While mold plays a vital role in nature by breaking down organic materials, it has no place in homes and businesses. Exposure to most mold species causes adverse health reactions, including severe allergy and asthma symptoms, with the fungal strains also contributing to structural degradation. Keep mold out of your home or business with these “audit” steps that prevent fungal strains from thriving. And remember, if you suspect or see a large infestation, schedule mold testing with an Orange County inspector immediately.
Inspect For Leaks
Look under every sink in your home for leaks that allow mold to flourish. Also check around all toilets for leaks and ensure other water-using appliances such as your washing machine and dishwasher are leak-free. Look for other signs of leaks, including yellowish-brown stains on walls and ceilings, rust, and warped floorboards. Any area of your home that has sustained water damage from leaks or other issues, such as flooding, provides an environment for mold to grow.
Check the Humidity Level
Avoid microorganism growth in your home by maintaining the humidity level. Residences typically do best with humidity levels between 30% and 50% to avoid creating environments ideal for mold. Look for signs of excessive humidity such as condensation on interior window panes, mold and mildew in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, and wet stains on ceilings and walls. Invest in dehumidifiers to dry the air, and consider a whole-house system depending on your location. Mold inspection experts in Orange County often recommend whole-house systems due to Southern California humidity.
Test Your Sump Pump
Pour water into your sump pump pit to make certain it’s working. If it doesn’t activate, get the pump repaired or replaced by your local plumber. Sump pumps provide mold prevention by pumping water out of flooding basements and directing it away from homes. Keep your sump pump on a backup generator in case of a storm-related power outage to prevent basement water damage. It takes mold about 48 hours to appear in the right conditions.
Inspect & Potentially Replace Ventilation Systems
Check the ventilation systems in your home. If they no longer function properly and therefore do not remove warm, moist air from your residence, get them replaced. You need a working ventilation system in your bathroom, kitchen, and attic to sidestep mold growth.
Contact the Long Beach mold removal experts at Mold Masters to eradicate any infestation over 10 square feet.