Mold is the fuzzy growth on food that has not been eaten in a timely fashion or the dark grime on the grout in shower corners. Sure, you throw out spoiled food, and you clean your bathroom regularly. What about the mold growing where you can’t see it?
Mold is an extremely sneaky substance. The fact that it thrives in moist, dark areas may not seem like it would pose much of a threat to humans. The problem begins when moisture gets trapped in porous materials, such as drywall, and mold damage becomes a problem for everyone. When that happens, the spores can disperse throughout the property and spread.
A mold damage exposure can cause a variety of health problems ranging from eyes that itch, sneeze and cough to serious allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and even permanent lung damage. Many people are unaware that mold could be growing in their homes right now.
How does mold get into your home?
When you open the door or window to your home, mold spores can enter. When you walk through the grass, or when you walk through fallen leaves, you may track them in. They are carried home by children in their backpacks or clothes. As soon as they get into your house, they gather in any habitable space.
You can easily create an ideal environment for mold to grow in your basement or crawl space. The only requirements are a high humidity level of 70% or higher, a source of food (dust), and darkness. If you have damp crawl spaces or basements, there is a good chance your house has mold growing inside it. Inhaling mold spores can cause a variety of health problems.
What are the effects of mold damage in your family?
It may be impossible to notice mold growth in an area that you rarely access until you notice an odor of stale, musty air. The effects on your family’s health may already be present by then. Whenever you notice an unpleasant smell, please investigate immediately for your family’s safety.
There are a variety of symptoms that can be caused by breathing in mold spores.
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Chronic cough
- Sore throat
- Breathing difficulties
- Skin rashes
- Irritation of the eyes
As mold breaks down in your home, it releases gasses, and particulates. These odors can irritate your sinuses, aggravating congestion or allergic reactions.
When mold spores are present in your home the effects are magnified with infants and children. Children have been found to suffer more from respiratory disorders related to mold damage in the household. Exposure to mold damage during a child’s first year of life can increase the risk of them developing asthma.
Mold damage in your home can also affect healthy adults. You may not suffer from allergies and asthma right now but long-term exposure from a mold damaged home can possibly change that. The symptoms ranged from allergy symptoms and hay fever to wheezing, coughing, and asthma.
Mold damage and your home
The structural integrity of your property can be severely damaged when mold eats away at its host. Some potential signs include damaged hardwood floors, discolored walls and ceilings, or condensation on the windows and walls. It can also be characterized by a strong, musty smell. Persons who are sensitive to strong smells will notice this right away.
What to do if you found signs of mold damage in your home
Once you have spotted signs of mold damage in your property it is important to document the damage as much as you can and take a photo of visible signs of mold. Then talk to a public adjuster. Insurance claims are often complicated and stressful. The public adjuster will help you assess the extent of the mold damage and review the insurance policy to maximize the claims as well as recommend you a service to help with the removal and cleanup.
There’s nothing more reassuring than finding a trusted ally to help you through your mold damage problems. The public adjuster can be of great assistance when dealing with mold damage at your house or business.
Alconero and Associates offers services in Miami Dade, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Palm Beach, FL, Fort Myers, FL, Cape Coral, FL, Orlando, FL, Tampa, FL, Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, Sarasota, FL, Kissimmee, FL, Winter Park. FL, Lehigh Acres, FL. Contact Us for a FREE inspection at 855-642-5246.
