There are over 350,000 house fires per year in the United States, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association. Fortunately, many of them are small and the homes survive — but that doesn’t mean there are no damages.
Bad odors, like smoke and mildew, can sometimes resurface weeks or months after a fire — especially if homeowners attempt restoration and cleanup without professional assistance. Learn more about what causes these problems and how to deal with them.
Mold is common, but that doesn’t mean you want it inside your home. Not only can it make your home look dirty, but it also smells and causes possible health complications. If you’ve noticed mold in areas of your home, or you suspect you may have mold because of strange odors or obvious moisture problems, check out these five frequently asked questions to learn more about mold inside your home.
Mold may start to grow if your home has high levels of moisture. To really thrive, however, mold also need darkness, food (commonly drywall), heath, and oxygen. One common cause of mold may be too much humidity in the house. This is more common if you live in a humid environment, and your HVAC system doesn’t have a dehumidifier. It is also common in bathrooms with limited or no ventilation.
Regular water can also cause mold. The water may be from a leaking faucet, spilled water, condensation during cooking, roof leaks and flooding.
There are many different types of mold, and not all of them look alike. For the most part, however, mold may begin as small specks of black, brown, pink, or green. If left untreated, the mold can quickly grow into large black patches.
Mold also usually looks fuzzy or slimy, as opposed to mildew, which looks more powdery. Mold has a distinct odor that smells like dampness (as if something wet has been lying around for a while).
Depending on your overall health and the type of mold, mold can make sick. Allergenic molds are the least hazardous, and they probably won’t affect you unless you already have allergies. Pathogenic mold is also not particularly dangerous. However, if you already have a compromised immune system, you may develop an acute illness.
Toxigenic mold, which includes the notorious black mold, can make anyone sick, regardless of your health. These molds produce toxins, which can lead to unpleasant complications that lead to cold-like symptoms or even death.
The best way to prevent mold is to make sure you don’t have extra moisture in your house. If you have broken pipes that cause moisture, get them fixed. If you have too much condensation or humidity, get some ventilation to help pull some moisture outside. Installing a dehumidifier can also help.
If the problem is due to flooding, you may need to seal your crawlspace. If the flooding is from poor yard drainage, change your landscaping to better control water flow or install a sump pump.
You may be able to safely remove some allergenic or pathogenic strains of mold yourself, but unless you know exactly what type of mold with which you are dealing, you may be trying to clean toxic black mold. If you are sure the mold isn’t toxic, you can remove it with a mold killing cleaner or a bleach and water solution.
If mold has already reached the drywall or carpets, you may need to have it replaced. Even if you clean the carpet as best you can, some spores may still survive, allowing them to spread without your knowledge. This is best done by a professional who can spot the mold quickly.
If you have mold in your home, don’t try to remove it yourself. If it is toxic mold, you can actually spread the spores, causing more mold and illness. If you would like to know more about mold, mold prevention and mold treatment, contact us today at Apex.
For many people, living in San Diego County is a dream come true. This beautiful and historic area has pleasant temperatures, gorgeous ocean vistas, and a rich culture of its own. But, as with anywhere, it also comes with its fair share of dangers for homeowners.
In the San Diego region, property owners have always dealt with the dangers of living in an area known for earthquakes. But they now face newer threats like wildfires and coastal flooding due to climate changes. The challenges you face and the recovery process from each type of disaster is as unique as the disaster itself. Read More
There are many hazards that can destroy your home, but one of the more common is flooding. Flooding can happen regardless of where you live because there are so many causes, and once the damage is done, you’ll need professional repairs to prevent mold and disease.
If you are worried about your home flooding, check out these most common reasons your home may flood, so you can avoid them.
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