Mold Growing In Your Home or Business?

Molds is an inherent element of the natural environment. In the outdoors, mold plays an important role in nature by serving to break down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, on the other hand, on the indoors, mold posed a dangerous threat to our health and so it growth should be avoided and immediately removed (remediated). 

The process by which molds reproduces is by means of tiny spores. These spores are not invisible to the naked eye and they float through around both outdoor and indoor. When mold spores land on surfaces that are wet, this is the ideal conditions for mold to begin growing indoors. In addition to being a health hazard, mold can be very destructive and can rot wood, damage drywall, and eventually cause structural damage to buildings.

Whenever there exists excess moisture for a prolonged time, either in the structure, contents or the air, mold is the inevitable result. Mold spores are present all around us and just need the right conditions to thrive. The three conditions are, Moisture, Temperature and Food. If you remove one of these conditions, mold cannot grow.

What’s the best way to prevent mold? Let’s take a look at controlling temperature. Most molds prefer warmer temperatures, so keeping your environment cooler is going to help retard mold growth. However, there are some mold species that can grow in very cold temperatures, so this is not a total solution.

Next, we can explore cutting off mold’s food supply. One of the main food supplies for mold is paper and most buildings are constructed with drywall which is covered with paper with gypsum in the middle. The mold usually starts on the back side for the drywall which is not painted. Drywall also holds a lot of moisture, so it accounts for two of the conditions responsible for mold. If we get rid of the drywall, we can deprive mold of its most plentiful food supply in a building.

This, unfortunately, is not practical as drywall is the best inside construction material. Also, mold can use wood and fabrics and even dust as a food source.
Lastly, we need to look at the moisture. If we just control the moisture in the structure, contents and the air, mold will not be able to grow. If active mold already exists, drying the materials and air will make the mold go dormant and stop from spreading.

When should you have an inspector do mold testing in your home?

Whenever you smell a moldy odor, mold testing should be done
… CALL THE EXPERTS AT EMERGENCY LOCAL RESTORATION PROS MOLD REMOVAL SERVICES

• Mold Testing should be done if unusual stains appear on furniture or building material.
• Mold Testing should be done if you suspect mold but do not see any visible mold growth
• Mold Testing should be done after any flooding or water damage event.
• Mold Testing should be done whenever you find a leak that has been present for more than 24 hours.
• Mold Testing should be done if residents of your home experience a long-term medical condition without a known cause.