Does Your Home Have Mold? What You Need To Know

Everything to Know About Mold and Mold Growth in the HomeMold is a fairly common problem in homes, especially in homes with moisture problems. Mold growth can lead to chronic health problems and can even devalue the home. Venice CA homeowners who want to protect themselves from mold can do so by watching for the signs and avoiding conditions that are conducive to mold growth. These tips can help.

Where Mold is Likely to Be A Problem

Mold can be a problem just about anywhere, if the conditions inside the house are right. New homes are vulnerable to mold because of energy efficiency standards. Air tight building envelopes can lock in moisture, especially if the vents in the home are not working as they should.

In addition, mold can be a problem in any part of the home that experiences a prolonged leak over a long period of time. This is a common problem in older homes, especially mold caused by roof leaks. The longer the leak is allowed to go on, the more likely that mold will take hold in the structure of the home.

What Mold Looks Like

Mold is usually found growing in circles on the walls or on the ceiling of the home. Sometimes mold can be found growing on carpeting, although carpet tends to hide mold deep in the fibers, which makes it difficult to see.

Mold comes in a range of colors from brown to gray to green and yellow. Typically, mold is found in parts of the home where there is a moisture problem. Parts of the home that are affected by leaks are most likely to be affected by mold.

Signs Your Home Has Mold

Aside from the visual confirmation, there are other indications that a home has mold. Some common ways that homeowners can tell when their house has mold includes:

  • Odor. Mold has a distinctive odor that people usually describe as "musty."
  • Physical symptoms. Many people will experience a physical reaction to mold, such as respiratory problems and rashes.

The physical symptoms that are caused by mold can be a result of other environmental conditions, not just mold. Homeowners may need to talk to their doctor to decide whether or not they're having a reaction to mold in the air.

What You Can Do About Mold

Homeowners can protect themselves from mold in a variety of ways. Prevention is critical. There are many ways to keep mold from growing in the house. Keeping the house well ventilated and repairing leaks right away can help. Homeowners can monitor humidity in their home with a hygrometer mounted on the walls. If the home is routinely too humid, the homeowner can reduce humidity by running a dehumidifier and HVAC system. If mold is discovered in the home, it's critical to have it remediated by a professional. This can help ensure that the mold will be fully removed and the house is safe to live in.

Finally, if there are ever any leaks in the home, fixing the leaks right away can help prevent mold from growing. This means that homeowners should watch for signs of a leak and act accordingly if they ever see that a leak is developing.

If you're a homeowner who would like more information about mold remediation, contact a mold remediation company in your area. Working with a professional can help ensure that your home is safe for you and members of your household.

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