Mold can be a pesky problem here in the Gulf Coast of Florida. Many people believe mold occurs only when water enters the home, such as during a flood or when plumbing fails. However, mold growth can occur without obvious leaks or flooding, as long as the relative humidity of the air is high.
Mold is common in damp areas such as bathrooms without windows or vents, in crawl spaces, basements and foundations under your home, as well as in air ducts. Molds can flourish on or in many different materials including wood and carpet. Molds cause discoloration of walls and furnishings, persistent odor problems, and irreversible deterioration of building materials.
Mold also is a health hazard to humans.
Learn More About Wentzel’s Indoor Air Quality Solutions
Some symptoms of mold exposure include:
- asthma episodes
- nasal stuffiness
- wheezing
- skin irritation
- respiratory illness
So what can you do to prevent or decrease mold formation in your home?
Moisture prevention is the key to eliminating mold in your home. Of course, if you do experience flooding or other water damage it is important to respond quickly, within 24-48 hours.
Ongoing preventative measures include:
- Reducing the moisture content of the air
- Increase in air movement (fans)
- Maintaining your home’s temperature (mold-triggering condensation occurs when it’s colder inside your house than outside)
Some molds may be resistant to ventilation and others to temperature control, so applying all three of these measures should prevent most molds from occurring.
For more detailed information about mold and mold prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a guide called A Brief Guide To Mold, Moisture, And Your Home.