Whether you live in a humid climate, have an unfinished basement, or are recovering from a flood or leaky roof, your home is susceptible to mold infestation. And, with over thousands of species that spread quickly, the odds of having mold growth occur in your home are rather high. Before panic sets in, there are certain practices you can put into place that will help prevent mold growing and spreading in your home.

Side Effects of Mold Exposure and Potential Health Risks

While some species of mold are harmless, the most common mold that infests homes can cause chronic health problems that could even lead to life-threatening conditions.

Your family might be experiencing some of these symptoms that could be caused by mold exposure:

• Increased allergy symptoms: Prolonged exposure to mold can cause an increase in symptoms for allergy sufferers like sneezing, a sore throat, nasal congestion, and watery eyes.
• Breathing Problems: Airborne mold spores will enter your lungs causing increased mucus production, chronic cough, and other asthma-like symptoms.
• Chronic Illness: Many types of mold, like black mold, cause chronic physical and mental health conditions like anxiety, confusion, and headaches in areas with poor ventilation.

Ways To Curb Moisture Indoors

The most effective way to stop mold from growing in your home is to prevent an infestation from starting. Ideal conditions for mold growth are dark, moist areas with poor ventilation and areas with pooling water caused by condensation.

Follow the simple steps below to curb moisture indoors and prevent mold growth:

1. Fix Leaks in Bathrooms and Basements

Finding the cause of moisture in your home should start with identifying faulty plumbing. The slightest plumbing leak can create perfect conditions for mold growth.

Use foam insulation to prevent condensation from forming on pipes. Replace old, cracked washers and create water-tight seals with silicone tape to prevent mold growth.

2. Use Dehumidifiers and Air Conditioners

Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers will remove moisture from the air and prevent condensation. However, it is important to regularly service these appliances according to manufacturer instructions.

Regular filter cleaning and system maintenance are essential — these machines are a breeding ground for mold spores if not properly serviced. If you have a centralized heating and cooling unit have it serviced at least once a year.

3. Insulate Windows and Seal Basements

Some of the most frequent causes of condensation are poorly insulated exterior surfaces in your home, such as old windows and unsealed basement floors.

As the temperature changes, windows and doors can accumulate condensation. These areas are moisture sources and should be replaced with energy-efficient, double-paned alternatives to prevent moisture pooling.

The next area of concern is your basement floor. Regularly check the corners and edges of your foundation for moisture. If your basement is not properly sealed, it can become a source for toxic mold growth. Install plastic sheeting over your concrete floor or use a paint-on sealant to protect your basement from moisture.

Steps to Take If You Have Mold in Your Home

While preventative measures are the best option, chances are if you have moisture mold is already growing. The next process is to identify and treat mold growth in your home.

If you find mold, follow these steps to prevent further contamination:

1. Shut off Heating and Cooling Equipment

Once you identify areas with mold growth, you need to prevent the mold from spreading.

Mold spores spread through the air. Turning off your air conditioners and heating units in the infected area will prevent the mold from being spread to other areas.

2. Do Not Clean The Infected Surfaces

Your first response to finding mold might be to clean the area — but this is dangerous to your health, and will cause the mold to spread faster.

Proper mold cleaning and removal is a multi-step process. It begins with identifying the species of mold, to properly remove and prevent regrowth. Trained professionals can quickly address and remove the infestation.

3. Hire Professionals to Treat the Source of Mold Infestation

Homeowners find mold long after their home has been infested because it is fast-growing and often begins in crevices and hard to reach areas.

Professionals like the trained staff at Restoration 1 use the latest in moisture and mold detection equipment to find the source of mold infestation and the moisture fueling its growth.

Once identified, our professional restoration teams can clean and treat the source, preventing future growth and saving you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Mold Remediation and Stopping Mold Regrowth

Mold remediation is a serious concern for many homeowners, and unless you are trained in proper mold treatment procedures, you will always wonder if your home is truly mold-free.

With hundreds of locations nationwide, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your restoration needs, our expert restoration professionals will preserve the structural integrity of your home for years to come.

Take the stress out of mold remediation. Contact the certified experts at Restoration 1 for a permanent solution to your mold infestation.