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Dangers of Moisture and Mold in Homes

Written by Posted On Thursday, 04 May 2017 10:28
Dangers of Moisture and Mold in Homes

Homes have optimal conditions for the growth of mold and mildew. Darkness and dampness are two things that mold and mildew thrive in, which are very common for an unfinished basement. You will know when you have mold when the signs of either formation on woods and in the corners, or you smell the characteristic musty odor it gives off.

Molds produces tiny spores to which reproduces more, and those mold spores pass through the indoor and outdoor air continually.

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen exist. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors. 

The worst part of having mold and mildew in your home are the vast array of health problems it can cause you and your love ones. 

The health risks caused by mold can be seen immediate or they can be delayed; Molds are known to produce allergens, hay fever-type, red eyes, and sneezing, skin rash and runny nose. Allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances, inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions to individual with sensitive reactions. It can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

If you spot black mold (known as ëstachybotrysí, it is vitally important to get it checked out immediately since this is the worst type of mold. The ëstachybotrysí molds are toxigenic, meaning they can product toxins that can be incredibly harmful when the spores are inhaled. You will need to get the mold analyzed by a professional to determine its type and health consequences. A good place to begin search for such professionals is to look on the telephone directory under "Environmental & Ecological Services" or "Air Quality Measuring Service

Keep in mind that water damage and high humidity cause mold to grow within walls. If you find mold, remove it and locate the source of excess water.

You can begin by reducing indoor humidity (up to 60%) to decrease mold growth, the following manners: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.

Often you can remove mold by simply applying a 50 percent solution of laundry bleach and water to the affected area. As you work, be sure to provide plenty of ventilation and wear protective gear: gloves (made of natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC; ordinary household rubber gloves won't stand up to bleach), goggles without ventilation holes, and a good-fitting N-95 respirator available at many hardware stores and home centers.

The reason why 50 percent solution of laundry bleach and water is more effective for mold removal than using full-strength bleach, which is hazardous to breathe and could result in regrowth of bleach-resistant mold strains. If mold growth is extensive, you may have to replace carpet, insulation, and other affected materials. Mold is present in some form in nearly all homes; so don't overreact if you discover some in your basement.

Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

Common Problem

In order to resolve your moisture problem in your home, you must know where it comes from, in order to fix it from its core. There are 3 types of sources from where moisture can come from:

  1. Moisture sources found inside the home, such as dryers, bathrooms, kitchen, and the concrete.
  2. External sources include the air that comes into the basement.
  3. Water from the rain or the ground.

Moisture travels through these four mechanisms:

  1. Air
  2. Capillary Suctions
  3. Diffused Vapor
  4. Water Flow

Rain and water on the ground

 Water will be directed into the home if the ground isn’t leveled properly, and a slope into the base exists.

Missing Gutters

When you do not havegutters and downspouts, the rainwater will go towards the foundation perimeter. It can cause for large amount of rainwater to enter the basement.

Foundation Repair Cracks

Foundation cracks come mostly from movement of settling soil or unstable soil or expansion spoil commonly known as foundation repair.

Inside The Home

Moisture comes into the home from the people living in the home their activities. Some of the common sources from which moisture is cause clothe dryers, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Also keep in mind that in order for a new home to become equilibrium with its environment, it may take years.

Outdoor Air

Warm and humid air can be condensing inside the basement in its wall and floor surfaces. This moistures may look as wall leakage, but are in face moisture been accumulated is from condensation.

Air Leakage

Stack effect comes from warm air rising in the home. The stack effect is created from negative pressure inside the basement, which brings moist air from any cracks or openings in the foundation. That is why it is important to ensure that all cracks are cover to ensure airtight.

 Vapor Diffusion

Vapor diffusion is the moving moisture in materials, which acts as the permeable and driving force of vapor pressure. Vapor will be diffuse from the wetter ground into the concrete walls and floors, towards the basement. Foundation waterproofing and polyethylene slow down the vapor’s process.

If you begin to see signs of moisture or mold in your home, you may contact Foundation-Repair.com Foundation Repair Houston.

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Mark DImitrijevic

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