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The Dark Truth About Mold

It can lurk in the deepest, darkest recesses of your home.  It’s not just unsightly but can be harmful to your health.  It thrives in dusty, damp, stagnant conditions – those commonly found in basements, attics, and anywhere moisture and high humidity are present.  It’s mold.

So how do you prevent it?  Or get rid of it once it rears its ugly head? Read on to find out.

Types of Mold

Indoor mold comes in many forms.  The most common include alternaria, aspergillus, and stachybotrys.  Alternaria is an allergenic mold that has a velvety texture. You may notice it in the bathroom where water is frequently flowing and is not well ventilated.  Aspergillus, another allergenic mold, can be toxic for those with weakened immune systems.  Stachybotrys, or the notorious black mold, is slimy to the touch and toxigenic.  It should only be treated by professionals.

Location, Location, Location

In addition to baked goods that are past their prime, mold can appear in numerous areas of your home that experience excess humidity. Here are some tips for keeping those areas dry and mold-free.

• Basements are the most popular hangouts for indoor mold. Be sure to prime and patch areas that could allow water in – like windows, hatchway doors, along with foundation and floor cracks.  Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in check.
• Corners where a tub meets the wall are havens for mold. To keep it at bay, you want proper bathroom ventilation, like that provided by a ceiling fan.  After a shower or bath, let it run for at least 10 minutes.  Frequent bathroom cleaning also helps, as does removing damp residue.
• Mold can enter your home through your central AC vents. Replace air filters every 8 weeks or so and keep all vents and registers dust-free.
• Leaky pipes in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or basement not only waste gallons upon gallons of water each month, but they can also create the right environment for mold to thrive in. Routinely check all accessible plumbing for leaks and repair them promptly.
• The combination of dirt and moisture from the air can turn your plush carpet into an ecosystem of life forms. Keep carpets and area rugs clean and dry. If you do suffer a large spill or flood, it should fully-dried within 48 hours.

If you have a water leak anywhere in your home, contact Messmer so we can pinpoint and, if it’s plumbing related, fix it for you promptly and completely.  Remember: there’s no place like home and home is no place for mold.