Mold is a common occurrence inside residences, so it’s no wonder most homeowners recognize it. Despite this, many are unaware of its common causes, residential or commercial property damage, as well as the health effects it can cause.
Mold can affect all types of framing materials in any type of area of the home, however, what many people don’t realize is that mold affects each type of building product differently.
Some structural products are more vulnerable to mold than others, so mold removal approaches may differ depending on the type of material.
This short article will describe the effects of mold on typical household products, as well as approaches to remove and prevent mold growth on different surfaces.
- Mold on wood
Wood is a common framing material used for structural components, furniture, and other features in your home. Naturally, it is extremely prone to mold development.
Mold requires moisture and an organic food source to thrive, and wood also functions as a food and moisture source due to its ability to absorb water. Given enough time, mold will eventually damage the surface areas of the wood by consuming the nutrients on the surface. Still, it is possible to preserve wood that has been contaminated with mold.
Removing mold from wood can be as basic as using a mold remover solution and making sure the wood is completely dry. Suppose the mold on the wood surface is very easy to remove by doing this. Due to this situation, it is best to call a mold remediation specialist to prevent further damage.
- Mold on concrete
Concrete is not an organic material like wood, so the concrete itself does not act as a food source for mold.
However, concrete wall surfaces and surface areas can also trap organic materials, such as dirt and dust, which provide a food source for mold. Also, being porous, they can be a source of moisture for mold growth.
The problem with concrete is that it absorbs moisture so slowly that water damage can take a considerable time before it shows up.
Keeping concrete dry is one of the most essential tricks to stopping mold, so be sure to regularly inspect concrete surfaces in places with high humidity, like basements and cellars.
- Mold on insulation
All types of insulation, with the exception of closed-cell spray foam, are porous, meaning they can absorb water and trap dust that can provide a food source for mold.
If your insulation gets moldy, it’s best to throw it out and replace it with new insulation. You can also replace your insulation with closed-cell spray foam, so you no longer have to worry about mold and mildew contaminating porous insulation.
- Mold on drywall
Like insulation, drywall is an extremely porous surface, and once mold begins to grow on drywall, it cannot be removed. Mold-contaminated drywall should be cut out and removed to ensure it can be replaced with new drywall. Moisture and mold resistant drywall products are offered, but this simply suggests that they have a reduced risk of being contaminated by mold growth; No drywall option is completely “mold proof.”
- Mold on the carpet
Carpets also trap dust, dust, and other organic particles to provide a food source for mold spores. Once mold begins to spread under a rug, it’s virtually difficult to completely remove, and it can also trick you into thinking your rug is dry enough to stop mold growth while the padding underneath is damp.
The best way to prevent mold on your carpet is to keep it completely dry and respond quickly to any type of spill before it is absorbed. If the mold problem under the rug is significant, you should speak to an expert to have the rug removed.
Mold growth in a residence can have alarming effects such as property destruction and health problems as well. Still, it impacts each type of building product in a different way.
Big issues can make mold removal difficult and dangerous for those inexperienced or inexperienced in removing it, so call a mold removal professional if the level of contamination is beyond what you can manage genuinely on your own.
If you have any questions about mold removal, feel free to contact us. We’ll give you the details you need to make smart decisions in the future and prevent further damage to your property.
