Mold not only ruins the aesthetics of your house but may be quite dangerous to your health. Some individuals even experience unfavorable health outcomes, such as respiratory distress and issues related to chronic inflammation.
Even mold strains that appear harmless can create issues; nevertheless, poisonous black mold is among the most deadly type of mold which may infest an interior area. When a mold colony grows, susceptible individuals who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory illnesses may experience respiratory issues due to the mold spores and linked mycotoxins in the air.
Mold : An Introduction
Technically speaking, mold is a kind of fungus that exists throughout the world of nature. Millions of tiny mold spores search for a spot to land each day as they drift through the air. In a matter of hours or days, a mold spore might germinate and become an active colony if it finds a humid, warm, and porous surface.
Mold spores are minuscule, which means they can pass right through window screens and open doors. The kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom are the rooms in a house where mold growth is most likely to occur. Not to mention crawl spaces, basements, and attics where an unidentified water leak has accumulated too much moisture.
Windows as Mold Fighters: Debunking the Myths
Many people’s first reaction upon noticing a discolored patch on a bathroom wall or woodwork is to pop open their windows and liberally spray disinfectant upon the mold colony for mold damage repairs. But it’s possible that this isn’t always a good idea. When you notice mold, it’s important to consider a few things, including the weather outdoors, before deciding whether or not to open a window.
- If the outside humidity level is greater than 60%, opening the window will not benefit the situation. Indeed, opening the window during periods of high humidity outside can foster an environment conducive to the growth of mold.
- To proliferate, mold needs moisture. Opening the window to allow outdoor humidity to enter the house may not be the best option if you discover mold and your dehumidifier is maintaining low indoor humidity.
- The same reasoning holds true when it’s raining; it only allows for increased humidity, which in turn allows mold colonies to grow and increase the moisture and humidity levels in your home. In the end, opening a window during these conditions is ineffective because it will foster the ideal conditions for the growth of mold and mildew.
- Sudden gusts of wind have the potential to force mold into the ventilation systems and other areas of your house. It is possible that after dealing with one mold colony, you will be confronted with several other indoor colonies a couple of months or even weeks later.
Practical Ways to Limit Mold
Mold can be limited and controlled in your house in a variety of ways.
- Summertime’s high humidity levels, might be one of mold’s greatest allies. You can assist in preventing mold spores from germination into a flourishing mold colony by placing a dehumidifier strategically in high-risk areas such as the laundry room, downstairs guest bedrooms, and basement.
- Encouraging all members of the family to utilize the bathroom vent while taking a shower will help lower the ambient humidity, as mold frequently grows on bathroom ceilings and woodwork. Similarly, if you boil water in your cooking area, always use the exhaust.
- The moisture content of the air in the house is increased when damp clothes are hung. In addition, most materials’ porosity provides mold with a surface on which to grow. Always use a dryer to dry your clothing, or hang it outside on a laundry line on a breezy, bright day.
- Common entry points for moisture entering your home include foundation fractures, leaking plumbing, malfunctioning gutters, and leaky roofs. Maintaining your home’s routine maintenance, mold restoration and mold damage repairs will assist prevent mold spores from getting the moisture they require to germinate. It also stops the spread of existing mold colonies.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to open the window if you discover a mold colony that you were unaware of. particularly when it’s humid or rainy outside. Close, cover, or seal the room’s vents if at all possible, and consider positioning a dehumidifier close to the mold colony.
An extensive mold patch is not something you should try to remove by yourself. It’s better to leave mold restoration to the experts as they have the equipment and know-how to securely remove all mold-related materials from your house. For expert mold remediation services, contact 247 Service Pros today!