If you are new to owning a home in the Carolinas - congratulations on your new ownership! One of the things that new homeowners tend to underestimate and are indeed surprised by is the so-called 'cost of ownership'. This means the 'ongoing costs' associated with keeping your home. This generally doesn't count things like your mortgage or utility bills, but rather upkeep and maintenance, and it is on this that we present some important information on the damaging effects of mold to your home.
Mold is like Batman - it lives and thrives in darkness, hidden away where it is difficult to be found. For your home, this often means that mold takes hole in your crawlspace or basement. However, those who live in slab-foundation homes are not immune, as mold can also cause significant problems for those homeowners as well. Since mold enjoys life in relative obscurity, it can thrive and grow to be a significant problem to your home without you ever knowing it, as most of us don't make it a habit to spend significant time in our crawlspace (unless you are a young person with a top-secret clubhouse down there). As such, the damaging effects of unnoticed and untreated mold issues will compound until you notice damage in other ways, like sagging or soft floors, rotted support beams, and damaged sheetrock walls.
DAMAGE TO THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR HOME
Mold cause significant damage to wood structures if left untreated. The mold spores of can grow on nearly any surface in your home that is damp and warm, and wood is a particularly attractive host for mold growth. Mold can cause damage to wood in a number of ways. The spores can penetrate the wood, causing it to rot and weaken. This can lead to structural damage, making the wood less stable and more susceptible to collapse. In addition, mold can cause discoloration and staining of the wood, making it unsightly and difficult to clean. This is largely not a problem when the wood is underneath your home, but as mold grows it can spread to other area that can be seen. However, it is clearly the weakening and rotting of the wood that is the focus here. It is one issue to have a soft spot in your floor that may be replaced by some plywood and new flooring, but it is quite another level of expense to have unseen damage to your support joists and subflooring together. This can unfortunately lead to significant repair costs that many homeowners just are not prepared for, and such damage is not covered under most home insurance policies. This is one area of routine maintenance that should not be neglected.
HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES OF MOLD
Unchecked and untreated mold issues can also affect the health of those inside the home. Untreated mold on wood will release allergens and toxins into the air. These can cause respiratory problems for your family, particularly for those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. For people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, exposure to mold can make symptoms worse and lead to frequent attacks. Allergic reactions to mold can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. In some cases, mold exposure can also lead to more severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Skin irritation is another common problem associated with mold exposure. Mold can cause itching, rashes, and other skin irritation, which can be particularly problematic for people with eczema or other skin conditions.
Long-term exposure to mold can also lead to more serious health problems, such as neurological disorders and cancer. Studies have shown that exposure to certain types of mold can lead to the development of certain types of cancer, including lung cancer and brain cancer.
Use of dehumidification systems inside the home is often one of the first steps a homeowner will take when they begin to experience such problems, but this only treats the effects of mold, and ignores the cause. Nelon-Cole technicians are trained not only to find mold problems that exist in and around the home, but also to know what areas of your home are ripe for future mold and moisture-related problems. We treat these area with scientifically proven solutions that keep your family safe and breathing easy.
MOLD PREVENTION TIPS
With so many potential hazards that undiagnosed mold problems can lead to, there are ways that a typical homeowner in the Carolinas can help keep their home mold-free. In addition to very important regular inspections from your trusted mold and moisture experts at Nelon-Cole, it is important to keep your home dry and well-ventilated. This can be done by using dehumidifiers, fixing leaks, and ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas of the home. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help prevent mold growth. If you suspect that there may be mold in your home, it is important to have it inspected and removed as soon as possible. While professional mold remediation services may not always be necessary if minor mold issues are found, it is important that your mold services provider be aware of your situation and steps you are taking to keep your home mold-free.
Nelon-Cole knows that your home is your biggest investment, and we want you to consider our services as a valuable tool for the longevity of your home. We address every home issue as if it were our own. Our assessments are honest, and never inflated - our reputation for quality service in the interest of the homeowner is hard-earned. Our award-winning technicians undergo regular training on the very latest technologies and technique, and bring this knowledge to every customer we serve. Call Nelon-Cole today and ensure that you get the very best protection at affordable rates. We are the most awarded, highest rated pest and moisture control company in the Carolinas - call us and find out why, and give us a change to earn your 5-star review!
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