Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in humidity. It often appears as fuzzy, rough patches on the surface. These can be seen in damp areas of the house, and tend to spread over a span of 24- 48 hours. Mold can damage the appearance of walls, floors and ceilings. Mold releases acids that can accelerate metal corrosion, thus impacting the structural stability of the building if not taken seriously. Besides structural integrity, it causes allergic reactions to the skin, respiratory organs and black mold produces toxins, poses risks to low immune systems.
Thus, preventive measures for mold and mold removal services are important for residential houses. This article will help you track down the cause and take preventive steps to keep your home mold-free.
Causes and Preventive Measures of Mold Growth
Homeowners can easily protect their homes from mold damage by understanding how mold growth is triggered.
Water Leaks
Cause
Pipe leaks, cracks, and indoor plants create a humid environment. Any type of water intrusion, when not treated well, leads to residual dampness and invites mold growth.
Preventive Measures
Whenever you observe any kind of water leak from any source, don’t delay in addressing it. For minor issues, you can try fixing them instantly, but if the leak is major, it’s best to call a professional service provider to handle the repair and restore your home.
High humidity
Cause
Continuous rainfall, snowfall, or confined spaces stimulate humidity and invite mildew. Even when you leave your home for a longer time unattended, the risk of moisture build-up arises, and consequently, mold growth may arise.
Preventive Measures
Place a dehumidifier in the basement or other moisture-prone area, like under the sink and wash basin. In addition, ensure proper air flow in the house.
Floods
Cause
In case of a flood occurring by any means, whether it’s due to a natural disaster or due to failure of plumbing, water intrusion is guaranteed.
Preventive Measures
Try to remove water completely, and after removal, dry all the essentials, like floor carpets, to prevent mold growth. If the scale of water damage is large, professional help is recommended to deal with water damage, followed by mold removal.
Condensation
Cause
During summer, warm air meeting cold surfaces can cause condensation, which creates an ideal environment for mold growth.
Preventive Measures
If you observe condensation on walls, windows, ventilate your house by opening doors, windows, and allowing air through fans and using equipment like a dehumidifier.
Poor Ventilation
Cause
Poor ventilation may be due to improper house design and placement of floors and windows. But it’s difficult to keep your house ventilated in extreme cold and rain, and thus, mold growth is unavoidable.
Preventive Measures
Try to circulate air through fans and open windows and doors whenever possible, especially in summer. If you are facing an issue in maintaining proper ventilation, you can contact a professional, who will use their advanced equipment to remove moisture.
Tips to Protect Your Home from Mold Growth
- Ensure good air ventilation throughout the house.
- Don’t ignore any leaks and cracks in the plumbing; fix them immediately.
- Ensure proper sealing of door and window frames in winters and rains.
- If you detect mold growth, immediately remove it yourself or call mold removal services if the scale is large.
- If you are living in a humid area, then install and use a dehumidifier.
- Install exhaust fans in places like the kitchen and bathroom, if necessary.
- When it comes to mold cleanup, disinfection is also important to prevent future bacterial issues.
- You can use mild bleach and scrub off the mold growth on a small scale
- It is recommended to call for professional mold removal services if the scale is large.
Conclusion
Cold and damp areas often attract mold due to water leaks, floods, poor ventilation and other climatic conditions. Molds can be hidden beneath the carpets, wallpaper and ceiling panels. Mold growth is an identical problem that often occurs in Canadian homes. Mold damage can also cause serious health concerns and potentially damage structural integrity; thus, it can not be ignored.
The causes and preventive measures discussed in this blog will help you to avoid mold growth and protect your house. In case of a large or hidden infestation, it’s best to seek help from mold removal services.
We, at ONT Restoration, offer mold removal services for all types of residential and commercial properties. Our licensed, experienced professionals are experts in mold clean-up. We not only remove mold but also help prevent it from coming back
Don’t wait until it spreads; call ONT restoration and book an appointment for mold remediation to restore your house safely.
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