Because black mold is a toxic and dangerous fungus, it is important to be aware of harmful effects it can have on your home and your health. Further, it is crucial to understand your options for removing black mold and preventing it from coming back in the future.
It is always better to be proactive than reactive. If you are
looking for a house to buy, you must check out every nook and cranny to
ensure that there is no mold anywhere. Getting a house that is infested
by black mold or any other mold cleaned can become quite a costly
affair, and home insurance companies generally reject any claims for
mold cleaning. In your own house, you must do a periodic inspection to
ensure that there is no mold. Air ducts, heating systems, roof tiles,
window edges and cupboards through which there are pipes running are
places which usually get infested by black mold. You cannot tell which
type of mold is it unless you have it tested in a laboratory. It again
becomes a costly affair; therefore, the best option is to clear out any
mold that is in the house.
If you live in a humid area, that is
where black mold thrives the most; you should monitor the humidity level
in your home. The humidity level in your home should never exceed 55%
RH. Anything above this will be an ideal breeding and thriving
atmosphere for black mold and other fungi and dust mites. To check if
you have a humidity problem in your home, you must invest in humidity
sensors or a hygrometer. You should place the moisture meter at places
that you suspect have a high humidity level. You can move the meter
around and check the moisture levels in various areas of the area. In
case the humidity level is high, you would need to get a dehumidifier
installed. You can get multiple dehumidifiers installed in various rooms
of your house.
You should check for water leakage/seepage and
rusty pipes. Nowadays, most pipes in houses are concealed and it is
difficult to check for rusty pipes and leakages. The only way to check
for leakages is to listen if you can hear water running when the tap is
turned off. If you hear water running or smell a musty odor, you can
expect for fungi to thrive in these areas. If you have a leaking tap or
toilet, or discolored damaged walls, these are the places where black
mold can grow. The best way to ensure that your house stays free from
any type of fungi growth is to keep the humidity level within prescribed
limits and check your home regularly to ensure that there is no fungi
or black mold spots in your house.
