Mold, Mildew and Fungus, oh my

Photo: Urban entropy (on Flickr) by Kyknoord

Don't let this happen to your home.

We know you wouldn't really. We're simply emphasizing a point: Left to their own devices, molds, mildew and fungus can eat your home alive.

Molds, mildews and fungus can be found on damp surfaces like bathroom walls, window trims, and other places where water accumulates or condensation collects. They are common microorganisms, essential to the continuation of life on earth, but when allowed to gain a foothold in some invisible or rarely visited nook or cranny of your home, watch out. They will digest your floorboards, cabinets or framing like they were old rotten logs in the forest.

And in confined places - like inside your house - some can lead to infections, allergies, asthma, and other breathing problems. Oh my.

Not all of these organisms are potentially toxic - and some are easier to clean up than others. If you find mold in your home, it might be best to consult with someone who is qualified and experienced in taking care of water damage and eradicating mold and mildew. And certainly if you have flood damage or discover a longstanding problem, call in an expert.

There are many types of molds, mildews and whatnot (oh my). They can look like black stains, or specks of black, white, orange, green, or brown. Take a tour of your home. Check for the following signs and symptoms:

• Leaks in your roof or plumbing. Any water that is trapped inside walls or under carpeting will cause molds to grow there. In not so obvious places, check to see if your walls or rugs have light stains or a strong musty smell.
• Mold in your basement. Rain or moisture can penetrate your home’s concrete foundation and make the bottom of carpets or inside of finished walls moldy.
• Dampness at the base of the walls.
• Rust at the base of steel posts or heaters.
• Stains, discoloration or decay on wood partitions, paneling, drywall and wood posts.
• White powdery substance on the concrete.
• Peeling floor tiles.
• Mildewed carpeting.

Make any necessary repairs to stop leaks if you find them. If you find mold and decide to clean it up yourself, you must be thorough. These organisms can be quite persistent and will begin to grow again if given half a chance. Multiple cleanings might be necessary, or you might have to remove the affected material completely.

Common places where mold, mildew and fungi thrive include:

• Paper covering of gypsum wall board
• Wallpaper
• Cellulose based ceiling tiles
• Paper products
• Carpets with natural fibers
• Paper covering on insulated pipes
• Insulation material
• Wood and wood paneling
• General organic debris
• Paper covering on fiberglass insulation

There are a number of steps and precautions you can take to safeguard against mold and mildew ever getting a foothold.

• Always keep your home as dry as possible.
• Do not wait to make repairs on your roof and plumbing leaks.
• Using a sump pump is the best device to keep water out of your basement.
• Use a fan to circulate basement air.
• Use a DEhumidifier (thanks anonymous reader) to remove excess moisture in the air.
• Do not keep wet clothing or materials around the house, use a dryer or clothesline to dry them.
• If your basement is damp, get a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
• Never ignore the dangers and effects of mold. Call a reputable mold remediation company right away if you suspect a problem.

For more tips on preventing water damage in your home, see State Farm's advice at www.statefarm.com

:: Mold cleanup guidelines from the EPA
:: EPA guidelines for mold cleanup
:: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home from the EPA

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com