As much as you might love returning to the familiar sights and smells of your home every day, it's common for people to want a change with the years. Renovations can improve the aesthetics of your living spaces while also making your property more efficient or functional. However, this process might uncover mold that has been hiding behind walls, under cabinets, or in crawlspaces. When disturbed by the efforts of contractors, it can spread and become more of a danger to your family's health. The guide below answers common questions about this fungus and mold remediation.
What to Know About Residential Mold
Why does my home have mold?
Mold needs relatively few ingredients to grow and thrive. Moisture is the most important, but darkness and heat are beneficial. Under these conditions, the fungus may form colonies within 24-48 hours. Roof and plumbing leaks are common suppliers of this water. Unfortunately, leaks typically happen in areas you don't often visit, such as the attic.
What are problems caused by mold?
Mold can cause respiratory issues in family members. It can damage insulation so that it is no longer effective at preventing heat transfer, driving up utility bills. Keeping areas moist can ruin drywall and warp wooden support structures and furniture.
Can I remove mold myself?
While homeowners can go after very small areas of mold with bleach, they should not tackle large projects by themselves, as it could cause them to breathe in mold. Attempting a self-cleanup job is also likely to dislodge several spores, causing them to land and grow in other areas where the fungus wasn't before.
Mold remediation professionals have equipment designed to detect fungus in places that are not visible to the naked eye, allowing them to remove it from the property thoroughly. These actions can lead them to the source of the leak, enabling you to fix the issue. They also have access to safety equipment to protect their lungs.
How can I prevent this problem in the future?
In addition to regularly inspecting your roof and plumbing for leaks, renovating your house provides the perfect opportunity for putting some preventive measures in place. For example, mold often likes the heat and steam supplied by kitchens and bathrooms. Installing more powerful exhaust fans in these rooms can remove moisture to limit mold growth. You can also install a dehumidifier that ensures that indoor moisture levels remain under 50%. Have contractors use mold-inhibiting paints and put in flooring that is less likely to retain moisture. For example, switch out carpeting for luxury vinyl planks.
If you need mold remediation, turn to the experts at Flo-Air LLC, based in Jacksonville, FL. Using state-of-the-art tools, they'll find areas of unusual moisture in the house, perform testing, and develop a customized plan for removing any fungus. To learn more about their capabilities, visit their website. Read reviews from their former clients on Google. Call (904) 747-6117 to schedule an inspection.