Mold growth in homes is a common occurrence that follows freezing temperatures, snow accumulation, and fluctuating humidity. The winter conditions in the Atlantic create the perfect breeding ground for mold growth, and many homeowners may struggle with this during the spring months.
Early detection is essential for effective mold remediation. Homeowners should check for mold growth before it spreads and becomes a costly problem, but many instances of mold growth take place in hard-to-see areas of a home. Because of this, professional water damage services may be necessary to completely solve mold-related problems.
Mold can quickly become a costly, dangerous problem for homeowners. ServiceMaster by Rice provides quality mold remediation services that address the root of the problem. Our local technicians detect mold in hard-to-see areas and quickly contain the issue, ensuring mold is removed without contaminating other rooms in the home.
How Mold Infiltrates Homes During Winter
Poor ventilation can lead to humidity issues and subsequent mold growth. Lack of airflow in attics, basements, and crawlspaces leads to trapped moisture and high humidity levels, which is a key factor in mold formation. Dehumidifiers can help lower humidity levels and remove moisture that promotes mold growth.
Hidden leaks can wreak havoc on the interior of a residence. Pipes that crack or burst in freezing temperatures may leak unnoticed, allowing mold to thrive. Household appliances prone to malfunctions may also lead to water damage; dishwashers, washing machines, and plumbing fixtures can silently leak water onto your cabinets, floors, and other building materials.
Key Areas to Inspect for Mold Growth in Spring
Mold growth in the attic can cause severe contamination within your HVAC systems. Check your attic for damp insulation, water stains on wood, and musty odors. If there are mildewy odors near your air vents, your ventilation system may be in need of a professional restoration.
Basements and crawlspaces are dark and damp areas of a home. These factors create an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Check your basements and crawlspaces for standing water and mold on foundation walls. Use moisture detectors to measure humidity levels and consider purchasing dehumidifiers to control the moisture and humidity levels.
Common Types of Mold in Atlantic, IA Homes
Cladosporium: Cladosporium is a common type of mold that can appear on wood and fabrics. Though it is typically not highly toxic, it can trigger allergy-like symptoms such as skin or eye irritation, coughing, and sneezing. In rare cases, Cladosporium can infect the pulmonary system and cause serious health complications.
Aspergillus: Aspergillus is another mold that causes respiratory irritation. Aspergillus is common indoors, but it can appear virtually anywhere, including soil and food waste. Individuals with chronic lung diseases or weakened immune systems should avoid exposure to Aspergillus, as it can have life-threatening impacts.
Stachybotrys (Black Mold): Stachybotrys thrives in persistently damp conditions and can produce harmful mycotoxins. Exposure to black mold can cause allergy-like symptoms, but long-term exposure to black mold can cause chronic illness, memory loss, and fatigue.
How to Safely Identify and Assess Mold in Your Home
To identify mold in our home, begin by looking for visible signs of growth. Dark spots on walls, ceilings, and around vents are an indication that mold is present in your home. Another symptom of mold growth is a musty or earthy odor permeating throughout your residence. If you suspect the mold to be toxic, hire an expert immediately. Professional mold testing is the best way to check for mold in hard-to-see areas of your home and quickly remove harmful contaminants.
Steps to Remove and Prevent Mold Growth
If mold growth has only affected a small area of your home, DIY cleaning methods may be enough to properly remove the contaminant. Minor cases of mold growth may be treated using a mixture of white vinegar or baking soda and water to scrub affected surfaces. During DIY mold cleanup, wear protective gear and ensure proper ventilation while cleaning.
Widespread mold growth should always be left to a professional. If mold has affected a large surface area or a portion of your HVAC systems, call a professional mold remediation company immediately. Mold in HVAC systems can quickly cause respiratory issues for residents, and long-term exposure may lead to serious health complications.
To prevent mold growth from occurring in your home, keep indoor humidity levels low. Humidity levels should generally be below 50%, and dehumidifiers can help remove humidity and moisture from your interior. Invest in upgraded home insulation and ensure proper attic and crawl space ventilation to prevent mold from growing in hard-to-reach areas.
What to Do When You Find a Mold Infestation
Homeowners should typically leave mold removal and remediation to the professionals. If you find a mold infestation in your home, avoid disturbing the mold growth to prevent airborne spores from spreading throughout the space. Begin isolating the affected area to prevent further spread and contact a mold remediation company for mold growth over 10 square feet. Document the damage if you plan on filing an insurance claim for repairs.
How ServiceMaster by Rice – Atlantic, IA Can Help
ServiceMaster by Rice – Atlantic, IA provides comprehensive mold removal services and safe, effective solutions for water damage. As a trusted mold remediation provider in Atlantic, IA, we understand the region’s climate and how it affects residential mold growth. Our technicians use advanced techniques to remove mold safely and prevent future growth, and our 24/7 emergency services provide homeowners with immediate attention that handles mold outbreaks quickly.
