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Mold is a constant concern for homeowners across the country. There’s nothing worse than peeling back old wallpaper and seeing black spots on the wall behind it, and knowing that you and your loved ones have been breathing in spores for years is horrifying. You may be familiar with the dangers of mold, but do you know what makes mold so dangerous? And why does it keep coming back in your bathroom and basement? Read on to learn a little more about mold, and how you can finally get rid of it.

Mold: Good for the outdoors, not so much in your house

Molds grow anywhere there’s dampness. As a residential demolition contractor like a demolition specialist from Nielsen Environmental can explain, mold could be near leaky pipes, or any other place that gets exposure to moisture but never gets to dry out properly. Leaky spots near windows and in roofs are culprits too. Buildings that were affected by flooding are also particularly vulnerable. But aside from causing a major headache for homeowners, mold is actually pretty beneficial for the ecosystem, as long as it stays out of your house.

Molds occur naturally, and can help break down fallen leaves and rotting wood. If a tree falls over in a forest and nobody’s around to hear it, you can bet mold will move in to help it decompose. Damp spots under trees and in caves can be heaven for molds, which is a helpful pointer for homeowners. If you’re concerned about mold, you should take the necessary steps to ensure their home is as unappealing to molds as possible.

Recognizing Molds and Mold Exposure

Knowing the nature of molds is just part of the battle. Recognizing the health impact of molds in your home is an important step to fighting back and making your house happier and healthier. Molds are a fungus, which means they spread and reproduce through spores. These are invisible to the naked eye, and can be particularly dangerous when breathed in. The common effects of mold exposure are varied, but breathing difficulties are a major issue. Skin irritation, watery eyes, and even heart conditions and immune disorders can also be traced to mold exposure. Make sure your home is mold-free, and be on the lookout for the most common molds in homes.

There are many common types of molds in California, and among the most common are aspergillus, mucor, penicillin, and stachybotrys (also known as black mold). They can all cause serious health problems, so once you discover a patch of these in your home, you should immediately take steps to get rid of them.

Getting Rid of Mold

According to the CDC, you’ll need to be fully decked out in protective gear if you’d like to remove mold yourself. It’s possible to DIY mold removal, but you need to be extra cautious, and you can expect plenty of bleach, soap, water, and even sanding if mold is embedded far enough into wood. You’ll be dealing with incredibly hazardous stuff – not just the mold, but the cleaning materials, too.

DIY might be feasible for minor mold problems, but serious mold requires serious contractors. If you’re planning on remodeling and there is mold present, a qualified residential demolition contractor can remove and safely dispose of mold, and they’ll prevent future mold growth as well. When dealing with a serious mold problem, it’s best to play it safe, and rely on assistance from professionals if at all possible.