What To Do If Your Find Mold In Your Property
Mold has been around since the beginning of time. You can find mold indoors and outdoors. It is fungi. It is everywhere. It may seem strange to think of it as dangerous since it’s been around for so long. But the mere mention of “mold” brings up all kinds of scary thoughts. There are many types of mold but the most common types found inside a home are Penicillium, Altermaria, Aspergillius, Cladosprium, and Stachybotys Charrarum. Stachybotrys Charrarum “Black Mold” is the most dangerous. This is the mold that many people are allergic to. Black mold does not always look black. It can be brown or reddish in color. But no mold should be ignored. Mold needs to be dealt with immediately.
Mold can cause serious health problems: coughing, sore throat, eye irritation, and sinus problems. It can also cause hay fever or asthma. Mold needs three things in order to grow: a food source, light and moisture. Mold can result from a roof leak, flooding and poor drainage, condensation and steam or leaking plumbing. It can develop from carpet, carpet pad, wallpaper glue and other building materials. Poor ventilation, with the added source of water, is the perfect environment for mold to grow.
The question is how to prevent it! It is most important to keep the property in good condition, make sure the plumbing works properly, and that water is not collecting or standing. Proper ventilation in the home is just as important. Making sure the windows work, the fan in the bathroom works, and the heating and air work properly. These are key factors in maintaining a home without mold. It is cheaper to retrofit windows or repair heating and a/c than to pay attorney fees and tenant damages if this is an investment property.
It is of most importance not to ignore the problem. Some molds can be removed with a solution of bleach and water, however some others need to be cut out and destroyed. It is best to get a professional involved and get the problem taken care of immediately.
The bottom line is to use common sense, maintain the property, and when there is any question about mold, take immediate action: hire a professional. If you have any questions or need to find a professional give me a call, I am always here to help.