Do you think there might be mold in your Dallas home? If you suspect that your home may have a mold problem, a good time to investigate is over an extended summer break. Recent spring storms, humidity and any structural problems can create areas that are prime for mold. If your Dallas home is susceptible to mold, or already has mold growth, this is an ideal time to root it out and make a plan for removal.
However, finding it and removing it is just half of the battle. Once mold is discovered, it is important to find the cause for the growth and then make the appropriate changes or repairs to ensure it doesn’t return. Having an extended break to deal with all aspects of the problem will enable you to fix this potentially dangerous situation quickly; ensuring both a healthy home and household.
Signs of Mold:
Unpleasant Odors – The first sign of a mold problem is a musty, unpleasant odor in the home. Because mold isn’t always visible, a strong, persistent smell is usually a telltale sign. Follow the odor to the strongest point and investigate the area. If there isn’t an obvious sign of infestation, the problem might be behind a wall or ceiling. The best course of action in this case would be to call a mold removal specialist.
Removing Musty Odors from Your Home
Condensation – During the recent storms, was there condensation on your windows? If you have noticed condensation on windows or walls, your home has a problem with humidity. A moist, humid home in the summer is the ideal breeding ground for mold. The ideal level of humidity for both health and comfort is 45 – 50% – anything higher will promote the condensation on your windows and walls. A modern HVAC system can be programmed for lower humidity, but several factors can prevent a healthy level. Some homes might benefit from a dehumidifier, especially in older residences that have structural problems.
Leaks and other Water Problems: If your home has leaks in the roof or the foundation, the odds are good that you have mold. Anywhere in your home where water has an opportunity to collect and sit is a prime area for mold infestation. The best way to deal with this problem is to get the leak fixed as quickly as possible. Simply removing the mold will not help if the area is likely to leak again. Cracks in the foundation that invite water also need to be fixed. Anywhere in the home that water can infiltrate will need to be repaired before the mold problem can be beaten.
Discolored Areas – Discolored areas on the ceiling or walls can indicate that colonies of mold are growing directly behind it. Bubbles in paint or wallpaper are also telltale signs of a mold infestation. When you discover these discolored or damaged areas, the best plan of attack is call a mold specialist. An invisible leak is more than likely the cause – and will require a professional to assess the situation and provide solutions.
Allergy Triggers – Are there people in your household who have allergic reactions when they enter the home – or when the central air system comes on? Sneezing, coughing, post nasal drip and sinus problems are often symptoms of mold allergies. Some people suffer from skin allergies when exposed to certain kinds of mold. Breaking out in hives during a rainstorm can indicate a mold problem in a home. If there is a definite cause/effect with allergies and your home, mold could be the trigger. An infestation in your central air system or your leaky roof can greatly affect the quality of life for those who suffer from mold allergies. The root cause needs to be investigated and dealt with quickly.
If you come across any of these signs, or have seen the actual presence of mold in your home, the next step is to call a professional for an assessment. The experts at RestoPros can help determine the extent of the infiltration, the damage and the cause. Use this summer break to take charge of the issue and fix it before it leads to expensive repairs. Ensure the health and comfort of your family with complete mold remediation in your Dallas home.
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Get Your Foundation Inspected this Spring
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