Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Summertime Mold
Mold does not just look unsightly. It can affect human health. Mold exposure can cause several health problems, including throat, eye and skin irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes.
The risk of mold growth in your home can increase during the summer season since warm conditions during this time is ideal for mold growth.
The worst thing about mold is that it spreads. Molds release spores that can spread through air and water. If you ignore mold in your home, you may end up with a full-blown infestation.
What Can Mold Do to Your House?
Mold can cause unsightly stains and unpleasant odors. When mold grows on walls, floors, and foundations, it may cause structural damage.
If left unaddressed, mold can eat away at your drywall, wooden studs, carpets, floorboards, and ceiling tiles, causing serious, and in a worst-case scenario, irreversible structural damage.
Where to Look for Mold?
Mold thrives in dark, damp environments. It can be found in rooms that are constantly wet and humid. Examples of such rooms are the bathroom and kitchen. If you have a leaky roof, moisture can seep into the structure from above and cause mold growth.
In bathrooms, mold can grow on the ceiling, walls, bathtub, toiles, and floors. Kitchens with poor insulation and inadequate ventilation and waterproofing are happy hunting grounds for mold.
Some other common areas where mold grows are the attic, basement, and garage. Washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, and other household appliances that use or come in contact with water have the potential to harbor mold.
Tips to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Home
Control Moisture
Ventilate high moisture areas, including your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Vent your dryer and other appliances that produce moisture to the outside.
To make sure your air conditioner and dehumidifier don’t generate excess moisture, clean them regularly as directed by the manufacturer.
Open a window or run an exhaust fan while cooking, doing laundry, washing utensils, taking a shower, or performing any other task that can add moisture to the air in your home.
Dry Wet Areas and Materials Immediately
Tackle wet areas and items right away. Remove water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture after a flood. Don’t leave wet clothes in your washing machine and wet items lying around on the floor. Remember to dry the walls and floor of your bathroom after a shower.
Improve Airflow
Moisture and restricted air circulation are ideal conditions for mold. Follow these tips to improve airflow in your home.
➢ Move furniture away from walls
➢ Stay up-to-date with HVAC maintenance
➢ Open closet doors more frequently
West Coast Fire & Water is one of the most trusted water damage companies in Petaluma. We have extensive experience dealing with water damage, mold, and mildew. To schedule a consultation, call (707) 504-3708.