What is Mold?
Mold is not necessarily our enemy. It is nature’s mechanism that breaks down organic material so it can be used and absorbed elsewhere. Many molds are useful to us, such as those used to process certain cheeses, develop antibiotics, and more.
Mold is a general fungus found inside and outside, almost everywhere, throughout the year. An ideal condition for a mold to breed and colonize is warm, damp environments and multiplies as microscopic spores.
It travels through the air, connecting to surfaces like drywall, flooring, and other materials in a home. Once it establishes itself, mold in a house can proliferate quickly in high-humidity surroundings like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if you see or smell mold, there is a potential health risk and you should hire a professional mold detection company, like Jenkins Environmental for mold removal in Phoenix, AZ.
WHEN DOES IT BECOME A PROBLEM?
The problem arises when we find excessive mold growth in our indoor environments as a result of water infiltration. While molds are found in cheeses and antibiotics, they are also found in the air and can enter your home through open windows, as well as AC and heating systems. They can even be brought in on clothing and pets. Once mold spores have found an optimum environment with moisture to feed them, they can spread through your home or any structure in as little as 48-72 hours, causing structural damage and health risks to those who inhabit or visit the affected space.
What Causes Mold?
When tiny mold spores travel aero-dynamically and settle under the ideal conditions, mold or mildew can proliferate quickly, often going undiscovered, and become a nuisance inside your home. Mold can grow invariably almost anywhere when moisture is present for a prolonged period of time.
YOU CAN CONTROL MOLD GROWTH IN A HOUSE BY:
- Inhibiting humidity levels
- Sealing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
- Sanitizing, cleaning, and drying after water flooding
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas
WHERE DOES MOLD GROW?
Mold can snowball on most porous surfaces where there is damp and stagnant air. While it needs temperatures above 60 degrees, it can also grow in cold temperatures, which is why it can be found in the vicinity of the refrigerator.
Most often, however, it is found in the following places:
- Wallpaper and drywall
- Ductwork and ceiling tiles
- Carpet, drapes, and furniture
- VAttics, basements, and crawlspaces
- Books and magazines (anything made of paper or organic material)
The effects of mold not only include the potential for structural damage to your home. If you are in the market to sell, undetected mold can exponentially lower the worth of your home.
So be proactive and reach us for mold removal in Phoenix, AZ, and get your problem resolved at the earliest.
