How to Prevent Mold

An indoor mold problem is a very serious matter but it is one that is all too common in today’s homes, especially in basements. Mold is problematic because it has so many health implications. From difficulty breathing, to allergies, to skin reactions, mold is problematic for today’s homeowners. What’s more is that simply wiping mold away from a surface does nothing to solve the source of the mold problem. Even scarier is the fact that mold can grow into surfaces and can come back in the same spot if it has fully penetrated the surface it is growing on. The good news is that a mold problem can be solved. For customers who are seeking mold inspection and testing or who want to learn more about this topic read on to find out how to keep a basement mold free. If you have a mold problem in your home contact a mold remediation specialist near you today!

Mold is a type of fungus. It is the result of water, heat, and organic material coming together to make an interesting, albeit dangerous marvel of nature. Mold loves dark, damp places where it can grow and thrive. For instance, it loves being close to the ground, so a basement is a prime target for colonies of mold.

In truth, mold can ruin a house and its value. This is because mold penetrates surfaces and if not properly treated will come back time and time again. Mold is also detrimental to one’s health. It is connected with asthma, coughing and other upper respiratory problems. Mold can also lead to allergic reactions or skin irritations. The fact of the matter is that once mold gets into a house, it is very likely to cause extensive damage to both the house and the inhabitants’ health. Young children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to mold reactions. For instance, young children do not have a fully developed respiratory or immune system like adults do, so they are especially vulnerable to the dangers of mold. The same holds true for seniors who may have compromised systems. Take care in addressing a mold problem so that family members remain safe and sound.

What’s more is that killing mold is often easier said than done. Once the spores are there, they’ll spread to a point where they can be hard to truly get rid of without outside professional assistance. Mold spores are airborne which means they travel. They will travel and grow in moist, humid air and they can also attach to humans, their clothing and pet fur. The good news is that there is plenty of professional knowledge available in New Jersey, where mold removal experts can provide resources to help homeowners keep their homes free of mold for good. Here are a few things that can be done to combat mold, and more importantly, prevent it from forming in the first place.

Mold is a major threat to healthy living. No matter the type, mold can be detrimental to one’s health. Here are the most common types of mold and how to tell them apart:

Black mold. Black mold, also known as stachybotrys atra, is the most common type of household mold that appears in basements. It is named after its black or dark greenish appearance. Unattended black mold will lead to upper respiratory concerns and other breathing ailments.

Aspergillus. Aspergillus a mold that results in allergic reactions. It usually grows on food or appears in air conditioners.

Cladosporium. Cladosporium is spotty in appearance and it usually grows in bathrooms or other highly humid spaces like basements. This mold is usually non-toxic however it can still result in allergic reactions such as a runny nose or watery, itchy eyes.

White Mold. White mold is a non-toxic variant of mold and it is essentially mold in its earliest stages of development. This type of mold can be cleaned up easily without worry, but if ever in doubt contact a professional for further assistance.

For homeowners who have a tiny patch of mold in the basement, there are store bought products available that can be applied to quickly treat the infestation. It is important to stress the act of moving quickly here because mold can quickly spread and become a full infestation in no time if it is not cleaned up in ample time.

Under no circumstances should a homeowner try to touch mold unprotected. There’s a good chance of sickness or other negative reactions. Always wear rubber gloves, goggles and a mask to cover up the nose and mouth. This is especially relevant in the instance of toxic, black mold. It is highly recommended that a professional be called in to assess the extent of black mold that is prevalent within the home. Black mold is one of the most dangerous types of household molds and can wreak havoc within the home.

Basement mold can get out of hand fairly quickly so seek professional help if ever in doubt of what steps to take in ridding the home of mold. For instance, one square inch of basement drywall can contain anywhere from one to ten million mold spores. While it is possible to handle mold with store bought remedies, there is still a high chance for re-infestation, especially if the mold is toxic, covers a wide area, or keeps coming back no matter what has been tried. These are indicators of a much larger problem. Do not panic with the first sight of mold. Instead, call professionals who can handle the situation. In extreme instances, it may be necessary for the homeowner and their family to leave the house for a few days while mold cleanup is being done. This is just how toxic mold can become.

Homeowners should take care in controlling humidity levels in the basement. Mold will quickly turn up in dark, wet places, and your basement is almost certainly going to be the staging ground for a takeover. Moisture and high humidity are the major factors for mold growth in a basement. To keep an eye on a basement’s humidity, purchase an affordable dehumidifier from a local hardware store. Indoor humidity should be kept below sixty percent, but preferably somewhere between thirty-five and fifty percent. High humidity will result in more chances for mold to grow, so the lower the humidity the better. A dry basement will essentially starve mold spores as they cannot grow where there is no moisture.

If there is visible water in the basement, then it should be cleaned up immediately and its source should be addressed. For instance, fix leaking pipes or freestanding water outside of the home as soon as possible. Do not be afraid to call a plumber if needed. A team of mold remediation specialists will also be able to assess areas of leakage and can provide the homeowner with next steps on remedying the problem. For carpet or other flooring that has been damaged by water it is important to dry it as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. If it is already beyond saving, remove it from the basement entirely and replace it. Mold loves to grow under damp flooring and may not even be visible to the eye. Mold that is invisible can be all the more detrimental to unsuspecting homeowners who may be sick and unable to pinpoint why.

One excellent way of keeping a basement dry is to open windows and doors. This will keep a steady flow of air streaming in and out of the space. As previously stated, moisture must be kept at a minimum in basements. Unfortunately, this may be much easier said than done, especially in unfinished basements or those that do not have windows at all.

Additionally, there is a term known as the Stack Effect. The Stack Effect is the scientific process where circulating air leaves a house through the roof and upper levels such as chimneys. As air leaves, it creates a vacuum that pushes air from the basement and lower levels upwards. This moist, muggy air that may eventually end up in the attic and other areas of the home. This is why it is so important to completely treat a mold problem since mold spores love to do so and will do so if given the opportunity. For those who have a good flow of air in the basement, moisture may dry up much faster. Where possible, open the windows to let fresh air in. If a basement connects to a garage, open the garage doors as well. Keeping windows and doors open doesn’t get rid of the existing mold but it will help to ventilate the space so that mold will no longer have a breeding ground to continue growing. Remember, proper ventilation is a must.

It is important to clear gutters on a regular basis. Gutters help to move rain water away from the home. So, if a gutter is clogged it will retain high moisture levels around the home. But gutters are all about keeping rainwater away from your house. If gutters are blocked or are otherwise in some sort of disrepair, it is very possible for water to leak in from the outside and get down into the basement. It is also possible for mold to begin growing on the roof and eventually reach the interior of the home such as the attic. This may prove to be very harmful for attics that do not receive much foot traffic. There could be a major mold infestation up there and the homeowner would never know it. Tend to gutters frequently to make sure they are working properly and directing water away from the house. Also, clear out any leaves or miscellaneous debris like branches in the fall and be prepared to make repairs if necessary.

Crawl spaces make up one of the lowest points in a house; so of course, they are pretty attractive to mold. Similar to an attic, they may not receive much attention so mold could be growing in them for months and no one would ever know. Ground water can easily settle into a crawl space, which just makes it that much more important to care for crawl spaces. For instance, plastic barriers called landscaper’s plastic can be used to trap moisture in the ground. It can be used on a crawl space’s floor to keep it moisture free.

Mold is a scary experience for any homeowner and if gone unattended to can put the homeowner and their families at risk. What’s more is that the damages from mold can go from minor to severe in the blink of an eye, and that’s not including the financial costs associated with repairing damaged areas of the home where mold has penetrated surfaces such as wood or drywall. There is so much that can be done to prevent mold. For those who already have a mold problem, search for mold inspection near you as soon as possible. This is true for homeowners who have done all they can do and are facing way more than they can handle.

For discerning New Jersey residents know that there are mold remediation specialists who are available 24/7 to assist with minor to severe mold concerns. As New Jersey’s premier mold experts, it is important for mold inspection services to provide clients with quality advice and service. It is important for homeowners to have a home that is safe, clear of mold and is a space they can be proud of. For those who are in search of mold removal in New Jersey and New York, stop mold in its tracks and take back the basement space for healthy mold-free living.