Living in Florida can be a wonderful thing, however the constant humidity can wreak havoc inside our homes, especially during the summer months. One area that is especially dangerous is mold buildup. If you have a spot or two of mold in home that you are not too concerned about, you may want to think twice. Mold can spread quickly and can become a health hazard to those living in the home.
Signs of Mold in the Home
Whilst seeing a build up of mold along windows and doors is a definite sign that you have a mold problem, there are other less obvious signs that mold is growing in your home. You may not be able to see where the mold is growing, but these signs can signal a problem that needs to be sought out and remedied.
Moldy or musty odors.
What looks like dirt buildup could really be black mold.
Signs of water damage or knowledge of water leaks.
A high level of condensation inside your windows and doors.
If you have any of the above signs you should have your home thoroughly checked for mold growth and buildup.
Causes of Mold in Home
Mold is a part of our natural environment and is made up of tiny spores that float through the air unseen. The one thing you should know about mold is that it cannot grow unless there is moisture. If you have moisture problems in your home, whether it be leaking pipes, high humidity, or a build up of condensation, there is a good chance that mold can grow and take hold in your home.
Health Risks Associated with Mold
There are many health issues that can arise when there is mold build up in your home, these can include:
An increase in allergies.
Itchy eyes.
Constantly runny or blocked nasal passages.
Wheezing and coughing.
Skin irritation and rashes.
Repeated upper respiratory infections.
Dizziness and Nausea
If you suffer from any of these symptoms regularly, it could be due to mold growth within your home and seeking medical advice is advised.
Treatments for Mold in Home
If you catch mold growth early enough, you may be able to use home treatments to eradicate the mold and stay on top of the growth.
The first thing to do is to reduce moisture build-up in your home. This may mean adding a dehumidifier to your home, or having an existing one serviced, fixing leaks and making sure your home is well ventilated.
It is important to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning up mold.
If you have mold on hard surfaces, use detergent and water with a scrubbing brush to scrub away the mold. You may want to add tea tree oil to this mix for antibacterial purposes.
If mold is on porous surfaces, these items may need to be thrown away, as mold can seep into the cracks and crevices.
Special mold removal products are sold at home and grocery stores, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
You will know that the mold is no longer present when you can no longer see or smell it. If mold continues to grow back in the same areas you may need to work harder to find solutions that can keep the area dry.
If you find that you have widespread mold throughout your home, you will need to seek the help of a professional, straight away.
Prevent Mold in Your Home
The best way to keep mold in the home from spreading is to reduce humidity and moisture levels throughout your home whilst staying on top of mold buildup at all times. If a mold specialist informs you that your problem is due to any issues with air conditioner, contact the experts today.
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