When someone mentions the word mold what images come to mind? Initially you see green, brown, black furry fungus right growing? The clusters vary in size and can spread quickly taking over an entire surface fast. It is never a pretty image. Mold is very serious especially when it invades your home. Mold is not only unsightly but can also be incredibly harmful to the heath of the occupants of the home.
Mold grows in environments that allow it to grow. If you have an area that is dark, damp than mold will be attracted to it. Places such as basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms are the number one areas that attract mold growth. Mold can grow anywhere though with a little bit of humidity and moisture. I have seen mold in attics, gym bags, underneath carpet and outside on areas the sun does not reach the siding.
Mold restoration is the next step once you have mold. It consists of mold killer, hard work and lots of circulating dry air. If you know any area in your home is more susceptible to mold growth it is best to take necessary precautions to make sure an infestation does not occur. For instance, basements should have a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in check. Fresh air is important also especially during seasons that keep your house closed up often. Open the windows just a crack and turn on fans during the winter and summer seasons to make sure your home does not become susceptible to mold. Also, make sure you clean regularly using anti-bacterial products. They will likely kill spores, if present, before you even see them.
What happens if you are too late and mold has already found its way into your home? For instance, we purchased a home in which the toilet leaked and mold had started to grow behind the toilet and on the carpet in the next room. First we made sure that the leak was fixed and then decided that our mold issue was both major and minor. The mold in the bathroom on the ceramic tile and wood molding was easily removed using a mold killer solution and thoroughly cleaning the area and then allowing it to dry using oscillating fans to keep the flow of air going to help the drying process. We then determined it would be best to remove the carpet and apply mold killer to the subflooring and allowing the area to dry. It was best to replace the carpet because carpet is one area that it is tough to clean good enough to prevent the mold growth from returning.
Mold restoration is not anything to mess around with. It is best to find a mold remediation company if mold is in sensitive places such as attics where both wood and insulation is involved. Mold removal companies have special products and equipment to handle situations that normal homeowners can occur. It is especially important to have the number of a professional on hand that works with mold and water extraction after a disaster such as a flood or fire. This will help alleviate long term issues your home could end up with.