By DUSTIN MILLER
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05 Nov, 2019
Every homeowner should always be on the lookout for mold infestations. The fast-growing fungi can be dangerous for your health and that of your household. Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to severe respiratory problems as well as skin issues. Aside from harming our bodies, mold can cause structural damage that can be costly to fix when ignored. Spotting the root of a mold problem and eliminating the fungi early on is crucial to saving your money, health, and home. Read on to understand how mold forms inside your house and what you can do once you see signs of structural damage. How Mold Grows Within Your Walls There are hundreds of different types of mold that grow indoors or outdoors. Without knowing it, we’re exposed to some of its forms every day. While not all of them are dangerous, the varieties that grow in damp and dark places are bad news. This type of fungus feeds on materials such as wood, fabrics, paper, and even glue. To grow, it needs a lot of moisture and darkness. It is for this reason that we don’t often detect mold until it gives off a murky stench—a clear sign that it has spread to another area. Mold Damage to Household Items As previously stated, mold latches onto organic materials—wallpaper, carpet, drywall, ceiling, floorboards, and more. Left unchecked and unresolved, this could create damage that’s beyond the point of repair. It may take time, but severe mold infestation can lead to the collapse of your ceilings and walls. Mold Damage to HVAC Systems A frequently ignored part of a home is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Mold can hide in your vents, pipes, and ducts. Most people rarely clean their HVAC systems, so it’s easy for mold and mildew to settle into these places and thrive in the dark, damp environment. Heat and air are blown through the pipes and vents of an HVAC system. When mold grows inside, it can easily be dispersed throughout the entire house. If you suspect there might be mold in your HVAC system, turn off your heating and air conditioning immediately. Have it professionally checked and cleaned to prevent health problems and further structural damage. How to Repair Mold Damage Getting rid of mold and repairing its damages can be a big job. First, you need to assess how far it has spread and how much has it eaten your home. If caught early, you can clean most wooden surfaces such as wall studs and floorboards. However, some materials cannot be salvaged after being contaminated. Examples of these are things like carpet, wallpaper, mattresses, sofas, and insulation. They must be appropriately disposed of and replaced. When cleaning moldy surfaces, it’s essential to pay attention and be careful. Infestation can spread during this process if mold touches other items or when its spores disperse into the air. Repairing damaged furniture or structures can be labour intensive and tricky. However, it’s crucial to do so in a timely manner. The longer you wait to face your mold problem, the more harm it will do to your health and home. In severe cases where mold has spread through a big portion of your home, it’s wise to call a mold remediation specialist to make sure the job is done correctly and effectively. These professionals will also conduct tests to make sure your home’s air quality is not compromised. If you’re looking for a professional mold removal service in Calgary, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.