Winter months are fast approaching which means cooler nights and extra moisture for us here in the South. Although the cooler nights are a treat, this is the season where there is a higher possibility for mold to start growing throughout your home. There are many risks that come with the development of mold but there are measures you can take to avoid them.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a microscopic organism that typically lives on plants or animal matter, but can grow on other surfaces, like wood, in carpets and in insulation. It is important to know that mold organisms produce spores that act like seeds, which help the mold reproduce and continue growth. Mold spores will spread via water, insects or air and can be very harmful to your health.
Dangers Of Mold In The House
Mold contamination will not only damage different parts of your home and its foundation structurally by weakening walls and wood, but can also cause health problems. Some symptoms of mold exposure include, but are not limited to:
- Inflamation of the lungs
- Respiratory infections & problems
- Allergic reactions
- Irritation of eyes
- Skin rashes or irritation
- Nasal & sinus congestion
Types Of Mold
There are hundreds of types of molds. Some molds grow outdoors, but the ones you should be more aware of are the ones that grow indoors. When extra moisture is present in the air, combined with poor ventilation, which is a common problem in most homes, a perfect environment for mold to grow exists. Poor ventilation increases the amount of moisture that stays within your home. Moisture is key in how mold grows. A few common molds that can grow in your home are:
- Alternaria – grows in damp places throughout the home (i.e sinks, leaky pipes)
- Aspergillus – commonly found indoors
- Botrytis – grows in areas with high humidity and poor ventilation (i.e. bathroom)
- Cladosporium – grows in fabrics or wood surfaces in warm and cool areas
Minimize The Risk Of Mold Growth In Your Home
There are different actions your can take to protect yourself as well as your family members and your home from the effects of mold. Here at Watkins Construction & Roofing, we know that we are all powerless over Mother Nature and the amount of moisture that our homes are exposed to on the outside. But, installing a new roof can help improve the ventilation throughout your house and lessen the risk of mold growth. Contact us about our roofing services today and let’s work together to avoid mold growth this season!