Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Mold and mildew have quite a bit in common. They are both different varieties of fungal organisms. They both are found inside buildings. And, without being treated and mitigated, both mild and mildew can lead to health issues for individuals as well as property damage. Living in a temperate climate like the one in Nashville, it is important to be preventive when it comes to mold and mildew. What steps should you follow? Just check out our guide to prevention.
How do mold and mildew develop?
Mold and mildew thrive in any environment where it is damp and warm. Humidity in the air means moisture accumulates on surfaces, therefore creating the ideal growing conditions for mold. The higher the humidity, the higher the likelihood that mold can grow. Poorly ventilated areas also can encourage mold growth, as moisture tends to linger in air that does not circulate.
The health risks of mold and mildew
Exposure to these fungal organisms may aggravate existing issues, such as asthma or allergies. Severe cases of mold exposure can even cause respiratory infections. Watch for the signs of mold exposure, which include coughing, wheezing or irritation affecting the eyes, nose and throat.
Prevention is your best defense against mold and mildew
The humid Nashville climate can create ideal conditions for these fungi to grow and flourish. That is why there are a few steps you can follow to limit the likelihood of mold in your home or business.
Step 1: Clean regularly
Regular cleaning is an important part in general of keeping your home or workplace healthy. Wipe down surfaces with an antibacterial cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Use shower curtains and bath mats in your bathroom that are resistant to mold. Change and wash your bedding and towels frequently.
Step 2: Improve ventilation
As mentioned earlier, musty air that does not circulate means that any moisture present in that air may accumulate on surfaces. You can open windows and doors to improve air flow or install exhaust fans in your bathroom or kitchen. Better ventilation can be harder to achieve in your basement or crawlspace. This is why Ameri Care Services offers the EZ Breathe Ventilation System, which can be installed in your basement or crawlspace to address the stagnant air in these locations.
Step 3: Reduce interior humidity
Installing a dehumidifier can make a big difference in the moisture that is present in any interior space. Dehumidifiers are most successful in areas where moisture is more likely to accumulate: bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements, for example. You can buy a dehumidifier online or at your local store. However, these store-bought dehumidifiers often are inefficient because they need to run longer and work harder to remove enough moisture from the home. This is why, for the best results, we recommend a professional-grade dehumidifier for your basement or crawl space. Ameri Care Services is an AprilAire Certified Pro Partner for Nashville, Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas. AprilAire dehumidifiers are expertly designed to control the moisture levels in your basement or crawlspace. For optimum results, we recommend installing an AprilAire dehumidifier after having your crawl space encapsulated.
Lower humidity levels in your Nashville home
To find out more about any of the services listed above or any of the other things we offer at Ameri Care Services, schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation with a member of our team today. Just call (615) 893-7111 or complete our contact form online.