There can be multiple causes of mold in your home, but they all boil down to one main culprit: moisture. Excess moisture in your home can lead to mold growth in a surprisingly short time period.
What Causes Mold In Your Home?
While mold growth is usually not prevalent in well-maintained homes, it can occur if moisture problems are not taken care of right away. These are some of the common causes of mold growth:
• Humidity in the home above 60%.
• Poor ventilation in areas with a lot of steam, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Dampness in the basement, excess water around the home’s foundation due to poor drainage, and flooding.
• Roof leaks. These are preventable by using Mr. Moose’s Roof Maintenance Plan. We will check your attic annually for signs of water damage or mold growth. If you need roof repair, our roofers are the ones to call.
Health Dangers of Mold
Mold is not only unsightly, but it can also be toxic. Many people have an allergic reaction to its microscopic spores. They can display symptoms of toxic mold poisoning or sickness without even realizing it, since mold mimics some of the effects of seasonal allergies – a runny nose, itchy eyes, and coughing and sneezing, to name a few. More serious symptoms include memory loss and dizziness, and in rare cases of prolonged exposure, it can even cause infertility.
How to Get Rid of Mold In Your Home
Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Then scrub the mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
For more extensive mold growth over large areas, it is best to call in a professional to handle it. If you do decide to tackle clean-up on your own, you can use the same cleaning supplies, but take care to wear protective gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
It is also important to cover doors and vents in the affected area and turn off your furnace or air conditioner. Take the time to learn how to dispose of mold-infected materials properly. Taking these precautions will protect your health and help prevent the transfer of spores.
If you’re not sure if a mold problem is caused by a leaky roof or insufficient attic ventilation, contact Muth & Company, one of the leading roofing companies in Columbus, OH, and a friendly roofer will be happy to answer any questions you might have.