Mold Remediation Mount Airy
Mount Airy, also knowns as the Four-County Area, sits at the intersection of Frederic, Carroll, Montgomery, and Howard Counties. Although Mount Airy found its fortunes on the B&O Railroad in the 19th century, it has since modernized itself into a commuter suburb of both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
Despite its modernization, many of the area’s historic homes still remain standing. Unfortunately, older homes tend to have a problem with mold and mildew in the basement.
Aside from the unpleasant smells that mold and mildew growth can cause in your home, it can cause both structural damage to your home and health problems for you and your family. If you own an older home in Mount Airy, and you suspect a mold and mildew problem, you should contact a company that specializes in mold remediation in Mount Airy to deal with problems unique to the area.
Where Does Mold Come From?
Mold is a normal and natural part of the environment, and it’s found everywhere both inside and outside your home. Only when it finds a dark, damp place does it start to grow out of control and become a problem. When excess moisture finds its way into your basement, it becomes the perfect location for mold growth.
In older homes like those in Mount Airy, there are two common problems that result in excess moisture in the basement: leaky pipes and faulty foundations.
Pipes are designed to last, but over decades, they can corrode, loosen up, and spring leaks. Old homes like those in Mount Airy probably have their fair share of pipes dripping water into area basements. These leaks are particularly insidious because they can create moist conditions behind drywall that can hide visible signs of mold growth until extensive damage has already occurred.
Another way water can find its way into the basements of older homes is through faulty foundations. There is always ground water near foundations. Normally, it drains away before it can get into the basement, but older foundations can develop cracks and gaps that can let the water in.
In both old and new homes alike, the most common source of excess moisture is condensation. Have you ever sat out on the porch on a hot summer day with a cold glass of lemonade? Pretty soon, the outside of the glass is probably dripping with water. The same thing can happen in your basement. When hot, humid air in your home hits the cool basement walls, water will condense and pool in the basement.
What Kind Of Damage Can Mold Cause?
If you have a mold problem, you’ve probably already noticed the smell. That musty, mildewy smell can build up in your basement and permeate the rest of your house. Without professional help from a company specializing in mold remediation in Mount Airy, it can be difficult to get rid of that smell.
Mold can also cause damage to your home’s furnishings and structures. Mold’s natural function is to decompose dead organic matter. There’s plenty of it in the wooden frames, drywall, carpet, insulation, wallpaper, furniture, and cardboard commonly found in basements. If left unchecked, mold can cause serious property damage over time.
Most importantly, mold can endanger your health and your family’s health. The health problems that are caused by mold exposure vary from person to person and depend on the length of exposure. However, common problems include:
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Cough and sore throat
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Asthma
• Respiratory infections
• Headaches
• Skin and eye irritation
Some types of molds even produce toxins that can cause irritation, compromise your immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.
Specialists For Mold Remediation Mount Airy
A company that specializes in mold remediation in Mount Airy can help diagnose the mold and mildew problems that are unique to the Mount Airy area and can help remediate the problems.
Mold remediation in Mount Airy involves decontaminating the areas affected by mold, removing mold spores from your home, restoring the mold levels in your home to safe and natural levels, and preventing the uncontrolled growth of mold in the future.
If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact a company that specializes in mold remediation in Mount Airy right away to mitigate any further damage.