Mold
It grows inside ceilings, walls, carpets, kitchens, bathrooms and also behind tiles in the shower area. How do you know it’s there and what can be do about it? Will it damage your home? What health implications are there?
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungi or fungus. Molds are the most common type of fungus found on planet earth, approximately 25% of earth’s biomass is comprised of it. Mold essentially is dead materials that does damage to the building material of our homes. A typical place to find it is around windows, showers, wet insulation and inside of wall cavities that have been exposed for periods of time.
How does mold grow? It grows by microscopic spores. These spores are everywhere and cannot be eliminated from the environment we live in. These “spores” are found in the air, settling on dust. Spores however do not grow where there is no moisture present.
Concerns For Finding Mold in Homes
- Heath concerns ( Nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, skin irritation and more severe reactions).
- Damages to building integrity interior like roofing, windows, pipes and venting.
Molds and Your Health
Exposure to a damp, moldy environment can lead to a variety of health effects or possibly none. Mere inhalation of mold spores may cause health concerns in certain people. Individuals with known respiratory issues (such as allergies and asthma), or persons with weakened immune systems may be more prone to negative effects from mold.
Factors Mold Needs to Grow
Mold needs certain factors to grow: Moisture, Food and Temperature
- Temperature is the probably the most easiest factor to come across: between 4-47 degrees.
- Food is a item that is of abundant supply in a home. It will grow on substances such as glass or even concrete all because there is dirt and dust found on the material.
- Moisture is most likely the key factor to controlling moisture and humidity in your home. Lowering moisture and realative humidity (RH) in a home can be done by sealing drafts around ductwork and preventing leaks/ water penetrating inside the building envelope.
What is the Difference Between Relative Humidity and Moisture Content?
Relative humidity is the amount of water vapour in the air and moisture is the content of absorbed water in a material.
MOLD PREVENTION TIPS
- Keep humidity level as low as you can – not higher thank 50% – all day long. Air conditioners or dehumidifiers can assist in keep the levels lower. Do bear in mind that humidity level change over the course of a day, so you it’s a good idea to check on levels a fews times during the day.
- Locate and fix leaks in the home’s rood, walls, or plumbing so mold cannot have the opportunity to grow.
- Clean up and dry out your home quickly after any flooding!
- Replace and/or remove any wet carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried thoroughly. A good tip is not to use carpeting in bathrooms that have a lot of moisture.
- Ensure that your home has sufficient ventilation. Always use bathroom fans to ensure proper venting to exterior in the bathrooms and kitchen areas. Make sure your clothes dry vents to the exterior of the home.