Many of us have seen or heard stories about a mold infestation that has completely taken over a home or a building, and we know how dangerous that can be. What most people don’t know, however, is how many of our very own homes have mold in them. Having mold in your home can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from the mildly annoying to the life-threatening, but there are many things that one can do to avoid mold in one’s home.
What are some health problems that mold can cause?
While some molds are benign, the EPA estimates that there are between 50-100 different mold species that cause health issues. Mold creates poor air quality, which makes it harder to breathe properly. Not only does it aggravate most asthmatics, it can also cause the asthma itself. Mold may also cause a variety of eczemas to form, a type of skin condition in which the skin becomes dry and inflamed. These effects are among the most common, but different molds can affect people in different ways, and certain complications arising from mold infestation can even lead to death.
How do I know if my home is infested?
Mold is present in every part of the country, but as we approach Autumn, we near the prime season for mold growth. With the local season changes and climate (Virginia, D.C., and Maryland), one must be especially vigilant. There are many different at-home kits that can be purchased to check the air in your home for mold, but it is important to remember that not all molds have airborne spores. Mold commonly grows in dark and damp places, but you should also check areas such as: the laundry room, kitchen, basement, your carpets, and house plants. Mold can grow almost anywhere in your home, so it is important to keep it clean.
What can I do to prevent mold in my home?
One of the most important things you can do to prevent mold growth is to control the moisture in your home. Whether you do that mechanically or chemically is up to you, but an extremely effective key to this is good ventilation. Make sure that the rooms in your house receive proper ventilation, even your closets. Simple everyday activities such as doing the laundry, cooking, and bathing can add gallons of water to the air every day if your home is not properly ventilated. It is also important to make sure that the seals on your refrigerator and freezer remain clean, remember to clean and/or replace your AC filters regularly, and remember to clean your ceiling fans once a month. Commonly overlooked sources of mold are fallen leaves in your yard or gutter, compost piles, and decaying plants, so remember to have all of those removed (also remember that a gutter cover doesn’t keep out moisture – so check your gutters!). Another crucial aspect of mold prevention is to repair water damage as soon as you notice it. Water damage is not just cosmetic – it can rot the wood in your house, making it structurally unsound, as well as serve as the perfect breeding-ground for mold. Repairing water damage quickly is a must in the prevention of a mold infestation.
How can Zelaya Properties LLC help me in the prevention of mold or removal and reconstruction?
We can do a number of things to help you protect your house from mold, and to remove it or to repair the damage it has done to your home. We have an HV/AC division which can help you make sure your home is properly ventilated. We can replace seals on your windows and doors to ensure that excess moisture is not penetrating your home from the outside. In the event that you do have a mold infestation, we can remove drywall and framing members, seeing the removal and repairs through from beginning to end. As in all things we do here at Zelaya Properties LLC, we follow the strictest procedures for safety, using mold containment and removal procedures to ensure that the spores do not spread.
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