How Water Damage Can Lead To Mold Problems
Mold is a type of toxic growth that tends to sprout anywhere moisture is prevalent. Although mold is a naturally occurring element, it’s unwelcome in homes due to some health reasons. In this article, learn how mold grows in homes, how to detect it in your house, and what health risks it poses. The link between water damage and mold; moisture and mold go hand in hand. If individual fixtures or furniture are exposed to an abundant amount of water for long, mold will definitely grow on it. This is why uncontrolled water damage in a house will in most cases lead to the growth of mold. Different types of water damage that can bring about mold. Several types of water damage can bring about mold in your home. These include: 1.) Water flooding – If your house is exposed to a flood, the floors, fixtures and furniture in your house will absorb a lot of water. If not dried, that moisture will create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Such flooding can be caused by increased rainfall, storm water overflows, busted pipes, etc. 2.) Plumbing leaks – Though small, undetected leaks can result in increased moisture penetration on your walls, floors, and ceiling. If not plugged in time and the damage reversed, mold growth will occur. 3.) Dampness – The third and most common type of water damage that may result in mold growth is dampness. There are three types of dampness. One is rising damp that results from moisture in the ground rising up the walls. The other is penetrating damp that enters your home from outside, e.g. via rainfall on the walls. And the last is dampness caused by poor ventilation. Any of these can increase moisture levels in your house and encourage mold to grow. Health Effects of Mold Mold has a diverse number of health effects on humans. When breathed in, toxic mold spores can cause headaches and irritation of the eyes, nose and mouth. For allergic people, the mold is a strong allergen that can cause coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and irritation of the respiratory system. Increased exposure to mold can cause dire health problems such as asthma, migraines, and neurological problems. How to Spot if Your House Has Mold There are two keys to detecting mold in your house: One is to know what mold looks like. For the most part, mold appears as dark spots of sponge-like mass. The other key is to know where to find mold in your house. This refers to any wet or damp place. If you have had water damage, start by looking for mold on the floors. If yours is just a case of dampness, look in the bathrooms, basements and kitchens, before checking in other areas. Alternatively, you can have a team of house inspectors carries out thermal imaging to locate damp areas in your home. How to Remove Mold From Your House If you have a mold or water damage in your house, follow the following steps: 1.) Have the house dried by flood restoration experts. 2.) You can also use dehumidifiers and heaters to rid your house of moisture. Check out this video to see a quick demonstration of a commercial dehumidifier. 3.) For serious cases such as flooding, have the house professionally inspected for mold. Any sighted mold should be cleaned using soapy water. 4.) If the mold is too widespread, consider removing the affected fixtures and having them replaced. 5.) Plug all plumbing leaks and keep your home well ventilated to keep mold away.
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