Mold after Water Damage
With the warm summer months finally here, water damage and mold exposure can be a big problem for many households. Summer showers can bring on natural flooding, and leaky pipes can accelerate mold growth in your home, so it is essential to know the warning signs of mold growing in your home and learn what to do if you encounter a mold issue. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can be the key to preventing mold from growing and saving yourself and your family from mold damage and the health problems that come along with it.
Identifying Your Mold Problem
Identifying your mold problem is the first step to remedying your dilemma. Keep an eye out for dark spots on your walls, as these are often some of the first signs of mold you’ll be able to stop. Visible mold can come in various colors, from the greenish-black spots of Stachybotrys to yellowish or white tones like aspergillus. If you notice a musty odor after a rainstorm or leaky pipes in your kitchen or bathroom, it is vital to check for mold quickly, as it can take only 24 to 48 hours to grow and spread mold spores within your home.
Another important factor is knowing the difference between standard mold and black mold. While it’s commonly referred to as black, black mold can come in several shades, from black to dark green and brown. Black mold can trigger severe respiratory problems for people staying in affected areas, as well as lesser issues like headaches and fatigue. In extreme cases, black mold can even lead to pneumonia and asthma in younger children.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Water damage is one of the leading factors for mold growth, so keep an eye out for signs of a water leak in your home. Leaks will often lead to mold, whether the damage is caused by basement flooding, heavy rain, or water leaks in your showers, sinks, and washing machines. Pay attention to smell in different areas – a musty stench is a telltale sign of mold.
Be sure to check your walls and your home’s roof because roof leaks can foster mold growing in your attic, which you may miss. High levels of humidity during the summer months can also lead to condensation and the growth of mold within your home’s walls, even in the absence of leaks.
The Dangers of Mold
We’ve already touched on many of the health issues mold growth can cause for your family. Alongside breathing and respiratory issues that can plague you and your family amidst a mold problem, mold exposure can cause many problems that are not so obvious on the surface. Toxic mold exposure has been linked to various health problems, from anxiety to depression and even the potential for memory loss related to mold exposure. Mold can pose a severe risk to your family, so it is best to take care of the problem before it spreads.
How to Prevent Mold in Your Home
When looking to prevent the headaches that a mold outbreak can cause, you can take plenty of mold remediation steps to avoid the hassle. Regularly check and service your heating and air-conditioning units, as leaks from these climate control devices can often lead to mold. Keeping a close eye on areas of your home with heavy water usages like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms can help you spot the first signs of mold, and adequately clean all of these areas regularly. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature and humidity can also help prevent mold infestations in your home.
If you experience a water leak in your home, don’t hesitate to call a professional service to fix all of your water damage-related woes. These experts come equipped with all the tools to test your house for mold and properly clean your home to get rid of mold and prevent it from harming you or your family.
AdvantaClean is the Mold Expert
If you’re dealing with a mold problem, AdvantaClean is the team for the job. We offer mold services, including removal, and remediation of any mold problems you may have in your home. Having over 25 years of experience, our team of certified professionals will help to keep your home ur family healthy. Contact us or call at (877) 800-2382 for a healthier home or business.
