How to keep MOLD growth out of your home!

The occurrence of mold in homes is common in humid climates. Energy efficient homes constructed with an air tight building envelope to help prevent energy loss, are also prone to having mold problems.


Newer homes seem to have increasing incidence of mold problems, perhaps due to poor ventilation and other factors such as building materials used, poor HVAC planning, failing to control humidity and so on.


Molds are a group of organisms from the fungi kingdom. Their role in nature is to break down organic matter. Mold requires moisture to grow. Molds digest the wood, paper, carpet, foods and whatever they are growing on.


Mold in homes can cause allergic reactions like itchiness in the eyes, nose and throat, chronic sinus infections,and increased asthma rates, along with other health problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, rashes, fever and headaches, nausea, and fatigue.


If a household member is suffering from some of the above mentioned symptoms, which then dissipate when they leave the home, and you notice a musty smell in you home you may have a mold problem. You can look for evidence of moisture on carpet, drywall, wood, insulation, in attic and also look in 'hidden' places such as behind baseboards, under carpeting, or in the ventilation system.


Some types of mold produce harmful mycotoxins and other types are not as hazardous to healthy individuals but can still cause irritation. Exposure happens most commonly through inhalation. One can also be exposed to mold by touching it or accidentally ingesting it. (Eating bread with mold on it)


Mold is reproduced by tiny spores or “seeds”, that float through the air both indoors and outdoors, and are invisible to the naked eye. Mold spores can be found in the general dust in a home. Mold begins growing when mold spores land on wet or damp surfaces. Excess moisture is the main cause of problem mold in homes.


Once mold has become a problem to a home it can be costly to remediate. One must correct the conditions which enabled the mold to grow, then repair the damage to the home. Leaking water problems must be addressed quickly because the moisture spreads to affect a larger area, thus causing more damage as time goes on. Insurers limit their coverage for mold damage because potential losses could be huge.


Below are some ways to help avoid mold growth in your home:

1. Fix any water leaks immediately


2. Keep humidity inside your home to below 60% by:


a).Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers as needed.


b).Making sure moisture sources are vented to the outside such as bathroom vents, clothes dryer vent, exhaust fans when cooking and so on. Don't forget to turn on the vents in kitchen and bathroom as needed.

For further helpful tips for homeowners please visit   http://www.homes-energy-efficient.com/