occur.
Newly-constructed buildings tend to utilize materials which are more
susceptible to mold growth, and they are built in a more airtight manner. In recent months, there has been frequent discussion of mold and the potential dangers that it can create for you and your family. While we must take very seriously anything that threatens our health, mold is a very manageable problem and nothing to be feared.
Mold spores are constantly in the air that we
breathe, both indoors and out. When
they land on moist areas, they begin to grow.
Where excessive moisture remains, mold growth is likely to occur.
Newly-constructed buildings tend to utilize materials which are more
susceptible to mold growth, and they are built in a more airtight manner.
While we cannot rid ourselves of mold spores, we can work to eliminate the moisture which feeds their growth.
Be aware of unusual moisture buildup within your home or business. Mold can begin growing within 24 hours of moisture development. Get immediate repairs for leaky plumbing in order to cut off the source of the water and use fans or dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.
Your property insurance policy may provide coverage for losses due to plumbing leaks, so don’t hesitate to report the matter to the company or your Cameron Mutual agent. Your Cameron Mutual claims professionals will attempt to respond to your loss in a timely fashion. But, you will need to take prompt, aggressive action in order to fight mold growth within your property.
Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Some mold problems will not be covered by most policies. But, you should still take action to stop the growth and eliminate the problem before it adversely affects the health of the building occupants.
Mold creates problems for property owners. But, those problems are usually fairly easy to identify and eliminate. Educate yourself to the problem and act quickly to address any situation which might lead to mold growth.
Call us if you need us. We’ll help if we can. But don’t be overwhelmed by the presence of mold. A quick and appropriate response will safeguard the health of you and those around you.
from moldupdate.com
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold:
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
There are many ways to control moisture in your home:
Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.