Top 5 Places Mold is Found in the Home
Ever wonder if you have mold in your home? Mold may have started creeping in without your knowledge. It can sometimes grow slowly and discolor building materials at a rate not noticed. Mold also gives off a distinct odor classified as a musty smell. This smell is a great indicator of not only mold but perhaps a moisture problem, especially in a basement or crawls space.
Although the basement and crawl space did not make it on our top 5 mold list, they should be checked at least every six months for high humidity and moisture intrusion. The first line of defense is prevention for mold issues.
Be Aware of All Types of House Mold
Everyone is terrified of black mold, stachybotrys, but a continuous exposure to medium and high levels of other molds like penicillium, aspergillus and cladosporium may also have an affect on your home and health. Remember, mold destroys what it feeds on so keep an eye on these top five mold areas as well as dark rooms, humid areas like a utility closet and spaces not inhabited often in your home.
Top 5 Places to Find Mold In a House
5.) Laundry Room Mold
Due to the water and humidity associated with laundry rooms, mold is able to grow frequently. Mold creeps in behind the washing machine and the dryer because it is typically dark and full of lint.
Small water leaks can be trapped under the washing machine and dryer so make sure any spills or overflows are addressed immediately. Another solution is to install a dehumidifier to help dry hard to reach areas while keeping the humidity controlled.
If you discover mold in any room of your home and you are located in the Knoxville, TN area please contact us for assistance.
4.) Window Mold
When checking for mold around the window, it’s a good idea to check around the frame but also the baseboard are and wall under the window. Water can travel and pool on the floor if there is a significant leak from the roof or window flashing.
Rain and other condensation can build up inside the window frame and go unnoticed as well. This is indicated with a slight discoloration that turns darker as time goes on from mold growth. Homes with heavy dark drapes should checked behind the drapes periodically to ensure water damage and mold have not occurred.
Water intrusion around the window is typically caused from lack of maintenance. Keeping windows caulked with with a good silicone or urethane product is a great way to seal the windows from the outside. Poor flashing installation and wind damage are other causes of leaking windows. Make sure you check your windows and doors after severe thunder or wind storms.
The sills are also vulnerable to mold growth, even more so in the winter due to condensation from extreme cold outside temperature meeting warm inside temperature according to an article by Green Building Elements. Click here to read the article.
3.) Carpet Mold
Make sure you clean spills and pet urine from carpets immediately. Carpets and rugs can trap moisture and dust mites while lowering the air quality in your home. It is also worth noting that carpet cleaning methods that use large amounts of water and cleaners may create mold when they are not dried quickly.
