We’ve put together the most important facts and statistics on mold and mildew, so you can make sure that your home is free of these nasty elements.
- Mold can appear anywhere. Don’t just think that mold can only grow in your basement. Mold is formed when excess moisture is in the air, and latches onto a surface that perpetuates growth. Mold can appear on food, carpet, wood, and even paper.
- There are serious health complications associated with mold. Allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues are all commonly linked to mold and mildew in the home. Mold can also be the cause of rashes, lung damage, and even cancer. When you think you might be suffering from a condition due to mold, increase your levels of Vitamin D to combat these issues.
- Mold will not go away unless the moisture is controlled. Just because you’ve found mold, and cleaned it up, doesn’t mean that the issue is put to rest. The excess moisture that contributed to the mold still needs to be address in order to full eliminate the problem. This could a water issue, a leak, or a crack in the basement that is letting moisture inside.
- Bleach won’t kill mold. A lot of people think that bleach will kill anything, but that’s not the case for mold. Chemicals that come in contact with mold can actually make the problem worse. We recommend water and clean detergent to keep mold centralized when removing.
- Less humidity means less mold. When you’re able to reduce the humidity in your home anywhere from 30-50%, you can substantially minimize the presence of mold. This means making sure that bathrooms are properly ventilated, dryers are connected correctly, and adding air conditions and de-humidifiers when necessary.
- There are different wants to prevent mold based on hot or cold conditions. When you have a warm area that is collecting mold, such ceiling tiles, they may need to be replaced if cleaning with water and detergent doesn’t do the trick. When it comes to colder surfaces, add insulation to reduce the amount of condensation that can be formed and create mold.
- Get rid of carpeting. Carpeting is a gateway for mold, especially if moisture control is a problem. This typically means carpet should stay off of concrete floors, or near areas with sinks or faucets.
Mold is always something to take seriously if you see it in your home or business.f you think that mold has become a problem in your basement, give Tom’s Basement Waterproofing a call now!