Do I really need mold remediation?

Do I really need mold remediation?

Any homeowner must be wary of the telltale signs that signify mold. Mold remediation is highly effective when dealt with at an early stage. When left undealt, it can cause irredeemable damage to your items or attic.

Constant inspection is inevitable if you must tackle the mold remediation problem. Here are a few things to watch out for to know when you need mold remediation.

Wetness

Check your house for water intrusions. Dampness is the leading cause of mold. Together with some warmth, it creates a perfect environment for fungi to thrive.

Mind you-mold doesn’t require a pool of water to grow. Little humidity is enough to trigger the growth of fungi.

But that doesn’t mean water pools cannot harbor molds. There are species of molds that survive in water. A good example is an oomycete that includes downy mildews and water molds.

So, in case you think you aren’t vulnerable, think twice. Molds can attack any building without your notice.

It is not always that molds are visible. Often, they hide under the carpets or floor corners. It could also be tiny spores hanging in your room space.

Note that mold spores measure about 2 to 10 microns. Your eye can’t see those microscopic particles.

Be sure to check for breakages on water pipes as well. A small leak could wet wallpapers, creating a perfect environment for mold growth. Inspect and clean the bathroom area thoroughly, leave no chance for mold to grow.

Wall cracks also signify the need for mold remediation. Do not wait until mold occupies the entire cracked area as it may be difficult to restore it during mold remediation.

Funny odors

Identifying mold at the early stages is pertinent. One way of knowing that there is a problem is by the odor.

But how exactly does mold smell? The general description of mold odor is musty. However, the smell can vary greatly depending on the type of mold.

Keep in mind that there are over 100,000 species of mold. Some are toxic and others non-toxic.

Molds typically smell like wet, dirty socks. The odor is similar to that of rotten timber or paper.

Mold odors affect the air quality in your house. When you find more peace spending your time outside, then you need urgent mold remediation.

As molds eat up the environment, it exudes Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds. These compounds smell pungent.

Other species of mold are herbaceous. These will have a camphor or acetone odor.

So, when you experience any of those odors, you are well in time for mold cleanup. Do not ignore any form of smell coming from cracks or wet walls.

Stains and blackening of surfaces

Staining and discoloration is a visible sign of mold infestation. Mildew is white or grey, while developed molds are green or black.

It is important to note that mildew will turn to brown or black over time. That is when it has fully transformed into a black mold.

Aspergillus mold has slight color variation as compared to other times of mold. It is visible in yellow, green, brown, or white colors and grows mainly in walls, clothing, and paper.

Cladosporium is another species that is olive green and black. The species grows more under carpets and wooden surfaces.

Note that any discoloration of walls, floors, furniture, and other surfaces calls for mold remediation. It is not worth a wait as the situation could get worse.

Your status of health could signify the need for mold removal in your house. If you notice that you are sneezing, coughing, sore throats, or sinus congestion, then that is a suggestive sign that all is not okay.

Reduce instances of respiratory diseases by doing mold remediation. Besides that, molds contain potentially harmful substances like mycotoxins.

Touching or inhaling molds can cause adverse allergic reactions, which you won’t like. In other instances, mold trigger skin rashes and red eyes.

Damaged Structure

Mold eats up the structure of your building. You need to act fast before the situation gets out of hand. When mold gets into porous walls, it becomes difficult to remove.

Therefore, early removal is necessary lest the wall falls on you. A professional helps you identify hidden mold that you may not recognize on your own.

Federal Regulations on Molds

Unfortunately, the United States Environmental Agency(EPA) hasn’t set regulations for managing levels of molds in your home or apartment.

This realization means that it is your responsibility to manage molds in your environment. However, not all is lost as EPA provides a guideline to control mold and moisture in your home.

EPA has a mold remediation guidelines for schools and commercial buildings too. And the good news is that they are willing to advise anyone on how to do mold remediation.

Next steps when you discover you need mold remediation

Once you find out that you need mold remediation, there are a few things to do to eradicate or reduce the chances of mold growth. These are tips that you can put in place in your home if you aren’t prepared to call a mold remediation service provider.

1. Keep rooms and furniture dry to inhibit the growth of fungi
2. Ventilate your premises well to minimize condensation that increases humidity, which is a favorable condition for the growth of molds.
3. Apply pesticides to your environment to eliminate insects that encourage the growth of molds.
4. Do negative pressure vacuuming once in a while to eliminate fungi spores from your house.
5. In flood areas, keep things high to minimize contact with moisture.

Conclusion

When you notice a whiff of something musty, then know it’s about time you did mold remediation. Also, watch out for staining on walls or under the carpets as that could spell an impending danger to the health of you and the occupants of the building. Curbing the mold problem early also saves you costs associated with structural damage. Again, the responsibility of mold remediation lies squarely on you since there is no regulation to compel homeowners on matters to do with molds.