Dealing with mold is something that we would all rather avoid. There is a ton of information on how to treat and remove it, but how do you know if it’s the right information? Unfortunately, there is so much false information out there regarding mold and its causes.
Things you Need to Know About Mold and Humidity
Things You Need to Know About Mold and Humidity will help you differentiate what information is applicable for your mold situation. After reading this article, you will be much more informed about mold and humidity, and will learn how to deal with it, should you ever have to.
First things First, Does Excess Humidity Cause Mold?
The answer is ‘Yes’.
When muggy, humid air approaches a surface with a cooler temperature than the encircling air, condensation will occur. Once that dampness accumulates on permeable, organic surfaces, mold can form and grow. It is crucial to keep the humidity inside your Denver home or building low to minimize the chance of mold and mildew growing.
What is Mold
Mold is a form of fungus. There are many varieties of mold, but around here we typically see about a dozen or two show up. They normally grow on organic materials outside but the can also grow on organic materials inside the home if the surfaces are moist. Of those that show up here, about a third of them are capable of producing mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are a defensive chemical that the mold produces to ward off other varieties of mold. And, the mycotoxins are usually what adversely affects people’s health. Additionally when you smell a “moldy odor”, you are probably smelling mycotoxins.
Mold spores (and mycotoxin) that come from mold normally spread by circulating in the air around you. Mold spores can exist in all indoor atmospheres. Once the spores are in the air they can survive in conditions where the mold itself may not develop.
The ideal conditions for mold spores to develop and grow are in warm, moist places. And so, when the spores land on a humid area, they begin to grow and colonize that surface.
There are a variety of surfaces on which mold can grow. Some of these include
- Paper
- Fabrics
- Wood
- Food
- Leather
Once mold spores start to develop, they feed on the surface they are attached to as long as moisture is present. If the moisture is removed, the mold typically goes into a dormant phase but if the mold has produced mycotoxins, the mycotoxins will remain and potentially affect the health of the occupants ..
Why Does Mold Grow in My Denver Home?
Mold is part of our everyday world; it does play a vital role in nature. It breaks down organic and dead matter, like leaves that on the ground or decaying trees. Indoors, however, the development of mold is harmful. Tiny spores create mold; these spores cannot be seen by our eyes when they circulate into our homes from the outdoor air.
Mold begins to rapidly develop inside your home when the spores make contact with damp surfaces.
If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, it’s best to contact a Mold Removal Denver Professional to investigate the situation and handle it the right way.
Mold Requires Humidity/Moisture to Live
Importantly, it is critical to be aware that mold requires moisture (whether by humidity, flooding, plumbing leak, etc.) to develop. Moist and damp surroundings create the ideal humidity level for mold to grow in. Climates with warm to high temperatures have a drastically increased chance of developing mold spores inside their homes.
Steps on How to Remove Humidity from Your Denver Home
To clear your home of mold, you need to make sure you eliminate excess humidity from your Denver home. Do you know the areas of your home that attract the highest humid conditions? Areas such as bathrooms, attics, kitchens, basements and crawl spaces are the places that require all of your attention since these are where mold is most likely to develop. Here are a few ways you can eliminate excess moisture and humidity from your home:
- For your basement, try using a dehumidifier. Remember to empty it regularly.
- When you have the means to do so, increase the ventilation and the insulation is not blocking existing vents to avoid moisture build-up.
- Clear away any boxes, rugs, appliances, and pieces of furniture that you feel may have been exposed to mold.
- Make sure the vents in your kitchen and bathroom are in working order.
Avoid Moisture from Coming into Your Home
So now, you know how to get rid of excess moisture that may already be in your home. Here are additional preventative measures to keep mold at bay:
- Routinely run your air conditioner to remove moisture in the air.
- Examine the inside and outside walls of your home to check for any signs of water leaks.
- From your attic, look up at your roof to check for any light that may be peeking through (and thus rain and snow may enter through those gaps). If so, this is a tell-tale sign that you need to do some roof repair.
- For areas that are more susceptible to mold, try installing mold-resistant materials. Composite wood floors are impervious to mold and they are easier to clean.
- Monitor moisture levels in areas that are prone to mold growth , such as kitchens, basements, attics, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
- If you see signs of mold in these areas (and you have cleaned it up before) then the problem may require professional remediation.
Contact Mold Removal Express for Mold Remediation
If you have a significant mold problem that you are dealing with within your home, it is best if it’s taken care of quickly, so you do not jeopardize your health or that of anyone else living in your Denver home. Do not try to clean the suspected mold area(s) yourself due to how toxic and extensive the mold can be.
Consider hiring a Mold Remediation Denver Specialist to eliminate your mold problem. Just know that you are making the right choice if hazardous mold exists in your home by hiring a Mold Removal Denver Professional. They will take the necessary measures to eliminate the mold hazard
The best mold remediation and mold removal service that Denver has to offer is Mold Removal Express. Have peace of mind and know your mold problem will be taken care of properly by the best experts Denver has to offer.