According to mold expert Bill Jones of Rainbow International located in Beverly, MA, spring presents the ideal conditions for mold to grow. As snow and ice melts and leaking occurs, homeowners will need to address interior damage. Jones suggests a 3 step process: Tear out, Dry and Replace. He suggests removing wet drywall and insulation so the plywood and sheathing can dry properly before reinstalling them.
Mold can pollute your home and cause serious health risks when its spores are breathed in regularly. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine linked indoor mold exposure to respiratory symptoms in children. People with asthma are more vulnerable to mold’s effects. Studies also suggest that damp living conditions may increase the risk of developing asthma. Mold thrives in moist environments and spreads when spores land on wet surfaces. It can begin growing just 24 hours after an area becomes wet. Always check your home for mold after plumbing leaks, roof damage, or flooding. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are especially prone to mold due to constant moisture.
Here are a few ways to spots signs of mold in your home:
- Major Visual Sign: If you can SEE mold growth, no matter how small, you should take immediate action.
- Small Amounts: It may look like soot or dirt in corners of your windowpanes, bathtubs or showers. These small amounts may indicate a larger, hidden mold problem. If you see these you should:
- Do The Smell Test:
- Damp
- Bowed
- Bulging
- Warped
- Or have paint or wallpaper peeling or bubbling
- Do The Smell Test:
Allergic Reactions
Mold is an allergen that can cause a range of allergic reactions. If you experience coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms while at home that improve when you’re away, mold could be the cause of your allergic reaction.
It is imperative that you fix any water damage for good and control the moisture in your home to avoid mold infestations. Coastal Windows & Exteriors and Rainbow International care about your family’s health. So if you think you have mold in your home, call us today for a FREE roof inspection and estimate to find out what caused the leaks and then Bill Jones from Rainbow International can evaluate your home for mold, remove it and repair any possible water damage causing mold growth. Call us today to make your home safe this Spring at 978-304-0495.
