Learn more about the impact moisture on your home in this category for you. Take a look at some of our other tags to learn more about mold.

Does your home have mold growth in the crawl space?

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How do you know if your home has mold growth in the crawl space?

 

Here in Tampa, one thing that is really crucial for people to think with is that during the rainy season, mold growth in crawl spaces can occur on the bottom of the home.

 

If your home has space between the ground and subfloor, like a crawl space, then that hot humid air can actually come up and establish mold growth, such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, on the bottom planks.

 

Why is this an issue though? It’s just the bottom of the home. You don’t even see it.

 

Well, mold releases microscopic particles in the form of a gas called Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins create adverse physical reactions such as headaches, brain fog, and respiratory issues and in some cases can impact the central nervous system to name a few.

 

Typically, from mold growth, there’s a musty smell that can actually intrude into the home due to the mycotoxins entering into the building envelope. You know when you hear, “Oh it’s just an old Florida smell!” NO – that’s actually a musty smell and if it’s musty that means mold.

If you think your crawl space has mold, call us here at Mold Zero to set up a free in-home evaluation.

 

 

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10 Tips for Mold Prevention

Mold Prevention Tips!

Mold can have a disastrous effect on your home and health. To help you prevent any future headaches, here are a couple of mold prevention tips to help you and your family.

Here are 10 tips for mold prevention:

  1. Ventilate Bathrooms. The bathroom is usually culprit number one for mold grow. After showers or general use, make sure to properly ventilate the room using air conditioners or de-humidifiers.
  2. Use Exhaust Fans When Cooking. The second main hotspot for mold growth is the kitchen. Anytime you do anything that requires water, including dishwashing, cleaning and cooking, make sure to have an exhaust fan running to pick up excess moisture.
  3. Prevent Condensation. This is especially relevant in colder climate areas. In order to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) you should consider adding insulation.
  4. Do Not Install Carpeting. This mainly applies to areas in which there is a perpetual moisture problem. Carpet is extremely porous, which means it will hold onto the moisture, causing mold to grow below your floors.
  5. Fix Plumbing Leaks. Anytime a water related problem occurs, fix it as soon as possible, especially when it comes to plumbing leaks. If water seeps into the walls, it becomes exponentially harder to properly dry.
  6. Throw Away Porous Materials. You may have your heart set on that certain tile or carpet, but if it has become damaged by water it needs to be replaced. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, which makes mold difficult or impossible to remove completely.
  7. Reduce Indoor Humidity. Mold is all about moisture, and to decrease mold growth, you need to start by eliminating all sources of moisture.
  8. Dry Spills Immediately. Spills need to be dealt with immediately to prevent any mold growth.

Protect Yourself While Removing Mold:

  1. Wear Gloves. You should also always avoid touching mold. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended when cleaning up mold. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used.
  2. Wear Goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

Hopefully you will never encounter mold, but if you do remember the tips above. And if you need help with your mold removal, there’s always tip number 11: Call Mold Zero!

Do You Have Mold?
Call Mold Zero On (727) 900-7202 Today

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