Spring Weather Mold Concerns Every Homeowner Should Know

 In Home Maintenance, Mold

With warmer weather and sunny days thawing icy surfaces, now is a great time to check into moisture issues that can create mold concerns and  problems in your home.

  1. How does mold grow? Mold can grow anywhere that moisture can enter your environment, especially where heat and humidity can also be found. These conditions create a ripe environment for mold concerns to grow, only after 2-3 days of moisture contact. Mold can also enter your home or office as air spores through open windows or HVAC, and attach to items and even people that carry the mold indoors. Air born mold can also come from left out food or plants.
  2. How do you know if you have mold? Mold is typically detected in two ways: Through that tell-tale musty odor, or through a physical reaction to the body like allergies or irritation while your at home. If you generally feel better when you’re out of the house – this could be a sign that there is mold. If you suspect mold, but don’t smell it, check for signs like warped surfaces or walls, cracking paint, surfaces that create a lot of condensation or feel moist. Once mold exists, it can grow and should be addressed quickly.
  3. Why is mold a problem? Some mold strains are potentially toxic and can lead to very serious health risks including respiratory and auto-immune related conditions. People who have allergies to mold can be highly sensitive and react with coughing, eye and skin reactions, shortness of breath, dizziness and throat irritation.
  4. How can you prevent mold?
    • Fix any issues with roof leaks, condensation, or moisture that enters your home through cracks in surfaces, windows, walls and plumbing.
    • Ensure proper ventilation in your home by using exhaust fans in bathrooms.
    • If you’ve had a recent flood, be sure to clean all affected water-damaged areas, and remove carpeting and padding underneath.
  5. What to do when you find mold? If possible, avoid impacted areas and turn off anything circulating air like vents, exhaust fans and HVAC. Avoid disturbing the mold yourself until it’s determined that it hasn’t affected porous surfaces. Mold can be wiped from non-porous surfaces- but materials like drywall, ceilings, carpet and upholstery should be removed and treated by a professional.

If you would like more information, or would like to schedule an inspection, give us a call at 732.383.5190 or e-mail us at info@stockenvironmental.com.

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