It’s easy to put minor repairs off until the spring or summer. But certain issues should be taken care of immediately due to health hazards. If you’ve ever had a mold problem in your home or business, you know the associated risks. Read on to learn more about mold and how it can impact your health if left alone in your home for too long:

Is mold in my home a health risk?

Although tiny, mold spores are mighty – and pose a health risk to you and your family. Exposure to mold in your home can result in increased allergic symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and fatigue. The longer you allow mold to grow, the bigger the problem becomes. Consistent exposure to mold can cause severe allergic reactions and larger indoor air quality issues.

What should I do if I see or smell mold in my home?

The short answer: large cases of indoor mold need to be cleaned up. If the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet, it’s important to call your local experts not only to remove it, but also prevent it from growing back. Smaller patches of mold can be cleaned and removed by the homeowner, but we recommend monitoring the spot for new growth.

How do you get rid of mold?

In general, mold can be vacuumed and scrubbed with soap and bleach/water solution for removal. However, it’s important to understand the source of the mold growth. Check for water leaks to make sure you treat the root of the issue. Otherwise, mold growth will be inevitable. Depending on the type of mold in your home, the removal process may be slightly different, so if you’re unsure of what to do, make sure you contact a professional.

How does mold get into the house and what can I do about it?

There are multiple ways mold can find its way into the home. Pets, leaks, and damp spaces are just a few concerns you should be aware of:

• Pets – We all love our furry friends, but they do tend to track in things from the outside world – including mold. Consider washing your pets regularly and keeping up with carpet and floor cleaning to reduce transfer.
• Leaks – Leaks and pools of standing water are some of the most common places where you’ll see mold appear. Inspect your home for roof, wall, and pipe leaks on an annual basis to catch them before the problem worsens.
• Damp Spaces – It can be difficult to keep damp spaces like bathrooms and basements free of moisture. We recommend using a dehumidifier in consistently wet places to help reduce moisture.

Are you concerned about a mold problem in your home? Contact the experts at Herbert Roofing for an inspection of your home. We’ll make sure you are worry-free about moisture in common places like your roof and walls, so you don’t have problems later down the road.