As Halloween approaches, many of you are probably thinking about picking out your costumes, decorating your homes, and throwing the best Halloween party of the century. However, before you go deeper down the Halloween rabbit hole, take a minute to check for the real, hidden horrors in your house. Your home can face many hidden issues and problems, one of them being mold. Mold is a type of fungus that can easily sneak its way into your home. With enough nutrients and moisture, it can start growing and become an even bigger problem when ignored. However, to help you tackle mold before it becomes a monster, the team at RestoPros is here to tell you about some of the hidden horrors of mold.
1. It Can Grow on Many Surfaces
Mold can grow on many materials and surfaces. Primarily, it grows on more porous surfaces that have been exposed to moisture. Places such as roofs, windows and pipes that are prone to leakage or flooding can show signs of mold growth. In addition, you can find mold on:
- Cardboard
- Wood products
- Paper products
- Ceiling tiles
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Carpet
- Fabric
- Upholstery
When an item or area of your home is exposed to excess moisture, it takes between 24-48 hours for mold to start growing. Therefore, it is important you try to prevent additional mold problems by getting rid of products that can’t be dried or cleaned.
2. You Can’t Paint Over It
If you see any mold growth in a part of your home, painting over it or applying caulk over it is not going to do anything. In fact, paint on top of mold is most likely to peel off and the mold will continue to grow, causing even more frustration. If you’re planning on a painting project, it is best to contact a professional to inspect your home for mold, so you don’t make the mistake of applying paint over mold.
3. It Can Grow in The Unlikeliest of Places
As we mentioned before, mold can grow on a variety of places and surfaces. While mold is most commonly known to grow in places with high moisture content such as bathrooms and kitchens, it can grow in some of these unexpected places as well:
- Filing Cabinets
If your home is particularly humid, mold can find its way in filing cabinets as well because the pulp in paper makes for great food for mold.
- Front Loading Washing Machines
The seals on the doors of washing machines usually remain wet. With some lint and moisture, mold can make its way into your washing machine as well
- Chimneys
Often the crevices in the chimney bricks allow for water, dirt and organic debris to collect in the chimney, creating the perfect atmosphere for mold growth.
4. It Can Cause Health Problems
Mold exposure can lead to health problems, especially in people who are susceptible to allergies, have weaker immune systems or have asthma.
21 percent of the current asthma cases in the United States can be attributed to mold growth and dampness in the home. Inhaling mold spores can often worsen asthma symptoms, lead to coughing, wheezing and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. In addition, mold can also cause sinus infections and another condition called mold-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Fight the Mold Monster with RestoPros!
Now that you know a little more about the hidden horrors of mold, it’s time you get ready to fight it wherever you see it. While you might be inclined to take on this task alone, it is best to get the help of a professional. For mold testing, removal and remediation services, get in touch with none other than RestoPros! Call us today at 855-587-3786 or schedule an appointment online!