Mold is a common and serious problem mostly occurring due to water leakages. Countries or regions that tend to be relatively moist and humid have to face the same problems as well. But, the real problem with mold is that it can take place in areas that are usually overlooked for a variety of reasons. With time, mold grows and creates further troubles including chronic respiratory concerns. This means you should consider mold remediation if you notice any signs of it because mold growth can make matters worse in a short period of time. So, let’s take a look at some of the most overlooked areas in your house that you should be putting your time and effort into.
Inside The Attic
The attic is one of the most overlooked areas in homes for mold-related issues. The reason in most cases is the accessibility. You will have to use the stairs to access the attic as it is not an area that receives regular visits. In the majority of households, the attic serves as a storage space.
But, the issue with the attic is that it is directly linked to the roof, which is an equally important part of the house. If a leak were to take place due to extreme weather conditions or cracks and damages, the water would travel down from the roof through the attic and the ground floor.
If the problem is ignored, the mold will take place in multiple areas and not one or two. Plus, most people tend to ignore attic maintenance assuming it is not used and won’t experience any problems. But, the fact of the matter is that rats, birds, and other insects might find accommodation during the winter season.
They will chew their way through the cracks and find their way in. This makes identifying the actual source of mold growth quite difficult in areas like the attic. Plus, if you do not have ventilation, you should invest in some and allow the area to tackle moisture and humidity without you having to check up on it.
In The Basement
Basements are actually quite similar to the attics as they are used for storage purposes as well. Back in the day, homes with basements were a rare sight but today due to the ever-increasing property rates, homeowners are trying to make the best use of the available space.
Some properties tend to have swimming pools in the basements or living rooms as well. In both cases, mold will have the perfect opportunity to flourish as both moisture and humidity do not have much room to escape. Plus, basements are also places where insects and pests tend to spread as there are many dark spaces around them.
If you observe mold in the basement, you should check for poor drainage and landscaping that directs water toward the home’s foundation. You can also consider adding a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture.
Beneath The Crawl Space
Homes that have crawl spaces are also vulnerable to mold growth as these spaces do not receive frequent visits and have easy access to water as well. As the name suggests, crawl spaces are difficult to access as one needs to crawl to gain access, which means preventing mold growth in such places is a difficult task.
The only way to check for and prevent mold growth is by investing in special tools that allow you to access to clean the space. On the other hand, you can also consult an expert who will use proper mold removal Potomac techniques for safely cleaning up mold.
Underneath The Flooring, In Walls, And Above The Ceiling
Mold growth tends to take place in areas that receive heavy foot traffic. If you have plumbing or water networks installed underneath the flooring, it is probable that there is a leakage causing mold growth. At the same time, if there is damage in the ceiling such as a crack, water will run down the ceiling and into the walls eventually reaching the floor.
The problem with mold growth in such areas is that you might need to tear up the space to identify the extent of the damage and mold growth. Ignoring leakage issues or mold growth in either case will lead to serious complications.
For instance, mold growth in the walls can affect the finish, while growth in the ceilings can weaken the structure. Finally, mold growth underneath the floor can cause cracks.
Fortunately, in these cases, you will be able to observe odor and signs that indicate there is a problem. For the time being, open the doors and windows to allow ventilation and consult an expert to fix the issue.
Around The Fireplace And Up The Chimney
If you have a fireplace in the house, you must have a chimney as well. Although, fireplaces tend to keep homes warm and cozy but they can also become damp when not in use and the porous nature of the bricks combined with mold can make things even worse.
This is why chimneys need frequent inspections and maintenance by experts. With time, soot and creosote buildup can accumulate and make it harder to remove. Furthermore, the chimney needs equal attention as well since chimney caps, flue, and lining weaken over time causing humidity and moisture to escape inside the house. While mold isn’t a fire hazard but it will add to the respiratory issues down the road.
In the Garage
Garages are known to get cluttered with time as homeowners tend to park motorbikes, and bicycles, and store cleaning items and all that. Plus, vehicles tend to bring in water, dirt, and dust, especially during extreme weather conditions. Unless the garage is properly insulated, you should clear the garage as soon as it gets dirty or covered with water.
At the same time, you should also check the vents and ductwork around the house through which both cool and hot air is circulated in the house. Since these areas are tough to clean as well, mold growth can easily take place in such areas as well.
Plus, if the air conditioning systems are not properly maintained, they can easily turn into places for mold growth too. With time, the spores become airborne and result in allergies or other serious issues.
This is why it is important for garages to be clean at all times as moisture and humidity need every bit of an excuse to grow.
Conclusion
The best way to prevent mold from growing in such places is by investing in professional maintenance. This is a type of investment you make to keep your house from running into situations that affect the family members as well. Moreover, in case of flood or water damage, the need for immediate action becomes critical. In that case, call in a water damage restoration Rockville team ASAP.
