dangers to pets and humans alike. It should not be ignored. Some mold problems are too expensive and difficult to solve. Mold damage can also lower a house’s value. You might be better off selling the house as is and moving to a better place. We Buy Houses Minnesota can help you buy homes just like yours, even if there are mold issues.
