Facts About Mold

Most homes experience mold growth, which is distressing to most homeowners. Other than being unsightly, exposure to high mold levels can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Not to mention it can be damaging to your home's foundation. If you suspect mold in your home, it is imperative to understand it and know how you can stop it immediately.

What is Mold?

Mold is a living organism and a fungus that grows in multicellular filaments called hyphae. These living organisms are mostly found in moist areas outdoors, including plants, soil, and dead organic matter. Mold comes in many types, and all of them need moisture to grow.

Mold reproduces through spores and obtains its nutrients from other organic substances like wood, paper, insulation, and more. While these spores can be harmless in small quantities, they can lead to mold symptoms and allergies in large numbers. When they get on damp areas, these spores can develop into active mold and threaten human health.

Quick Facts of Mold

Having information about mold can help you protect your family and take the necessary measures to prevent its spread. However, there is a lot of information on the internet about mold, and it can be difficult to differentiate which is correct from which is false. Here are the top facts about mold that most people are not commonly aware of.

Mold is Everywhere. Mold is a type of fungus that grows virtually everywhere, provided there is moisture. The fungi spores are very tiny and are carried in the air, making it impossible to eliminate them entirely.
Mold Thrives in Moist Places and Feeds on Organic Food to Grow. Mold prefers moisture-prone areas like the bathroom and the basement. It also thrives well in warm, humid conditions where it decomposes organic material, which serves as its food.
Water Damage Emergency Can Lead to Mold Growth. If your property has experienced a sewer backup or flood, you are likely to notice mold growth. Water damage creates a favorable environment for mold spores to develop and spread to other parts of your home.
Mold Can Cause Health Problems. Mold is a common allergen that can be harmful to human health in the event of long-term exposure. It can increase a person's risk of developing infections and illnesses like asthma, allergic reactions, and other respiratory issues, especially for those with a weakened immune system.
Painting Over Mold Doesn't Help. Mold is unsightly and can be damaging to the value of your property. However, applying a new coat of paint will not remove the mold as it will still reappear on the wall.
Bleach Doesn't Kill Mold. Unlike popular belief, bleach does not kill mold but makes it worse. Bleach can only kill live mold and not mold spores, and using it can cause mold to regrow much faster.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Place?

Mold is everywhere, and it can be difficult to avoid it. However, there are certain measures that you can take to prevent mold growth in your home.

Prevent Standing Water

Mold thrives well in moisture and prefers any warm or damp place. Therefore, you want to ensure no prolonged standing water in your home. Make a habit of drying any wet areas in your home as soon as possible. This can mean repairing a leaky pipe and drying your carpet immediately after spills. Also, ensure that you don't leave damp clothing for too long.

Keep Humidity Levels Low

Humidity control is vital when it comes to mold control. You want to ensure that your home has healthy humidity levels below 60% or at least 30 to 50%, as recommended by the EPA. Invest in a hygrometer to test the humidity levels in your home in real-time. Measure your indoor humidity regularly and hire a professional to inspect if it exceeds 60%, which means a high likelihood of mold growth. You may also want to install vent fans to help manage moisture in areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and basement.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Poor ventilation holds moisture in your home, which can encourage mold growth. This is especially true due to routine activities like cooking, taking a shower, and more. To prevent this, open windows to allow fresh air to your home. Besides, natural ventilation will help dry damp areas and reduce odor, making your home a pleasant and mold-free place. Another great tip to improve your indoor air is by keeping indoor plants.

Repair Leaks and Roof Gutters

Your home's plumbing may contribute to the mold problem. No matter how small, plumbing leaks can eventually lead to mold growth in homes. Do routine maintenance at least once or twice a month to check for leaks and repair them immediately. You may also want to purchase leak and moisture detectors to help you identify leaks. Don't forget to clean your gutters to prevent water buildup that could lead to mold growth.

Use Mold-Resistant Products

The market is packed with mold-resistant products that will help keep mold at bay. For instance, you can use mold-resistant drywall instead of the traditional drywall that is highly prone to water. You can use these products when renovating your old home or building a new one.

The Best Way to Remove Mold is to Call a Professional

If you notice mold growing on the surfaces of your home, it is time to call a professional. Mold spores are airborne and spread quickly, making them difficult to clean and contain for large areas. Mold removal professionals can come to your property promptly to inspect and remove the mold before it spreads further.

Our specialists are well trained and equipped to handle all types and sizes of mold growth professionally. Before they begin the removal process, they will first inspect the extent of the damage and even use specialized equipment to determine the presence of mold in your home. Our trained mold removal team will restore your home, giving it a brand new look. After removing the mold, the specialists will also offer solutions to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Kill Mold and Prevent It From Coming Back Today!

We are exposed to mold spores every day, and it may not be a cause of concern in most cases. However, there is no denying that it can be distressing to find mold in any part of your property. Besides, prolonged mold exposure can cause serious health problems. Stop mold from taking over your home by calling Sunbird Carpet Cleaning Brooklyn today! We are reputable mold remediation specialists with years of experience working with residential and commercial customers in Brooklyn.

Give us a call at 718-770-7341, and our experts will quickly come to your property and do a free inspection to determine the extent of the damage. They will then use specialized equipment to remove mold from your property without damaging your home's structure entirely.

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