Mold is a living organism, although it is not a plan or an animal. Mold is classified as part of the fungi kingdom and it feeds on decaying matter in dark, moist locations. Unlike plants, mold does not need sunlight to survive, and in fact, sunlight kills mold. You may have a mold problem in your home if you notice a ‘moldy’ odour. You may also notice black patches on your walls. This could be mold. Mold is visually unappealing and can make your home appear unattractive.
If you have experienced a leak recently, your home may be growing mold. Other factors which contribute to excessive moisture, and therefore mold growth include rusted pipes, leaks uderneath sinks, or large amounts of precipitation on windows. These scenarios provide mold with the moisture it needs to grow. Another major cause of mold growth is flooding. If floods are not promptly and thoroughly cleaned up, the extra moisture can lead to mold growth. The greatest concern with floods, though, is that water can become trapped behind walls, and underneath floors and furniture. This is especially problematic, because these hidden locations provide mold with darkness and moisture. After a flood, it is important to have your home thoroughly checked for mold growth.
Moisture is a key factor for mold growth. Extra water from leaks and floods can cause mold to grow. Similarly, humid air can also cause mold problems. Mold requires 55% humidity before it can begin to grow, so running a dehumidifier may help. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, and therefore are a great preventative measure. This simple solution can help you avoid a massive mold problem in the future.
As soon as you notice mold in your home, contact St. Louis Mold Inspection right away. Likewise, if you experience allergy symptoms with an unknown cause, or begin to smell a moldy odor, take action immediately – call us. Left unattended, mold will continue to spread and grow. Also, if you have noticed allergy symptoms, prolonged exposure to mold can cause allergy symptoms to worsen over time. St. Louis Mold Inspection is with you every step of the way in all your mold related concerns.