It’s important to learn how to detect and prevent mold, and be aware of the signs. Mold is a natural part of our environment. Mold can thrive anywhere, indoors and outdoors. It’s not typically a problem until it starts growing inside where it can cause major damage to your property and your health. Unfortunately, mold is often hidden and thrives in damp environments.
Identifying Mold
We’re all familiar with the ugly greenish fuzz of mold growth when it occurs inside. To detect mold outside on your property’s exterior, it can appear as black streaks on your roof, siding, deck, patio or screened enclosure. Sometimes, mold is not visible at all. It may be quietly growing inside your walls, under your baseboards, floorboards and carpet, or even up in your attic. When mold is detected, it’s important to contact a professional mold remediation company to assess and remove it. If your family or tenants or staff members are having unexplained health issues, it’s a good rule of thumb to have a professional mold remediation company inspect your property inside and out.
Mold Prevention
If your roof doesn’t have sufficient drainage, it will be more prone to mold, mildew, algae, and moss overgrowth which can lead to water leaks, roof rot, and a vicious cycle of increased possibility of mold infestation.
It’s easy to confuse algae with mold. Like mold, algae also thrives in humid environments. It spreads by airborne spores and is a naturally occurring moss-like plant. Asphalt roof shingles and shakes are especially prone to algae growth.
It’s highly recommended to have regular inspections on your roof and exteriors by a certified professional to assess if mold or algae is present and to check for leaks, damage, and any potential for structural deterioration. A licensed roofing contractor will help you choose the correct roof treatment for your geographic area to better withstand the elements and protect the integrity of your property. A licensed contractor will assess if you have mold, algae, mildew or moss growth. It’s also important have properly installed ridge vents to help eliminate moisture deposits.
Routine Property Inspections Are Key
It’s important to have routine property inspections by a licensed, certified professional. You could have undetected mold if you recently had a roof or water leak that wasn’t fixed promptly. If anyone in your family or staff at your business are experiencing unexplained health issues, it’s important to get your property inspected.
Mold And Your Health
Awareness is key. While we all come into contact with mold spores every day, some are more susceptible than others. Children under the age of 5 and the elderly are especially at risk. Those who have compromised immune systems, auto-immune disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be at a higher risk. Severe toxic mold exposure can cause health problems including asthma, cough, eye irritation, respiratory issues, breathing problems, headaches, dizziness, lung issues, and more. If you suspect something is wrong, it’s important to act quickly. If you or someone you know have a long list of unexplained symptoms, get a professional mold inspection of your property immediately.
5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure
- Difficulty Breathing and/or Wheezing
- Skin and/or Eye Irritation
- Coughing
- Upper Respiratory & Sinus Infections
- Sinus Congestion
10 Tips to Prevent Mold Growth
- Have your property and roof regularly pressure washed by a professional expert.
- Use a dehumidifier regularly to help regulate water in the air if you live in a humid environment or have a humid room such as a basement. To prevent mold growth, keep indoor humidity ideally between 30%-50%. Be sure to clean the dehumidifier regularly.
- Be sure to have roof repairs completed immediately by a professional to prevent leaks that lead to mold growth and further structural deterioration.
- Be sure to have interior and exterior water leak repairs conducted promptly by a professional.
- Be sure to use a professional plumber to assess and fix leaky pipes underneath your kitchen, bathroom and/or laundry room sinks. These areas are all prone to mold growth.
- If you see any water spots on your walls, have an interior inspection immediately. You could have a water leak inside your walls which leads to undetected mold growth.
- Use your kitchen exhaust fan to reduce humidity and remove moisture, heat and other contaminants when cooking and washing dishes.
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan and open the window when showering to reduce excess moisture.
- Make sure your dryer vents blow outside to reduce humidity.
- Mold can have a huge impact on indoor air quality. Purchase a top of the line air purification system and monitoring system.
Founded in 1998, Venture Construction Group (VCG) is a full-service general contractor that provides construction, roofing, storm damage restoration, consulting and 24/7 emergency services to residential and commercial property owners throughout the nation. With a commitment to education and a dedication to innovation, we carry industry-leading accreditations, including the National Association of Environmentally Responsible Mold Contractors (NAERMC) certification.
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