Have you recently bought a home in the Metro Detroit area? If health issues arise due to mold exposure before moving in, it’s best to check your new house for microbial growth. Homeowners can overlook mold as it tends to be hidden. But if left untreated, it can cause health problems among your household members and eventually, structural damage to your home.
Let’s look at what mold is, how it forms, and which common areas to look out for below. We also discuss what to do after you uncover mold, such as mold remediation in Detroit.
What Is Mold/Microbial Growth?
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in food, decaying organic matter, and damp areas, given the right conditions. An area that’s always damp, like the bathroom, and a comfortable temperature between 40 and 100 degrees F can be conducive to microbial growth. One example is the black spots you see in grout lines in the bathroom, which are a type of mold known as mildew.
Common Signs Mold Is Present in Your Home
Any moisture can lead to microbial growth if left untreated. The resulting mold can go unnoticed even if you’ve dealt with the water issue. Spotting the signs can be tricky. However, locating the problem with success is possible if you know where to look.
You Smell Something Musty or Rotten
Mycotoxin, a substance that can trigger allergies and asthma, is also found in some mold species. So if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regardless of the season, especially if you’re staying in certain rooms, call a mold restoration company to inspect your place:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Feeling tired/fatigued
Your Walls Appear Distorted
Moisture can cause paint to bubble and walls to look warped. As mentioned, moisture often leads to microbial growth if not remedied. If you suspect mold issues due to water damage, check leaks from the roof, windows, etc., and any other reason for the moisture seeping through the walls.
The House Has a History of Water Damage
If water damage occurred before in the lowest parts of the house, through flooding, burst pipes, or similar means, ensure the water was extracted properly. Otherwise, you could be dealing with something more severe than expected.
How Bad Can the Mold Damage Get?
While you can only see signs of microbial growth, with the source often hidden from those occupying the house, you should not take it lightly. Remove all contaminated materials after flooding. It’s also advised not to use your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Performing mold cleanup by yourself is possible but it’s not recommended for severe cases. Mold cleanup is best conducted with the help of experts in mold remediation in Detroit.
What To Do After Mold Is Detected?
If the mold problem covers less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that you can handle the job yourself. However, if you suspect water damage caused the mold infestation, the agency advises working with a mold remediation contractor with experience in mold cleanup.
Restoration 1 is a team of experts in mold remediation in Detroit. Our certified technicians and immediate responders can handle the most challenging mold cases in residential and commercial spaces. We follow standard approved practices and comply with technical regulations to ensure your new home is safe, healthy, and mold-free.
Reach out to us today to schedule a visit from our team.
