It’s a foregone conclusion that water damage invariably gives way to mold growth if not properly treated, however, you don’t have to have water damage to get mold in your home or business. All it takes is sufficient moisture and humidity and bam, you have a serious mold problem.
And so it is the case for many homeowners this year, living in regions that are reporting much higher than normal rainfall levels. Thus far, 2011 has seen an average of 6 inches above average rainfall across the board. The resulting moisture can set the stage for mold growth just about anywhere, especially inside insufficiently ventilated structures.
So how do you survive this rainy season without having unwelcome guests in your home? One of the easiest methods you can adopt is to run a dehumidifier in your basement on a regular basis from April to October.
This will take some of the burden off of your air conditioner and help make sure all areas of your home remain sufficiently dry. Even if you don’t have a mold problem, running a dehumidifier can help with problems such as stale odors in musty basements or crawlspaces.
Ideally, humidity levels should be kept between 40 and 60 percent, with the optimum level being under 50. Any leaks, be it from your roof, piping, or appliances, should be fixed as soon as it is discovered. Even the smallest leak will become a major problem if it is ignored long enough.
If you do suffer water damage, remove all damaged carpeting and rugs and dry out all affected surfaces within 48 hours of the initial problem. And if you do have a room that is prone to high humidity, for whatever reason, install an exhaust van in that area. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely to be susceptible to higher than average humidity levels.
When mold is discovered, too many homeowners make the mistake of believing that all they have to do is remove the mold growth. The affected area must be appropriately treated to prevent the return of the mold. Decreasing humidity and moisture and increasing ventilation are vitally important steps to me taken to make sure the mold does not return.
When working around mold, be sure to wear protection such as gloves and goggles. A filtration mask is also recommended to prevent the inhalation of mold spores. Remember that exposure to mold in high concentrations can cause serious health problems, ranging from allergic reactions to neurological and respiratory problems.
Water Damage Local.com, the premier water restoration provider in the country, is proud to offer mold remediation as one of its many services. Our technicians are trained and experienced in mold removal techniques, and can take care of your problem with prompt, courteous service. Available 24/7, Water Damage Local.com is ready to handle all of your mold and other water damage problems. Call today for a free estimate or phone consultation.
Mold isn’t rocket science, and doesn’t require expensive testing to determine its presence. If you think you have mold, then you probably do. Let Water Damage Local.com get your home or business back in top condition.
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