Many homeowners deal with the issues of mold throughout their journey of homeownership. Several factors can cause the formation of mold in your home. Anything from accidental flooding to high levels of moisture retained in your building materials can drive mold growth. One grey area many homeowners are unsure of is that of water damage.
To keep it simple and straight to the point, yes, water leaks can cause mold. People think you need major water leaks to experience mold growth; this is a misconception, according to an experienced water leak detector in Mississippi, Detect A Leak. The slightest water leak inside your home can lead to mold, so it’s important to inspect your home for water leaks consistently.
Aside from water leaks being the catalyst for mold growth in many situations, there are several other elements you need to consider. To find out more about how you can prevent mold in your home as a result of water leaks, continue reading.
Understanding the mold problem affecting your home
Mold itself is a fungus that exists in separate families. The type of mold you see growing in your home will depend on the primary factor that caused it. Black mold is often caused by water leaks due to due to materials like drywall and carpeting being affected. There are a lot of different kinds of mold that exist, twelve to be exact.
Check out all 12 mold strains below as per Wide Open Country:
· Alternaria
· Aspergillus
· Acremonium
· Chaetomium
· Aureobasidium
· Fusarium
· Cladosporium
· Penicillium
· Mucor
· Ulocladium
· Trichoderma
Each of these molds poses a different health risk depending on your overall condition and any pre-existing medical issues you have. Some of these molds are just outright toxic, like black mold, the toxic form of mold found in homes often.
It doesn’t take long for mold to begin growing. Once water comes in contact with your building materials, mold can start growing in 24 to 48 hours. (Read more about the progression of mold growth Here) Mold only needs a little water and moisture to grow, so the smallest puddle from a water leak can begin the process of mold formation.
Moisture is also another vast catalyst for mold growth. Mold doesn’t always grow in visible places. You could very well have hidden mold in your home. To find hidden mold, you should contact a professional mold remediation company to assist.
Fibers and materials with high cellulose percentages in their composition are magnets for mold. So, mold can grow on various surfaces, which is why you should always be checking to see if any of the surfaces your family comes in contact with daily have mold.
Protecting your home from mold
When a water leak impacts your home, it’s essential to remove as much moisture as soon as possible. This helps reduce the rate of mold growth before it becomes too severe. To solve the issue of mold growth once it already happened, contact the professionals.
If you’re someone trying to avoid the issue of mold, to begin with, there are several things you can do. One of the first things you can do is try to keep your home as dry as possible. Humidity and moisture in the atmosphere increase your risk of mold exposure. Another effective way to stop mold from overtaking your home is by getting routine plumbing inspections. Doing so will allow you to stay on top of your internal water system’s condition to prevent water leaks.
Exposure to mold can cause a wide range of symptoms, including itchy eyes, asthmatic reactions, sore throat, and more. Read more about the symptoms of mold exposure Here.
To avoid mold growth as a result of water leaks, get your home’s plumbing system inspected regularly. Leaky faucets, rotting pipes, and more can cause excess water to leak into your home. By getting a routine check-up of your plumbing system, you can safeguard your family’s health and safety.
Conclusion
Mold is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately once recognized. Using all the tips and information in this article, you can handle mold growth like a pro in no time.