Mold Awareness: How to Spot Mold Growth During Humid Weather

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

Checking basements and crawl spaces for moisture are especially important.

As temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, the risk of mold growth in homes also escalates. Mold thrives in damp environments, making humid weather prime conditions for its development. At SERVPRO of Platteville/Monroe, we understand the importance of early detection and prompt action when it comes to mold infestations. In this blog post, we'll discuss essential tips for identifying mold growth during humid weather to help you protect your home and health.

1. Conduct Regular Inspections: Regular inspections of your home, especially during humid weather, are crucial for detecting mold growth early. Pay close attention to areas prone to moisture buildup, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces. Look for any signs of water damage, such as discoloration, peeling paint or wallpaper, and warped or stained surfaces.

2. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels: Humidity levels above 60% provide an optimal environment for mold growth. Invest in a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels and aim to keep them between 30-50%. Use dehumidifiers in areas where humidity tends to be higher, such as basements and bathrooms, to help control moisture levels and prevent mold growth.

3. Check for Condensation: Condensation on windows, walls, or pipes is a clear indicator of excessive moisture in your home. Inspect windows for condensation buildup, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. Address the root cause of condensation, whether it's poor ventilation, inadequate insulation, or air leaks, to prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.

4. Look for Visible Signs of Mold: Mold growth is often visible and can appear as black, green, or brown patches on walls, ceilings, floors, or other surfaces. Inspect your home for any signs of mold growth, particularly in areas where moisture is present. Don't overlook less obvious areas such as behind furniture, in closets, or under sinks.

5. Trust Your Nose: Mold often emits a musty odor that can be a telltale sign of its presence, even if no visible mold is apparent. If you notice a persistent musty smell in your home, especially in areas prone to moisture, it's essential to investigate further for mold growth and address the underlying cause of the odor.

6. Act Promptly: If you discover mold growth in your home, it's crucial to act promptly to prevent further damage and potential health risks. Avoid disturbing the mold, as this can release spores into the air and exacerbate the problem. Instead, contact a professional mold remediation service like SERVPRO of Platteville/Monroe to assess the situation and safely remove the mold from your home.

Don't let humid weather lead to mold problems in your home. By staying vigilant, monitoring humidity levels, and conducting regular inspections, you can detect mold growth early and take proactive steps to address it. If you need assistance with mold remediation, SERVPRO of Platteville/Monroe is here to help.

Mold

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

This is from an affected house in Platteville, WI.

Water damage to a building can be from Category 1,2 or 3 water.  The type of water is primarily determined by its source.

Category 1 water is water that "does not pose substantial harm to humans"

Category 2 water is water "with a significant level of contamination"

Category 3 water is "grossly contaminated" water.

As a general rule of thumb, Category 1 water that soaks into carped can usually be removed through extraction and evaporation and the carpet can be restored.

On the other had, if Category 1 water has either been contaminated further by flowing over or through debris, or if it remains for a period of time with out being removed.  Once the water has moved beyond category 1 into category 2 or 3. The carpet will need to be removed and replaced.

In this photo, Category 1 water was not addressed in a timely manner and the result was moldy carpet and pad which also contaminated the wood below.

This again reinforces the advice that in the event of a water damage, contact a professional like SERVPRO of Dubuque to make sure that all areas of water damage are identified.