Mold is more than just an unsightly problem — it can cause health issues and become a costly issue if it isn’t treated. Mold exposure can worsen allergies and other health problems, and it can weaken the structure of your home.
All homeowners should be aware of the dangers of mold as well as how to spot, treat, and prevent it from growing.
HOW TO SPOT MOLD
The first step in protecting your home from mold is knowing the warning signs. If you want to know if there’s mold in your house, check for condensation on windows or pipes. Those could also be signs that mold is forming. Pay even closer attention to areas that typically have poor ventilation, such as attics and crawlspaces, since those are most prone to mold.
Next, observe how your home smells. If you smell a musty scent at home, that’s a warning sign that mold is already there or could be forming.
WHERE MOLD IS MOST PREVALENT IN HOMES
Mold is most commonly found in crawlspaces, attics, bathrooms, showers, along windows and glass double doors, around water heaters and softeners, and under sinks. What do all of these areas have in common? They’re at high risk for moisture.
“Those are areas that are either sharing the same environment with the outside or are high-humidity areas with pipes and condensation,” Steven Mwaniki, a restoration project manager/mold and biohazard manager at Paul Davis of Northeast Indiana, says.
It’s also important to remember that your home’s environment changes over time. For example, construction materials may weaken over time as they get older, which can allow more moisture to seep into your home. That makes it important to regularly inspect your own home to ensure everything is in proper working order.
HOW TO PREVENT MOLD
To prevent mold, Mwaniki recommends installing a Humidistat, which will indicate the indoor humidity level. Avoid humidity levels above 50-60% RH, Mwaniki says.
“Have efficient ventilation in the crawlspace and attic,” Mwaniki says. “Make sure your bathroom vent is working properly and is capable of pulling the moisture put in the air effectively.”
When you have wet areas in your home, dry them as quickly as possible. Don’t ignore small leaks — fix them early before they become bigger problems. It’s also smart to regularly check for pipe corrosion to prevent mold from forming.
If you aren’t able to fully prevent mold and have realized that you have it in your home, ensure the source of the mold has been fixed, and continue to monitor humidity levels and possible leaks so it doesn’t return. This will help keep the mold from contaminating nearby, unaffected areas.
HOW TO CLEAN UP MOLD
When you have mold, follow best practices for remediating the mold and discard the impacted materials safely. Some materials affected by mold can’t be saved.
“Evaluation and inspection are important before attempting to clean areas or save items,” Mwaniki says.
This will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis, but it depends on the material of the impacted item, the extent of the mold, and how thoroughly the item can be cleaned.
“Homeowners can clean mold safely if they have knowledge on how to protect themselves and the environment, have the right gear and personal protective equipment, and have the right negative air machines,” Mwaniki says. “If they do not have the above-mentioned, they need to consult with a professional for guidance, regardless of how small the contaminated area might be.”
CALL RESTORATION PROFESSIONALS
When you find mold, the safest option is to contact the Difference Makers at Paul Davis of Northeast Indiana, who will be able to conduct pre- and post-testing to assess and verify the extent of mold contamination, mitigate, and remove mold.
“Prevention is better than cure,” Mwaniki says. “Seek advice from professionals to do it right.”
Don’t wait until mold spreads — addressing it quickly can save you from bigger, more expensive repairs. Give us a call at 260-436-7510 to speak with a black mold removal contractor or a specialist who’s experienced with mold mitigation.
