The Troublesome Properties of Mold | SERVPRO of Kent

12/22/2023 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can feel overwhelming. SERVPRO of Kent is here for the rescue! Give us a call today.

There are many different threats that could impact our homes on a daily basis. Fires, floods and strong storms can leave you with serious damage in a short amount of time. One threat that is not often talked about but can have a significant impact on your home is mold.

Mold infestations can be dangerous in your home, so learning how they form and spread can help you take steps to reduce your risk of an infestation every day.

Getting to Know Mold

Did you know that mold is everywhere? Microscopic mold spores are constantly floating through the air both inside and outside your home. These spores can easily get inside our homes through open windows or doors or even through your HVAC system. While mold spores are everywhere, that doesn’t mean mold infestations will grow everywhere.

Mold grows best in damp, dark environments, so places like attics, basements and bathrooms can easily become the perfect breeding grounds for infestations. Once a few mold spores settle into one of these areas, they can spark the growth of an entire colony in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold can be green and slimy, white and chalky or black and fuzzy-looking. No matter how it appears, it often shares the same musty or earthy odor.

Preventing Mold Infestations

Since moisture is the key factor to mold infestations, controlling the amount of moisture in your home and air is crucial. Run fans continually in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and try to completely dry these areas out at least once a day.

You should also make sure your home’s humidity levels are controlled. Aim for between 30 and 50% humidity for optimal comfort and a reduced risk of a mold infestation. 

Another important step in mold prevention is to address water leaks quickly. Lingering moisture anywhere in your home can lead to mold issues, so track down leaks right away and address repairs just as fast. If moisture lingers for even just a day, you could wind up with a stubborn mold infestation on your hands.

Overcoming Mold Infestations

Even if you do everything right in preventing mold, an infestation can still take you by surprise. If you uncover a mold colony when digging around your attic looking for decoration boxes or stumble upon one in your basement while tracking down a water leak, do your best to not disturb the mold. Certain types of mold can be dangerous or toxic if inhaled, so back away and call us instead.

Our team will confidently identify the type of mold, which will then tell us how to approach the restoration. We have the proper safety gear and training to handle any type of mold situation.

We will filter the air, secure the area and give the entire space a deep-cleaning. We can also tackle structural repairs at this time! Depending on how long the mold was left to sit and grow, you could be dealing with some serious structural integrity problems with your beams, joists and floors. Our team will ensure your home is safe and structurally sound in no time at all. 

Mold can grow quickly and without much warning. Contact SERVPRO of Kent for a quick mold mitigation.