Home Mold Testing

Depending on the type, mold can cause a variety of respiratory problems related to allergies, asthma, etc. The keys to preventing mold growth is to eliminate sources of constant moisture and to remove mold once it begins to grow to keep it from spreading.

 

The best methods for removing moisture will depend on its source:

• Leaks - Both small and large leaks can lead to mold problems. Some of the biggest culprits are roofs and plumbing. If the leak is small, you may be able to fix it yourself, but we recommend calling a professional to assess the extent of the damage. A seemingly small amount of mold on a ceiling tile could indicate a larger leak in the roof. Similarly, a dripping pipe may also be leaking moisture into a wall or under your floorboards.

• Condensation - Beads of water can accumulate almost anywhere there is a temperature change between surfaces. For example, windows, roofs, exposed piping, etc. Generally, the easiest solution is to improve the insulation in the area where you find the problem.

• Humidity - This can be a problem in almost any room of the house if conditions are right, but thankfully this is often an easy problem to solve. Using a dehumidifier or installing ventilation fans are good first steps to removing moisture from the air. If the problem persists, or if these solutions are not possible, it may be necessary to call an expert.

• Saturated Materials - Once moisture works its way into soft or porous materials like carpet or ceiling tiles, it can be difficult to completely dry them before mold develops. Sometimes the best solution is to replace or remove the material entirely. It’s also wise to anticipate where potential moisture buildup could cause this problem and act proactively. For example, carpet in a bathroom is very likely to be regularly saturated, and it might make sense to replace with a hard material.

 

If you find mold has already begun to grow on a hard surface in your home, clean the area with soap and water and dry completely. As mentioned above, softer materials may need to be completely replaced to remove the mold and avoid the spread of more spores.