One of the most complicated and unavoidable situations homeowners have to face is mold. Although steps can be taken to prevent it, it is not easy for everyone. Moisture and condensation play a crucial role in the growth of mold and needs to be considered and controlled to avoid future complications. Unfortunately, not many people are aware of how to tackle mold and need guidance to keep it at bay down the road. Let’s know about mold, causes of mold, signs of mold, and how to perform mold removal.

What Is Mold?

Before we can dive into the discussion, it is important for you to understand what mold is. In simple terms, mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp areas. It can be seen both indoors and outdoors, wherever condensation, dampness, and moisture exist.

In most cases, mold is seen growing indoors in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. In the kitchen, it could grow due to the steam produced while washing the dishes using warm water. Whereas bathrooms are already damp places, it is fairly easy for mold to take hold in such spaces.

This is why it is suggested to allow such spaces to properly dry instead of closing the doors and blocking ventilation. The best way to do that is by turning on the exhaust and regular fans for the moisture to escape. Even then, mold can find different ways to grow.

The reason is that moisture can exit through very small holes and cracks and trigger mold growth without anyone even noticing. In most cases, mold tends to grow in dark places such as corners, attics, and other unused spaces.

Once mold has started to grow, it will cause breathing and respiratory issues such as asthma. If you feel something unusual in the air, causing itching and other issues, it is most likely a mold problem. Instead of ignoring and waiting for it to go away on its own, you should immediately turn on the ventilation and allow fresh air to circulate.

This won’t help remove mold, but at least it will stop it and prevent it from growing.

What Causes Mold Growth?

Mold growth can take place due to a variety of reasons. As mentioned earlier, moisture can break in through tiny cracks and holes and make its way inside the house. This can also happen if the house has poor insulation. That said, it is important for you to ensure the doors, windows, and other circulation points are well-insulated.

With time, the seals and insulation of the doors and windows tend to break down due to wear and tear, allowing moisture to come in. In moist areas, mold can grow within 24-48 hours. Moreover, roof damage can also cause leaks and mold growth. If you come across visible dark spots with an unusual odor, you should know that mold is growing and needs to be removed on an immediate basis.

Mold growth can also take place post-flooding. If you reside in a region that experiences rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods most of the year, you will need to keep your eyes out for mold. If you were a bit late to the scene, you should try to move your furniture, decorative items, and other objects away from the mold to prevent damage. Try to find the source of the problem and then get down to removing the mold.

What Are The Signs Of Mold Growth?

Mold comes in different types, but the symptoms tend to be more or less the same in most cases. Since it is a fungus, the spores become airborne and are inhaled until they begin to irritate the respiratory system. In addition to the health concerns, you will find visibly dark spots on the walls or the roof, indicating mold growth.

To investigate it, you will need to go a bit closer, but not without wearing a mask and protective gloves. Keep in mind that removing mold itself is not the solution. You will need to find out why it is taking place. For instance, if there is mold growth on the roof, you might want to check for any leakages in the upper story.

And, if there is mold in the bathroom, you will want to make sure the bathroom receives proper ventilation and fresh air circulation.

How To Remove Mold?

Now that you are familiar with mold and how it takes place, you should pay equal attention to both mold remediation Silver Spring and prevention.

Mold can be removed using multiple ways. The most common and budget-friendly option tends to be the vinegar and water solution. Depending on the mold growth, you will need to make a mixture of both vinegar and water and spray it directly on the mold.

Let it sit for a while to allow the solution to work its magic. Then again, keep in mind that this will remove mold temporarily, and you will need to fix the root cause to prevent it from growing again. After a few minutes, use a brush to remove the mold and then rinse the areas, or use a clean cloth to wipe away all the mold.

But if the vinegar and water solution does not work, you can opt for bleach or a special cleaning agent from a nearby store. Make sure to follow the instructions mentioned on the back of the product and repeat the cleaning cycle if necessary.

How To Reduce Condensation?

If condensation is the reason mold is growing in the house, you will need to take steps to reduce it. Condensation can take place while carrying out daily household activities like cooking and drying clothes. While working in the kitchen, you can turn on the exhaust fan to help the steam find its way outside.

On the other hand, when it comes to drying clothes, you should either hand-dry them outside or use a washing machine to remove excess water. And, if you have no other option but to dry the clothes inside the house, make sure to turn on the fans until the clothes dry properly.

Furthermore, if you live in a cold region, you will need to use warm water to bathe, which will produce a lot of condensation inside the bathroom. The best way to manage it is by locking it inside the bathroom and turning on the exhaust fan.

Additionally, you can also install dehumidifiers and keep the house warm. Such minor factors can go a long way in terms of keeping your house protected from mold growth.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned tips are tried and tested and will surely keep you and your family members protected. Make sure to consult a water damage restoration Potomac expert if you are not able to determine the root cause of the problem.