Outdoor-fresh or moldy — how’s the atmosphere in your home?
Household mold problems can be prevented - if you know how to find it, fix it and prevent it
Your home may be functioning as a giant petri dish, harboring a virtual Pandora’s box of potentially harmful molds.
- These microscopic organisms can grow anywhere there is moisture, dirt and heat and can live undetected in the remote areas of the house in crawl spaces, walls, attics and heating vents.
- Or they can prosper in easily accessible but often ignored recesses like cabinets under kitchen or bathroom sinks and in small spaces surrounding washing machines or hot water heaters.
- And, thanks to today’s tightly constructed, energy efficient homes, molds can even exist in open spaces within the house thriving in upholstery, mattresses, draperies, carpet and drywall.
Health risks could be lurking
- Besides creating unsightly stains and musty smells, molds can also pose a variety of health risks to home dwellers.
- Depending on an individual’s age, general health and sensitivity to allergens and the types of mold involved, victims can experience a broad range of problems. In cases involving toxic molds, the elderly, infants or people with compromised immune systems have been known to suffer grave illness or even death. Common symptoms of problems associated with mold include:
- headache
- runny nose
- skin rash
- inusitis
- nausea
- memory loss
- respiratory disease
Where to look for mold problems
If you detect musty smells in the house, thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior for signs of moisture penetration and mold stains. Since moisture retention is the number one culprit for encouraging the growth of molds, identifying the source of the moisture is the first step in curing the problem.
Here are some sources to check for mold
- Improperly drained flowerbeds abutting the foundation or a yard sloped toward the house invite water to enter the basement or crawl space.
- Poorly caulked windows and doors allow moisture to seep into surrounding wood then penetrate insulation and walls.
- Deteriorating shingles or leaky flashing around chimneys and vents let rain infiltrate eaves, the attic and insulation.
- Leaky joints in air-conditioning ductwork encourage moisture penetration and build up mold and mildew throughout the system.
- Poorly vented attics and interior rooms, especially bath, laundry or kitchen, trap moisture-laden air that allows mold to build up in drywall, wall and floor coverings, and interior fabrics.
- Undetected plumbing leaks or seepage from dishwashers, hot water heaters, and washing machines create warm, moist environments that will encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
“In houses built prior to 1980 it’s probable the structure was roofed with cedar shingles which are self-ventilating,” says Alice. “ Mold may be a problem if you’ve changed to plywood decking and composition shingles, which are not self-ventilating. You will need to vent the roof. This is not expensive and can be accomplished with either soffit (under the roof overhang) or rooftop ventilation.”
Mold is preventable
- Annually inspect all of your home’s systems inside and out to detect deterioration, breaks or malfunctions that would allow moisture build-up.
- Seek the advice of a professional if you think your property has drainage problems.
- Make sure exhaust fans and your dryer are vented to the outside, not into your attic.
- Change filters on your air-conditioning system monthly and periodically have the air-conditioning ductwork professionally cleaned and sanitized.
- Since mold feeds on dust and dirt be rigorous in your house cleaning.
- If you’ve had a plumbing leak, backed up sewer, storm damage or any other problem that has caused water penetration make sure that any water soaked material is removed and the surrounding area thoroughly dried.
Alice Dahlgren advises, “If you suspect your house is seriously infected with mold there are companies that specialize in the detection, testing and removal of mold from homes and commercial buildings. They can be found listed in the telephone book under the heading Mold Remediation. Before having any work done be sure to check your homeowner’s policy since insurance companies often have no coverage or limited coverage for damage caused by environmental mold.”
Source: Alice Dahlgren's AtHome Newsletter
