When we talk about the dangers of mold, it can sometimes be hard to convey just how troublesome this growth is. Small amounts here and there in your bathroom that are swiftly dealt with aren’t going to pose a huge risk to your health. If you let it sit, however, and don’t address the problem, or experience a large flood and don’t properly clean the affected area afterward, you’re risking greater exposure to toxic mold. To further hit the ball home, let’s go over some things you really should know when it comes to this fungus.
1.) Mold Only Needs Between 24 & 48 Hours to Grow
In order for mold to grow, three things are required. First, it needs food. Good food for mold includes cardboard, wallpaper, leather, fabric, grout, painted walls, cement, ceiling tiles, insulation materials, and carpet. Next, an ideal temperature is necessary. For the most rapid growth, mold enjoys temps ranging from 41 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Last but not least, the key ingredient to proper mold growth is moisture. If moisture is present in combination with perfect temperature range and food, mold can grow very quickly.
2.) Mold Reduces Home Value
If mold is left unchecked, it will continue to grow as long as food, moisture, and temperatures remain adequate. The only true way to defeat mold is by tackling the moisture source and subsequently removing the materials contaminated with mold spores. Failing to adequately address the underlying causes of your mold problem will ultimately decrease your property value due to structural damage as mold will continue to plague the home.
3.) Most Folks Don’t Even Know the Mold Is There
The fickle thing about mold is that there can be so much of it, but it can have a real knack for remaining hidden for a good long while. It can be detected through smell and visual hints, or by knowing the flood history of the structure. One of the main indicators homeowners should be on the lookout for is a musty odor. It’s a huge indication you have a problem on your hands and should prompt you to identify the source of the problem. Some common areas to start looking include sink leaks in bathrooms and the kitchen, behind appliances, ceilings, and walls where water has leaked, window sills where condensation can accumulate, your basement, closets, and any crawl spaces.
Mold can be a pesky inconvenience or a full-blown problem. It’s important to understand just how troublesome it can be in order to act on the problem quickly as opposed to letting it linger. If you suspect you’re having mold trouble, check out your home in the locations listed about and see if you can spot a problem. Just because you don’t see anything, though, doesn’t mean nothing is there. If you have no luck with your visual search but still suspect there is an issue, contact us at Moldguys. You can reach us at either 781-910-5029 or 781-733-3675, or you can choose to fill out our online contact form.
