Mold Frequently Asked Questions

Mold is a common problem that affects many households today. Unfortunately, many people are oblivious of the risks associated with mold growth. A lot of people tend to assume the presence of mold in their homes and have no idea that mold can have adverse effects on the human body. In order to get rid of mold from your home, you must have accurate information that can enable you to make an informed decision.

Given the fact that many homeowners have no information regarding mold growth, we have decided to compile a number of commonly asked questions to help individuals understand mold better. Having the right information is an advantage because based on this information, you can make key decisions that will go a long way in eliminating mold from your home.

I have discovered my house has mold, what step should I take?

Having mold in your home is something you should address immediately. For starters, do research, locate and contact a mold removal specialist nearest to you. The internet is a good platform for information since you can within a few minutes, find the appropriate mold removal professional to help you out. When they come to your house, they will do a thorough inspection to determine the extent of mold growth. Doing this is important because not comprehensively handling all mold growth areas in the house is an exercise in futility.

In most cases, we only see small traces of mold yet there could be extensive hidden mold growth in difficult areas to spot such as inside walls, beneath carpets, attics, on top of ceilings, crawlspaces among other places. Don’t try to estimate the extent of mold growth in your house if you’re not a professional. Chances are high you will not check properly and exhaustively.

Even though I don’t see any mold, I can smell it, is this dangerous?

Yes. This is because not seeing mold physically doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be worried about its existence. Actually, mold that emits a smell is the worst form of mold because it releases mycotoxins and mold spores into the air both of which are responsible for causing a myriad of health complications caused by mold. Fortunately, there is a way to differentiate between different types of mold smell, what they signify and what steps you should take to counter the problem.

How do I know I have been exposed to mold?

As explained above, mold exposure triggers a number of health complications. The common symptoms associated with mold are unexplained fatigue, itchy eyes, coughing, headaches, low mood, running nose and asthma related symptoms. Take note, the longer you’re exposed to mold, the more risks you’re exposing yourself to.

People who live in mold infested houses for extended periods of time end up becoming depressed, experience joint pains, suffer chronic fatigue, pneumonia and skin rashes among other life-threatening conditions. If you have any of the above symptoms and your house has tested positive for mold, you get to get medical attention and at the same time, remove mold growth from your home as soon as possible.

Should I remain in my house after discovering it has mold?

The presence of mold in your house isn’t good for your health. Therefore, it is not advised to remain in a house with mold because this exposes you and your family to greater health risks. This is an issue that you should address with a mold removal specialist because they’re better placed to advise you accordingly. In addition, the critical issue to be addressed is whether you should be present in the home when the mold is being removed. The best way to get answers to these questions is to discuss with a mold remediation professional who will give appropriate advice based on their assessment.

How do I choose the best mold test kit for my home?

Nowadays, there are numerous brands of home testing kids you can use at home. However, bear in mind that these home test kits are not as effective as testing done by professionals. Most homeowners unfortunately don’t understand how to use these test kits and therefore, end up getting incorrect and unreliable results. If you must use home test kits, make sure you do thorough research and check reviews of different brands. It is wise to pick home test kits which are highly rated with numerous positive reviews.

Obviously, you may have to dig deeper into your pocket to cater for costs associated with professional testing but it’s worth the effort because you’re assured you will have accurate results. The most important thing is to ensure your family’s safety is not compromised because of inaccurate results. If you want to get a list of certified mold testers in your area, the internet is a good bet.

How safe it for me to remove mold myself?

Rather than attempting to perform a process you’re unfamiliar about, it’s better to find an expert trained to professionally remove mold. Before beginning a mold remediation process, check the existing laws as well as your insurance provider if they cover the cost of mold remediation. The Environment Protection Agency has released some guidelines on when you should call a professional to perform mold removal.

You should call expert help if;

• There is mold in your HVAC system

• Mold in your home is as a result of contaminated water or plumbing malfunctions

• The mold covers an area of more than 10 square feet

• You have medical issues that could escalate if you clean mold yourself. If this is the case, always confirm with your physician before beginning mold removal.

Is removing mold easy?

There are a lot of misconceptions about removing mold. Many people think it’s an easy task but the truth is it comes with a lot of technicalities that only a trained professional can handle. If you’re keen on removing mold, the first step is to isolate the mold. Next, ensure negative pressure is introduced to prevent mold spores from spreading to other sections of the home. Remember to replace porous items that have been affected by mold and wear protective clothing.

What are the steps of choosing a mold removal company?

When you work with professionals to eliminate mold from your house, you will have good results. Nowadays, many mold remediation companies have an online presence. Before selecting a company, shop around and get quotes from different companies. Once you have quotes ready, compare them and identify mold remediation deals you can afford. It is important to hire a professional mold remediation company and not a general contractor if you want good results.

How can I prevent mold in future?

The good news is mold can be prevented. So long as you can be able to control moisture in your home, you won’t have to worry about mold. Mold relies on excessive moisture to grow and eliminating any conditions that favor moisture accumulation is the first prevention strategy. Make a habit of regularly inspecting your home to see if there are any signs of mold. For instance, check for roof leaks and leaking sinks as well as regularly examine your attic.

Purchase a dehumidifier if you have a humid basement. Also, when taking a bath, switch on an exhaust fan, leave the windows and door open to facilitate air circulation. You can also invest in a hygrometer to check humidity levels. Having a humidifier installed into your heating system is an excellent idea.