Ways to make your home a healthy living space and avoid costly mold removal services.
Molds are present and a part of our natural environment. In the outdoors, molds are in nature by breaking down dead organic matter like dead trees and fallen leaves. But for the indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds will reproduce through tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float throughout indoor and outdoor air. Mold can start growing indoors when mold spores land on wet surfaces.
Every house and every environment has mold spores, so it is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors. It is normal for some mold spores to be found floating through the air and in house dust. It can become an issue and dangerous when the concentration of mold spores in a home is greater than what is found outside. Remember, there are three conditions needed for the various types of molds to thrive: an ideal temperature, a source of food, and moisture.
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There is an estimated 100+ species of mold known to cause illness in humans. People who have exposure to the mold sometimes experience dermatitis, coughing, allergic reactions, asthma, nasal problems, infections, or respiratory complaints.
Some molds produce mycotoxins which are toxic substances produced by fungus. The term “toxic mold” refers to molds that produce mycotoxins such as Stachybotrys chartarum, which can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. When exposed to high levels of mycotoxins, some studies claim it can lead to neurological problems and in some cases even death. Therefore identifying mold damage should be done by a Mold Inspector. Once the severity of the issue is identified, hiring a professional Mold Remediation Company will be a good option to properly handle a mold infestation.
Humidity control is the most important factor in preventing mold growth. Whether it be your basement or attic, humidity control is key. You may purchase a humidity gauge to monitor humidity. Humidity should not be above 55% on average. Every basement in the U.S.A. should have a dehumidifier and a humidity monitoring system. Getting rid of black mold can be an uphill battle if humidity is not controlled. Ventilation in your property is also very important in mold prevention. Mold Removal Services in New York may be needed once moisture control in systems are compromised.
If there is mold growth in your home, clean up the mold and try to fix the water problem causing the growth. You should look for mold damage throughout the home after hurricanes and floods. If you clean up the mold but don’t fix the problem, the mold will most likely come back. Basement mold can be found on the foundation floor and interior foundations.
Mold growth occurs from the following:
-Leaks & Damage (Plumbing, Roofing, HVAC)
-Rain, Floods, Hurricanes
-High Interior Humidity
-Poor Ventilation
-Build-up of Condensation
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There are many factors that affect moisture in your basement.
One of the things that should be looked at is foundation issues. Foundation issues may contribute to moisture intrusion. The soil grade of your exterior home can play a factor as well. If the soil grade is insufficient surrounding your foundation, rainwater will seep into your basement. Rain gutters also are key factors of moisture intrusion in your basement. Gutter leaders that are too close to the home will affect the excess water surrounding your foundation. Your home’s siding should be maintained properly. A formal mold inspection should be implemented once a visual leak in the foundation occurs. If there are any gaps or cracks in the building’s siding, moisture will also seep into the structure and cause mold damage. Properly installing dehumidifiers into your basement is vital to extract any moisture.
Types of building material used in the basement are important to consider as well. Using non-cellulose building material is an essential way to prevent black mold growth. Rigid insulation and cement board are some examples of these materials. Floor tiles are highly recommended for basements throughout the United States. Installing wood or carpet in a basement is not recommended as it will absorb any moisture. Moisture and mold prevention in a basement is vital when your home’s HVAC system is in your basement. If there are mold spores in your basement, near your HVAC system, the system will intake the spores and contaminate your home. If you need to hire someone, it is important for homeowners to do stringent research in finding a suitable company that offers Mold Inspection and Testing. Also, do some research since there are a limited amount of Mold Removal Companies in New York that can remediate the mold in HVAC systems.
When purchasing your home, it’s important to look at the water table surrounding your property. Properties with high water tables are at higher risks for elevated moisture intrusion events, high humidity, and mold growth.
Sprinkler systems too close to the property’s foundation will contribute to water intrusions and increases the possibility of needing mold remediation services. Monitoring sprinkler systems by a professional is recommended seasonally.
The main factor to avoid moisture and mold in the attic is having sufficient ventilation. Attic soffits should be unobstructed as well as baffles should be installed at the roof’s ridge. Extraction fans are vital if the attic does not have static ventilation systems. The extraction fan in an attic can be installed using a temperature or humidity gauge. Once the temperature or humidity of the attic has reached above 55% or 80 degrees, the fan will turn “On”. Insulation should never be installed on the interior of the attic opposite the roof tiles. Maintenance and upkeep of a bathroom extraction fan ducting should be done seasonally. If extraction fans are displaced and are exhausting into the attic, the humidity will increase and cause moisture and mold growth.
Landscaping is also a factor in preventing moisture to your foundation. Shrubbery too close to the property will prevent the drying of the soil near your foundation. Shrubbery can also grow into your building’s exterior façade. Trees too close to your property can grow roots into your foundation causing cracks in your home’s foundation. Also trees too close to the property can grow into your exterior façade causing leaks and mold growth. Seasonal tree trimming is recommended to avoid water damage on your property.
With some household products, you can create a DIY mixture for mold removal in small areas. Always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and a N-95 face mask.
NOTE: Never mix ammonia with bleach or other all-purpose cleaners together, it can be toxic and create dangerous fumes.
Choosing a good company in the New York area can take some research and time.
You can Contact Dry Ease Mold Removal NY for a free consultation and questions about mold.
Choosing a qualified Mold Inspection Company comes down to the experience of the individual technician as well as the laboratory they use to identify the mold spore counts. Black mold testing is an important part to identifying the scope of mold and air quality. You may contact our affiliated company – Prime Aire Mold Services with any questions about your Mold Inspection. HERE
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