Do You Have Mold in Your Home?

Do You Have Mold in Your Home?

If you suspect that you have a mold infestation in your home, it is important to act fast in order to prevent health complications and further growth. Here is a quick Q&A covering a few of the most important issues important to homeowners with a potential mold problem.

What conditions does mold need to grow?

In order for mold to thrive, a few specific conditions are needed. Mold must have access to:

 

  • Nutrients. Because of mold’s resilience, this can be virtually any type of organic matter.
  • Moisture. In order to initiate the decaying process that mold takes advantage of, some form of moisture must be present.
  • Warmth. Mold does not grow nearly as well in cooler conditions as it does in warmer environments.
  • Darkness. Contrary to common belief, mold can grow in light as well as darkness--however, darkness tends to facilitate the other conditions that mold needs to grow, and it also makes mold more difficult to spot.
  • Time. Mold is not going to creep up immediately, even if these conditions are all present. Mold generally needs at least 24 hours in order to begin serious growth, and the longer that mold is given, the more firmly a colony will establish itself.

 

Where does mold tend to grow in the home?

As you probably already know, mold is especially common in basements and attics--and this is due specifically to the abundance of the conditions listed above. Any damp and warm location can be a great home to mold, so be on the lookout for spots that you might not visit frequently enough to notice an infestation in its early stages.

 

What impact can mold have on my health?

Mold can aggravate and trigger a number of existing health conditions. For example, it can cause those with allergic asthma to have a reaction triggering an asthmatic episode. Additionally, mold can sometimes cause health issues as well. Black mold, for example, has a toxicity level high enough to cause respiratory and nervous damage, which makes it a big deal!

 

What should I do if I believe I have mold in my home?

If you believe that your home may be infested with mold, the first step that you should take is to find out for sure. Professional services can handle this task with great precision, however, like many other mold-related services, these tests are a bit pricey. Personal test kits can be purchased rather inexpensively, and though they do not offer the same top-notch level of accuracy, they are adequate for most people’s use.

 

Depending on the severity of the infestation and your willingness to take a hands-on approach, you may be able to get rid of a mold infestation yourself. RMR Solutions can help: The RMR Botanical Cleaner and Odor Treatment will kill mold fast, the RMR 86 Mold Stain Remover will remove the final traces. View our entire line of RMR Solutions products in order to find the tools you need to take your home back!