The Dangers of Mold and Mildew, Explained

 

Call Service Master by Best on 316 413 5750 for mold removal and cleanup services.

Mold and mildew on the premises is a direct result of water incursion on the property. Whether it is residential property or a commercial unit, mold and mildew are more prone to develop in areas like attics, basement, crawlspaces or the interior of walls. The susceptibility of mold growth further heightens if there is a high amount of condensation and humidity inside the building.

The Dangers of Mold and Mildew, Explained

Other than its visible appearance, the simplest way to detect the presence of mold on the premises is a musty odor in the home or workplace. If identified at this stage, mold and mildew can be contained by minimal effort but in instances where the damage becomes widespread, it is recommended to use the expertise of professional water damage contractors.

Some of the dangers that mold and mildew presence can present include the following:

• Mold growth is progressive

Mold does not require light or air to reproduce, so can grow anywhere. This growth once sprouted, is essentially progressive in nature and can spread on almost any visible surface around the home including wood, carpet, floors, ceilings as well as paper.  In addition, mold can also spread in “hidden” areas like the backside of walls, the top side of ceiling tiles, on drywall, around pipes, and behind furniture.

For instance, mold may only be discovered when the bathroom is being remodeled. Since the moist environment of bathrooms is highly conducive for mold growth, it can often invade this area of the home undetected for prolonged periods of time. It may only be when changing or installing new bathroom hardware that the presence of hidden mold is identified.

• Mold will compromise the structural integrity of the building

Constant presence of mold on property can impact the architectural stability of any building. This means that mold and mildew will render the structure weak by reducing the strength of its building materials and other structural components.

For instance, if mold penetrates the heating and ventilation systems of the property, it can find an easy gateway to access other areas of the home. As a result, the damage to personal property may become so extensive that items may need to be destroyed since the spores cannot be removed fully from their surface.

• Mold causes dry rot

One of the ways in which the structural integrity of a building may be compromised by mold presence is the development of dry rot. Dry rot happens when there is fungal timber decay occurring in poorly ventilated conditions. The result is cracking and powdering of wood in the structure. This type of damage may not always be visible but often detected when some kind of renovation is in progress.

The mold causing this type of damage is referred to as black mold and can grow in any area of the property that is dark and humid. It feeds on cellulose, the substance that gives wood its strength and can put the whole structure at risk since most homes are constructed of wood and wood by products. 

The wood then breaks down in composition and may require a full scale replacement.

• Mold presence causes health hazards 

Mold does not only hold the potential to damage the property but also impact the health of its occupants. This is because while mold itself is neither toxic nor poisonous, it is toxigenic in nature. This means that it has the potential to produce toxins. When unattended, prolonged presence of mold on the premises can often lead to serious health conditions such as persistent coughing and respiratory issues for individuals with asthma.

Other health concerns commonly associated with mold and mildew presence can include issues like sinusitis, skin rashes, chronic fatigue and frequent sneezing fits for individuals.

Mold Remediation by ServiceMaster Restore

In the end, the best way to alleviate mold presence is to deal with its root cause by detecting water intrusion. For permanent results it is recommended to get mold remediation done through the expertise of professional mold removal like ServiceMaster Clean in Kansas. 

Once all mold has been eradicated from the premises, our ServiceMaster Clean Response experts will complete the job by performing full dry services, followed by complete sanitation and deodorization of the premises.