When fall sets in, the days get shorter and the number of significant storms with a lot of rain increases. So much, in fact, that this year, NOAA ramped up its prediction for major storms from 13-20 to 15-21.
With this wild weather, you are sure to be closing up open-air spaces and experiencing more precipitation. If you are, you might also start noticing a little bit of a funk in the air or some spotting on walls and ceilings.
These could be the signs that you need mold remediation services. Furthermore, the best time to get an inspection is before the problem spreads.
Some types of mold are a significant contributor to respiratory illnesses and improve your chances of cardiovascular problems. So, if you suspect you have a mold problem, you should deal with it right away.
In the following article, we’ll look at how water damage and patchy stained spots could be the precursor to a mold issue and what to look out for.
That Dank Smell
Mold loves the dark and needs water to thrive and stay put. So while mold can take root almost anywhere, that dank odor under carpets associated with mold is almost always first detected in a basement.
As you know, water flows downward, so the basement is a good spot for likely mold because it is also devoid of sunlight (in most cases).
On top of this, many finished basement floors are not sealed correctly. Concrete is a porous material, so before you lay lament or carpet, you need to place a vapor barrier between your flooring and the concrete. That way, water vapor and condensation won’t seep through the walls or up through the floor and create mold.
You should think hard about installing carpet in basements, in general. Plenty of concrete treatments and artificial substitutes will prove resilient to mold and still look great in your finished space.
Water Leaks
Without detection, leaks from the bathroom faucet, toilet, and kitchen sink can go on for days, weeks, and months. If you discover a leak in one of these spots, inspect the wood around the leak. If it is hard and the water has pooled on top of it, you should be OK.
However, if the wood is soft, warped, or disclosed, this could be a sign of a longtime leak. This means that that water has set up shop below your vanity or floorboards, and that could mean unseen mold.
Another way to detect leaks from these areas or a leaky roof is to spotting on your ceilings and walls. Unfortunately, unless you cut the sheetrock away, it’s hard to determine the extent of the water damage.
However, a professional can often use a small scope to look inside your walls to see if you need mold remediation services.
Ventilation Issues
If you live in a humid area (or even if you don’t) and haven’t had someone check out your HVAC system in recent memory, you should do so without delay.
First, have a professional check your system for air duct condensation. If this exists, then mold could have already taken hold. Your system is devoid of sunlight, so this makes a perfect condition for mold growth.
Also, getting your HVAC serviced reduces the likelihood of spreading the mold spores throughout your house. Make sure your filters are clean and that you have no debris or obstructions within the system for maximum efficiency.
Call the Experts on Mold Remediation Services
The best way to determine if you need mold remediation services is to call a certified professional. Even if you think you have a water-damaged area under control, the last thing you want is to find out you’re mistaken and have mold spread throughout your home.
If you suspect you have mold and want an expert opinion, contact us today to talk to one of our licensed professionals for an expert opinion.