Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Living in a warmer climate like Nashville, the risk of mold is there for most of the calendar year. This risk magnifies during the spring, when precipitation rates are their highest and there is more overall moisture present. Are you prepared? Today on the blog, your mold experts in Murfreesboro at Ameri Care Services provide some advice on how to avoid mold problems this spring.
What are the risks of mold?
Mold is a fungus that thrives in darkness and moisture. Once mold sets up in an area, it can spread fairly quickly. When mold takes hold, it takes thorough cleaning and often professional remediation to address the problem. Once mold spreads onto any sort of absorbent material, those materials may need to be removed. Mold also can jeopardize the health of you and your loved ones, aggravating existing respiratory ailments such as asthma and allergies.
Mold prevention tips
Avoiding mold means preventing the buildup of unwanted moisture in your home. That means you should focus on targeting areas where moisture is known to accumulate, as this can foster the growth or spread of mold.
Areas to focus on include:
- Roof and gutters – A leaky roof carries a host of potential issues, including increased moisture levels and even standing water. Make sure your gutters also are in good condition and free of debris that could impede their function, which is to direct water away from your property.
- Basement and foundation – Do you identify any cracks or fissures in the walls or floor of your basement? These can be signs of water seepage. If you have a sump pump, ensure it is still in good working order.
- Windows and doors – Any gaps or cracks in or around windows and doors can allow entry points for unwanted moisture. Use caulk or weatherstripping to create a tight seal and prevent moisture from seeping indoors.
- HVAC or ventilation system – If you have an HVAC system, ensure that it is in good working order. Make sure the filter has been replaced recently and there are no leaks from the system. Make sure any vents and exhaust fans on your property are in good condition and good working order.
- Plumbing – Ensure all plumbing fixtures, pipes and connections are working well with no leaks that could create pools of water. You also can consider insulating exposed pipes to avoid condensation that can lead to subsequent water damage.
Watch for mold in these hidden areas
One reason that mold is such a threat is that it can accumulate in otherwise unoccupied areas of a structure without you realizing.
Common “hot spots” for mold include:
- Behind wallpaper and/or drywall
- Under carpets or flooring
- Inside your HVAC system
- Behind kitchen appliances
- In your attic or crawl space
Your trusted source for mold remediation services
Ameri Care Services can assist with any issues you may have with mold. Our inspections can identify signs of this fungus that may otherwise go unnoticed. If mold is detected, we offer remediation that addresses the root cause: whatever area of moisture is fostering the growth of mold. We are here to treat mold problems in homes and businesses just like yours in Murfreesboro, Nashville and the surrounding communities in middle Tennessee. Visit us online or call (615) 893-7111 to schedule a consultation today.