What to do about Mold and Mildew

Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew in your house or business can be both hazardous to your health and can also damage materials and personal belongings.
Due to its ease of growth and health risks, mold is dangerous and should not be taken lightly.  Mold naturally grows outdoors and can easily be transported into buildings through open windows, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as on pets, clothing, or shoes. Once indoors, mold needs nothing but moisture and a food source such as, lint, ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation, carpets, upholstery, and wood to grow.
What are some of “The Health Risks of Mold “
The health risks caused by mold depend on the type of mold present, the amount and degree of exposure, and the health condition of the person at risk. Symptoms of mold can range from being insignificant to causing allergic reactions and illness including nasal congestion, irritation of the eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing, and in rare cases, mold infections in the lung.
There are certain groups of people that are at a higher risk when exposed to mold such as infants and children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory diseases, a weakened immune system, or those who suffer from allergies.
The name "toxic mold" is inaccurate. There are certain types of mold that are toxigenic, which means they can produce toxins like mycotoxins, however, the mold itself is not toxic, or poisonous. The health risks presented by molds that produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common types of mold.
Mold Damage to Material
Mold and mildew can stain or discolor many types of material, and these materials will be ruined overtime if mold is not properly removed. Over time, moldy paper and cardboard can disintegrate, and fabrics will get damaged. Be aware that continued mold growth can be indicative of moisture conditions favorable for growth of fungi that cause wood rot and structural damage to your home or business.
If you suspect mold in your home, do not delay in hiring a professional mold inspector to test your home. Once the home has been tested, the inspector will take the samples to the lab and will provide you with a remediation protocol.
If you strip off wallpaper, you will sometimes find mold or mildew.  This is because the wallpaper paste coupled with the moisture when installed is a perfect condition for the mold.  If you hire a professional painter or wallpaper installer, they will kill it and then seal the sheet rock. If you are having new wallpaper installed and if the walls are sealed, the mold should not return.  If you are painting, sealing is necessary and most premium paints have some mildew retardant or killer in them.
Mold and Mildew is common outside on your house.  Usually, if you will clean the outside once a year it will keep it controlled.  Also, all of the premium exterior paints on the market have a mildew and mold killer and retardant in them.  That is nice.  If your house was painted more than 10 years ago it might not have that ingredient in the paint. If you have vinyl or metal siding, mold is common.  Just wash the outside once a year.  You can get a house wash with a mold killer in it. 
Once again,” if you hire a professional”, they will get rid of the mold or mildew and treat the surface to keep it away.  And you get Peace of Mind.
Spring is the best time to inspect for mold or mildew inside and outside and get you plan of action thought out.
As Always,  “Happy Painting”
Ken  (www.kenraderinteriors.com)   (www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors)