Advice for Mold Infestation

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

In this Residential home mold was appearing in various areas of the Home.

Advice to Prevent Mold Infestation

Mold damage, unlike water and fire damage, can often be prevented in a home if the proper precautions are taken. Although a few things in your home such as temperature and humidity can't be efficiently controlled so that mold will be discouraged to grow and you won't be uncomfortable, the most important factor in mold growth - water - can be monitored. Additionally, other methods such as improving ventilation and airflow are entirely possible for the average homeowner, and preventing future mold growth might be easier than you think. 

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Seal Out Water

Controlling the flow of water into your home is essential in keeping out mold damage in San Mateo. Sealing cracks, making sure windows close correctly and re-tiling roofs once they begin to outlive their average lifespan are all important factors in keeping your home's interior dry and mold out of your hair. These aren't typically expensive renovations, requiring sealant and mold-retardant paint, and you can always hire SERVPRO technicians to ensure that the materials are applied correctly. It's a small price to pay to ensure that mold stays out of your home.

Try and Improve Airflow

If possible, make efforts to improve airflow in your home. Stuffy, stagnant rooms are suitable for mold growth, so opening windows and allowing airflow will always help to protect against mold. Be mindful, however, that you don't leave windows open permanently. If rainwater comes in through those openings, it can cause mold damage and a heap of other problems for you as well. A SERVPRO San Mateo representative may be able to meet with you to help to discuss ways to improve airflow and ventilation in your home, safely.

Clean Regularly

Whether you prefer to clean yourself or hire a service, ensuring that the whole of your home is regularly and thoroughly cleaned is a critical step in ferreting out mold early on and preventing it from finding a suitable surface. Regular cleaning deprives mold of a food source, helps to wipe away moisture, and most importantly gets someone looking at dark corners.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If mold does end up getting into your home, SERVPRO of San Mateo is trained and equipped to help deal with it with as little time and money spent as possible. Call us 24/7 at (650) 931-6060 for our services or a quote.