Mildew, which is also commonly known as ‘mold’ is one of the most prevalent occurrences in many buildings – both commercial and residential. There are a few causes of this, and there are just as many solutions. Below we look at these and give you some guidance on how to mitigate the issue so it does not re-occur.
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Reasons for Mold in Buildings
There can be several different reasons why this problem can occur, no matter how careful you have been. Some of the most common ways mold can creep into properties include:
- Change of seasons from summer to winter and rainy weather
- Leaking of plumbing in roofs and internal walls and floor surfaces
- Bad insulation
- Not enough ventilation which causes persistent humidity in the atmosphere
- Condensation build-up in homes and buildings
- Damp clothing
- An air-conditioning system that has external or internal leaking
- A weak foundation caused by internal dampness
- Flooding and water damage
Seeing as mildew can occur on almost all surfaces, it is no wonder this is something that is not easily mitigated by you but will need the help of professional expertise who has the right tools and resources to make sure it is not only dealt with on the surface but within the underlying problem.
Where Can Mold Occur
To give you a brief idea of the regions it can grow, here are just a few examples.
When your roof leaks or there is a plumbing issue, the water that gets trapped inside the walls attracts very quickly. It could also happen underneath carpets and flooring as it can seep through concrete foundations and wooden beams. Anything from large carpets to rugs can be a home for mold. The indication for this is random patches of dampness, that you should be looking for.
According to the information provided on the CDC’s website, another common area this can happen is in and around your door and window frames. In damp seasons such as winter, moisture is ever-present, and surfaces that are left wet can be affected by this fungus. This can further exacerbate the problem by causing the frames, especially when wooden, to weaken and break or crack, rendering the structure hazardous.
Mold can also grow on smaller items such as books, cardboard boxes, tiles, most wooden items, newspapers, piles of paper, clothes, shoes, and more. The way to besides wet or damp patches is through the musky smell that starts to build up.
It can also happen directly on wallpaper or behind it and most types of fabrics lying around in the building including the upholstery of curtains and sofa sets.
Mold / Mildew – A Brief Definition
As part of the common family of fungi, this is a minute organism that can be found in many places. They come in various colors from purple to black, green, white, and orange. It is not all bad, because if it occurs outdoors in nature, it can aid trees and plants or dead leaves on the ground to provide moisture into the soil, for growth.
However, if present in the air, it has the inverse effect. The spores can be inhaled very quickly and easily causing a few health problems that may or may not be reversed, as mentioned in the following paragraphs.
Common Types of Indoor Molds and a DIY Solution
There may not be an exact reason as to the underlying cause of why this fungus grows in damp conditions or why certain conditions exacerbate it, but the common ones that can be found include, mainly three types.
- Aspergillus
- Penicillium
- Cladosporium
In the event this happens to you, there are some DIY solutions that you can try and implement in the home or office building. Small areas can be cleaned using bleach mixed with water. Most chemicals containing ammonia can also help, however, utmost precaution must be taken to ensure you do not touch it with bare hands or breathe the fumes in.
If it is in a much larger area or various parts of the property, the best solution is to call the experts. There are plenty of mold removal companies, however, finding the best one is key to ensuring a good job is done and it does not reoccur. One of these services includes the Union Restoration company that can help residents in Miami, Florida and their website https://unionrestoration.com/mold-removal-miami-fl/ can tell you more about what they offer and an explanation of how they would go about doing this for you.
Everything from sanitizing to disinfecting is usually done by these types of companies and you are free to inquire about things you are unsure of, upon the initial consultation call or visit.
Is Mold Dangerous?
Many home or property owners are unaware of the hazardous effects this mildew can have on them and those who are exposed to it. So, is it dangerous? The simple answer is yes. How dangerous is it? If you already suffer from allergies or respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis, this can make it worse for you.
To give you a brief idea, this WebMD article explaining who is at risk of mold exposure, states that the majority of people from infants up to children and elderly people, and those who have a compromised immune system i.e. who have underlying health conditions such as liver disease, lung disease, HIV, allergies, and cancer should not be exposed or live in an environment with this problem.
As you can see by the above information, this is something that needs to be dealt with immediately and the sooner you do this, the better it is not just for the building’s integrity but also for your and your family’s health. Because it can spread quicker than you can say ‘tomorrow’, the minute you find any traces of it, call a professional on-site and make sure they help to get rid of it.
You may try and do some DIY tactics yourself but the difference is, that the bleach you use may not be as potent or effective as the industry-standard sanitizers and chemicals that the companies use.
