Solving Mold Problems – Steps for Mold Prevention
Does the very idea of mold creeping into your home/business make you sick? While the thought alone probably can’t do it, the mold itself actually can. Besides being smelly, unsightly and damaging to your property, mold exposes you to potentially serious health hazards. The longer the mold is around, the greater the risks, especially from breathing the spores. According to the LSU Ag Center, “all indoor mold growth is potentially harmful and should be removed promptly, no matter what type of mold is present.” So if you suspect that you have a mold problem, the time to act is NOW!
But how do I know if mold is lurking in my home?
Simply put, if it stinks like mold and looks like mold, it probably is. But knowing for sure whether you have a mold problem really isn’t quite that simple. Here are some signs to look for:
- That aforementioned moldy smell. In many cases, this will be the ONLY sign that mold has moved in with you, so don’t ignore it just because you don’t SEE signs of mold.
- Clusters of small black/gray/brown/green/white spots on walls, ceiling, windows, floors baseboards, orange/pink/purple spots on wallpaper; or white thread-like patterns in any of those areas. Remember that even the smallest mold patch can lead to a bigger one, or, worse, there could already be a larger mold colony hiding in the background!
- A past or ongoing moisture problem like flooding, leaks, or high humidity/condensation levels. Mold loves moisture, so even if you don’t smell or see mold, any building with moisture problems is at particularly high mold risk.
- Sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, cough, itchy/watery eyes that suddenly get better whenever you leave the house/building.
Uh-oh. I think I have a mold problem. What should I do?
The EPA says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can try tackling it yourself — as long as you don’t mind donning an N-95 respirator, mid-forearm gloves and unvented goggles. Plan on doing lots of scrubbing, and make sure that you thoroughly research what types of cleansers, chemicals and/or biocides are appropriate for your situation.
But what if I suspect there’s lots more where that came from?
If your mold problem appears any bigger, or if you think you may have a hidden mold problem, the EPA recommends that you hire a mold remediation professional. They also caution that even dead mold can cause allergic reactions. Remember that the mold has to be not only killed, but removed!
How can Sunlight Contractors help? Mold Prevention
Our mold remediation experts will not only address your existing mold problems, they can help you prevent future mold problems with solutions like mold-proof, fireproof, soundproof spray-on insulation. If you think you may have a mold problem, call Sunlight Contractors. Our professionals know just what to do to help protect your home or business — and your health!
Locations:
Main Office: Sunlight Contractors, LLC 2323 Bainbridge St #110, Kenner, LA 70062 (504) 222-2082
New Orleans location: Sunlight Contractors, LLC 650 Poydras St, Suite 1400, Rm 33, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 302-0058
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