September is recognized as National Mold Awareness month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Mold can be polluting your home, having a negative impact on health and comfort. According to the CDC, mold is all around us and can enter your home through any gap exposed to the outdoors, like windows, vents, doorways, and HVAC systems. Mold can also attach itself to clothing and pets, and be carried inside. Within a home, damp areas such as pipes, walls, roofing, and plants can encourage the growth of mold spores.
How Do I Know if Mold Is Growing in My Home?
Dark spots on surfaces are a dead giveaway when it comes to mold. The spores will look like a cluster of dark green spreading out on a wall or floor. If you notice these spots, you must reach out to a professional immediately to halt the growth. Usually, when mold becomes visible, it’s a good bet there is a lot more beneath the surface.
Are you feeling under the weather? Mold can adversely affect your health. If you have had a cold for longer than the average time and can’t pinpoint your symptoms, the cause might be mold. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to eliminate any underlying issues. Kelly Hayes-Raitt, author and professional house sitter, suggests that you leave your home for a few days and see if your symptoms subside; if they reappear when you return, you should have your home checked for possible mold growth.
Lingering bad smells can be a sign of mold growth. If you notice a damp or unusual smell, get your home inspected as soon as possible.
Tips for Mold Prevention
Due to mold’s sneaky ability to be anywhere or on anyone at any time, it may seem impossible to stop mold from entering and growing in your home. There are precautions you can take to limit the risk:
Control humidity. Use a dehumidifier to extract excess water from the air in your home to help improve indoor air quality and prevent mold growth.
Check for leaks. If you suspect leaks in your roof, basement, or in your plumbing, it is crucial you attend to this right away to prevent moisture from soaking into walls and ceilings. Water resting against wood or insulation can cause bacteria and mold to grow.
Take action after a flood. Act immediately if your home floods. Carpets that can’t be dried quickly must not sit and stew. According to FEMA, mold spores and colonies can spawn within 28 to 48 hours on a damp surface. Reach out to a contractor to prevent further damage to your home.
Use mold prevention products. Mold-preventing insulation products such as our MemBrain™ Continuous Air Barrier & Smart Vapor Retarder will help protect your home by creating a continuous air barrier in wall cavities, enabling any moisture in a cavity to escape.
Learn more about the variety of products we provide that are designed to deter mold growth: https://www.certainteed.com/building-insulation/mold-resistant-insulation/
If you have any questions, we’re always available to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
