By Vincent Marone
One of the many frequently asked questions about mold is, “Why does mold grow indoors?” Mold is an ever-present part of the natural environment as its spores, or seeds, are continuously circulated throughout the air in search of a habitable place to start a colony. Mold spores are always both indoors and outdoors. However, mold colonies grow indoors when its spores find a damp, dark, and humid environment to thrive.
By Vincent Marone
In some cases, mold infestation is easy to identify. Most mold infestations cover large areas. Many home and business owners encounter black or green slimy mold that has a noticeable odor. However, what happens when mold spore counts are high but mold is nowhere to be found?
By Vincent Marone
One of the most frequently asked questions about mold is, “What is the difference between mold and mildew?” While mold and mildew have many similarities, including the conditions in which each can grow and thrive, striking differences can result in damaged property or substantial health risks to those who come into contact with it.
Moisture control is the number one preventative for stopping mold growth, and during new home construction is the easiest and earliest way to take measures to prevent future mold outbreaks. Homebuilders are using a number of new ideas and products to help keep homeowners mold-free, because they know prevention is the least expensive way to deal with mold. Some steps being undertaken by contractors during new home construction include:
While taking all of these steps will not necessarily save a homeowner from a future battle with mold, following them will significantly reduce excess moisture on the interior and exterior of the home. This extra moisture is the number one factor in the development of mold, and therefore a homeowner’s odds that they will remain mold-free will be high.
Whether it’s a strictly utilitarian space or a carefully decorated and designed oasis where you unwind in a bath after a long day, your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. What you may not realize, however, is that it can also be one of the most dangerous. There are several things that can pose safety risks in your bathroom, and most homeowners aren’t even aware of the hazard. These are ten of the most common hidden dangers present in bathrooms, and ways that you can restore your restroom to a relative level of safety. Read More
A properly installed vent fan is an essential weapon against bathroom mold.
Most people understand that mold likes moisture. That’s why bathrooms are so vulnerable to mold. Water that gets onto the bathroom floor after showering or bathing is an obvious concern. But waterproof flooring materials like ceramic tile or sheet vinyl do a good job of minimizing the mold potential of water that gets on the floor. Of greater concern is moisture in the air –moisture that can permeate wall and ceiling materials because of poor bathroom ventilation.
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Having allergies from seasonal changes is bad enough, but things can get even worse when we’re regularly exposed to molds within our own homes. While pollen-based allergy flare-ups generally only hit at peak times such as late summer, household mold not only has its own heavy attack times—during the moisture of winter, for example—, but it is a pernicious annoyance all year long. Read More
By Vincent Marone
When someone discovers mold in their home or office, a safe assumption would presume that person is ready to remove the toxic fungus as soon as possible. That is, until researching the cost of a mold remediation specialist. However, time is of the essence and choosing a lower-priced mold removal services may cost the property owner more in the end.
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Mold needs moisture, oxygen and an organic food source to grow and is capable of colonizing almost any surface. There are molds that grow on wood, paper, carpet, insulation and dust that gathers in moist areas. Mold growth comes in various colors and is often known as mildew.
Molds alter the look and smell of materials they grow on and can weaken wood framed buildings. Exposure to mold spores can cause allergic reactions and influence health. Allergic responses include a runny nose, red eyes, and asthma attacks.
Local and state sanitation laws prohibit mold growth in most places of business, and while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not have a standard for acceptable levels of mold or mold spores, the General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free of hazards.
Mold can spread like wildfire if left untreated. If you find evidence of mold in your home, you will want to take care of it as soon as possible. Mold is often found in poorly ventilated bathrooms, where moisture cannot dissipate. It will eventually be absorbed by the walls and reside there, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Within a few weeks you may notice black spots on the walls or ceiling. This is evidence that mold has begun developing. There are a few easy steps and solutions to help you fight and conquer mold once it has been identified.
The first step after discovering mold is to determine whether it is dangerous, and if so, the level of danger. There are over 400,000 different kinds of mold known to man, yet of those, only about a dozen could cause any serious harm to your wellbeing.
Read More Almost every single home buyer should be cautious of failure to disclose issues. Failure to disclose generally refers to the sellers failure to disclose material defects with the property. When sellers fail to disclose they will be held liable for damages sustained by the buyer. It is important to make sure you know your rights. Below we discuss some of your rights and the duties of sellers with regards to the sale of any residential real property.