Removing Molds and Increasing Quality Of Living Spaces
Maryland residents can take great pride in their homes, whether they are quaint colonials or iconic brick face styled and more modern additions to the architecture of the region. This sense of joy and comfort about the living space also extends to the interior, as unique floor plans and personal décor are often displayed to many guests. However, the picture of perfection could be marred by less noticeable and desirable inhabitants in the home.
Mold is a common occurrence in nearly every home, and will most commonly be found in areas that are naturally higher in moisture, including the kitchen and the bathroom. One of the problems with mold is that it can be quite insidious, and what is apparent in a surface crack on the grout could actually lead back to a full infiltration of the walls.
Where Is Mold Coming From?
Mold spores themselves can get into the home from practically anywhere. This includes through human vectors on the clothes and shoes, as well as on the fur of companion animals that come in and out of the home. Further, mold spores are airborne, so having the windows open all the time or needing to change out the air filter on the cooling system can also lead to more colonies of mold.
While mold can come from nearly anywhere, it does need certain conditions to survive, and this includes either warm or cool temperatures and plenty of moisture. Although kitchens and bathrooms are prime places for mold to breed, the basement can also be an ideal spot for colonies to grow. This factor is frequently made worse with:
- Past basement floods
- Moisture seepage through the foundation
- Condensation issues
- Leaky basement window wells
What Are The Signs Of Mold?
Actually seeing mold in the home can sometimes be less common in situations where an overgrowth is impacting the household. This tends to be due to the fact that in order for the colony to have become so prolific, it will have had to be growing for a while. The result is that most high infiltrating molds will tend to be visible behind a surface covering or within a wall.
Signals to be aware of do include:
- Musty and dank odors in the home, especially in the basement
- Spots on the floors or walls where water damage remains evident
- Sections of the wall which appear as though they are darkening, and the effect increases over time
- The appearance of a black outline along window casings and door trim
- Visible patches of mold
- Places where water is collecting, including leaks and condensation in the basement
Are There Solutions To Mold?
For mold that is just a surface concern, a combination of water and bleach can be used to clean the visible signs of mold and kill the spores. However, since mold colonies can be more than just the apparent, it can still be wise to have the home professionally evaluated and immediately seek help on removing molds.
The simple answer to the solution to even having mold in the first place is to have a dryer home. This can include basic maintenance routines, such as:
- Using fans and dehumidifiers in damp places
- Fixing obvious leaks in plumbing
- Investing in new windows which reduce condensation
- Using a dehumidifier in the central air system
While these actions can be helpful, it can also be important to consider the benefits of basement waterproofing, to address an existing problem with mold and moisture or to simply take preventive care against the possibility of mold in the home. Further, residents who do suspect a mold problem will also need professional mold remediation to ensure that the home is safe for living again. This can make taking the step of waterproofing the basement before the moisture becomes inviting to spores an integral part of maintaining the quality of the living space.