There are a number of different factors that can influence the functionality of a home, many of which get overlooked by even the most forward-thinking homeowners. In parts of Virginia that see a lot of rainfall, one of the most common issues affecting home performance is moisture. Excessive moisture can quickly lead to mold problems, which can be difficult to mitigate once they’ve been allowed to fester. Identifying and solving common moisture problems in the home doesn’t have to be difficult, however, as there are plenty of ways to ensure that things don’t get out of hand.
How Does Mold Thrive?
If there’s one thing that often shocks people regarding mold, it’s just how easy it is for it to grow. Remember, all it takes are three factors, WWF— water, warmth, & food. Or in other words; moisture, organic matter (dust and particulates) and moderate temperatures. All three of these elements can typically be identified in Virginia homes, typically resulting from improper air-sealing in basements, attics and crawl spaces. When mold feeds on wooden framing/trusses, it has everything it needs to multiply and put your family at risk for health issues.
Make your home tight and ventilate right. High performance, energy efficient homes are highly insulated so maintaining clean ducts and adding fan systems to circulate fresh air from the outside of the house are critical to maintaining and improving indoor air quality and keeping condensation away from your windows.
Household Mold and Health Issues
Mold within the home is not only a nuisance, but it can actually come along with detrimental health effects. Everyone reacts to mold differently, but the following are common problems that can result from excessive, repeated mold exposure:
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Skin irritations
The dangers of mold are especially prominent for those who are immunocompromised or suffer from respiratory illness. This being said, mold can also affect perfectly-healthy adults and children, making it essential to focus on remediation whenever possible. Fortunately, remediation doesn’t have to be impossible even if there are significant mold issues at play.
Dealing with Mold Issues
The best way to identify and deal with mold issues is to call in a team of professionals. Weatherseal is adept at mold remediation, typically conducting a full home investigation and then utilizing a method known as “dry ice blasting” that includes freezing the mold before removing it. This is one of the best ways to ensure permanent mold removal and is essential for those who don’t want to deal with problems in the future. The team at Weatherseal also focuses on taking a “whole-home” approach, which means addressing air-sealing/insulation issues, improving drainage and encapsulating basements and crawl spaces.
For more information on how to identify and solve mold issues within your home, contact Weatherseal today.
