How to Find and Fix Mold Issues
Renovating a house or even a small apartment takes a lot of extra attention than just painting a bedroom. If you are serious about renovating your space or have noticed an issue with mold, then keep reading for some tips on identifying and getting rid of mold. In any renovation project that involves natural materials, there may be issues of mold that are not visible, so identifying mold before it becomes a problem that spreads can help your physical and financial health in the long run.
Finding the Issue:
Mold issues can be external, internal, or both. Knowing what is causing the mold is the first step to fixing the problem and keeping it from spreading. The main culprit of mold is dampness with no ventilation, causing a perfect environment for fungi spores to be created and begin growing. There are many different symptoms of a mold problem or a possible mold issue. Here are the most common ones:
Mildew
Dark spots
A musty smell
Physical symptoms in people around the infected area
Dampness
Wet spots
Warped or bubbling walls
Grout
Technically, wet spots and dampness are not molds in themselves, but they can lead to mold problems. It is essential to identify these areas and their causes. They are usually caused by poor insulation that allows the creation of condensation. This can often be fixed simply by applying some caulk or joint compound in the cracking spots to fill in the holes. If the hole is very large, it may need to be patched with extra materials. If you get to a point where you are feeling ill or physically unhealthy in any area of the home for long periods of time, then it may be time to get a professional in the home to test the levels of mold within your home.
Mildew is actually a type of flat-growth mold. It is rarely ever fuzzy or deeply rooted in the material of the structure. The main difference between mildew and mold is the fact that it is generally easier to clean and get rid of. It is not invasive and does not tend to continue to spread, nor is it dangerous to human health. It can be cleaned with the same materials used on mold and tends to be even more receptive to cleaning. Disposing of affected areas may also be less likely than in areas affected by mold. Despite all this, mildew is often used as an interchangeable word with mold because it is essentially the same type of fungi caused by a humid environment and mold spores.
Fixing Exterior and Interior Mold:
Materials Needed: a rag, vinegar and baking soda, or bleach
Mold can be identified and dealt with, but there are a few precautions you should take. At the very least, wear gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask. Ventilate the room with fresh air, if possible, as well. Note that exterior mold is considerably easier to deal with, especially if the mold is actually mildew. If your mold is just mildew or exterior mold, simply apply any of the suggested solutions and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe it away with water. Let dry completely with proper ventilation before accessing or using the area to any capacity. Repeat as needed on any affected areas. Your exterior mold may be the only visible part of the interior mold that is present within the affected area. If the exterior mold is unable to be removed then it may be a sign of a deeper issue.
If you’re dealing with interior mold, it’s best to call in a professional. You’ll need to replace as much of the wood or material that is affected by the mold. If you’re dealing with a molded window, be careful, as some types of deep-set mold are highly toxic to humans. Black mold is especially detrimental to your overall physical health. Many mold removal agencies do not deal with such small affected areas. So, if you’re only dealing with mold in a window, it may be best to call window experts rather than mold removal agencies. You may be able to simply remove a section of the wall or window without causing significant damage to the rest of the structure. If you find interior mold in any other section of your house, a mold removal agency should be your first call.
(Note: Never use bleach or products with bleach with anything other than water because mixing the chemicals could create a toxic gas. Try any of the top ingredients on a small area before applying it to the entire affected area, as it may change the color or ruin the material of the window.)
Preventing Future Issues:
As stated previously, check for dampness and wet spots. These can often be found by or near windows and doors. Make sure you have proper ventilation when using a humidifier or air conditioner. Without proper ventilation, the risk of mold forming increases exponentially. Check high moisture areas like laundry rooms or bathrooms, and install proper ventilation systems. Ventilation systems can look like anything from kitchen ventilators to bathroom ventilators. Some ventilation systems are completely outside air that is filtered into the house, while others use a mixture of inside and outside air in order to balance each other out. Some great, affordable brand options are Honeywell and Panasonic. Both offer a wide array of different types of ventilation systems. It is is best to get a professional to install ventilation systems if there is no previous experience involved. However, if you are naturally good at installing new things, you may be able to do it yourself. In that case, watching a bunch of tutorials, reading instruction manuals, and reading up on the best systems for your house and situation is very important.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen above, mold can be an easy or complicated issue to fix depending on the type of mold and the area it has affected. It’s important to take care of mold because it can be detrimental to human health. Know when you can fix the problem, and know when it’s time to call in the experts.
