Attention Property Managers. ask about our new client portal

Can a House With Mold Be Saved?

Name: Exit Mold
Address: 1 Irwin Ct., Lynbrook, New York, 11563, United States
Telephone: (516) 512-7877

So, the unthinkable happened. You found mold in your home. Whether you have owned your home for decades or you just moved in, discovering mold in your house is always disheartening.

Mold can be found in any home, regardless of how clean or well-kept it is. Mold is sneaky and can grow quickly in the right conditions, and once it starts to grow, it will only thrive until it is uncovered.

If this happens to you, your first reaction will probably be one of disgust. Your second reaction will probably be filled with worry while wondering, “Can a house with mold be saved?” Let’s dive into the details surrounding mold discoveries and what to do about them below.

What Causes Mold in Your Home?

After your initial reaction upon your discovery, you might be asking yourself how this happened. You clean regularly, you don’t let spills linger, and you take good care of your home. Unfortunately, doing all of these things doesn’t always mean your home will remain mold-free.

Mold is a living fungus that is found virtually everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Visible mold colonies are easy to see, but you won’t be able to see the microscopic mold spores that are floating around your property. They can sneak into your home via open windows and vents, and they will search for a place to settle in and grow once inside. All it takes is a little moisture in the right environment and a mold infestation will start to grow.

Home Leaks

Home leaks are one of the most common causes of mold infestations because there are so many places that utilize or encounter water on a daily basis. Dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, tubs, and toilets are constantly running water through them, and a single breach or loose connection can lead to a serious problem.

Your windows and doors are also an avenue for potential water problems. If any rain gets into these spaces during a storm, this moisture can seep into your home quietly.

Flooding Problems

House floods can be catastrophic due to the sheer amount of water left behind. Whether the flood happened because of a strong storm or a pipe burst, any sort of water left on your floors can lead to lingering moisture problems.

Humidity Issues

Did you know that there is an ideal humidity percentage at which you should keep your home? 30-50% humidity is often recommended to help keep your home’s moisture levels in check. Moderately moist air is easier to breathe and is healthier for you, but too much of a good thing is never a good thing. Excess humidity leads to excess moisture, and that can spark a mold infestation in a short amount of time.

Where Is Mold Found?

Mold is often found in places that are left undisturbed. It thrives in areas that are dark and damp, making your attic, basement, and crawl spaces the hot spots for mold infestations. Since you don’t often go into these areas every day, a mold colony could be growing for days or even weeks before you notice the issue.

The problem with mold is that it doesn’t simply grow into a small colony and then stop. It will continue to spread and will consume your home if you don’t do anything about it. It will eat away at your organic materials like drywall and wood, and it can eventually lead to rot and structural instability.

Mold is also a danger to your health. Mold sickness can occur over time, leading to respiratory discomfort, coughing, and itchy eyes.

What Are Signs of a Moldy House?

Thankfully, mold can’t go unnoticed forever. Over time, it will eventually start to show its presence, and you will be alerted to the infestation.

Some of the most common signs of a moldy house include:

Visible mold spots or discoloration on walls
Musty or earthy odor
Respiratory symptoms or allergy flare-ups inside
Previous water damage
Humidity struggles

If any of these problems are happening in your home, it’s time to do a little investigating. Start by checking out your high-risk areas like your attic and basement, and follow up with your bathroom and kitchen. If you can’t find any visible mold, the infestation might unfortunately be behind your walls or under your floors. If that is the case, the infestation is likely more widespread than you thought.

Can a Moldy House Be Saved?

The good news is that most homes that are dealing with a mold problem can be saved. The vast majority of mold cases are contained to an area or a smaller section of the home, and professional mold remediation can help reverse this issue completely.

Unfortunately, there are always instances where black mold has taken over a home and has been left to grow for a long time. In these cases, a more severe approach may be necessary to completely remove the mold and its surrounding spores.

If the mold has been growing undisturbed for months or even years, it may have impacted your home’s structural integrity. This could result in wall removal and replacement or more extensive construction to overcome the infestation.

The Mold Remediation Process

If you discover mold or suspect an infestation, calling in for professional reinforcements is always suggested. Mold spores should never be inhaled, and trying to deal with the problem on your own can increase your health risk while also making the infestation worse.

A professional mold remediation team will be able to identify the problem area and address it appropriately. Visible mold is easy to track down, but mold growing behind walls is trickier. Moisture meters and infrared cameras are used in these instances to pinpoint exactly where the problem is.

Once the problem is identified, industrial equipment like air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums remove the mold and the airborne spores. A final cleaning around the area will ensure the mold cannot grow back. If your property suffered significant damage due to the mold, a professional team will be able to assist with remodeling and rebuilding your space as well.

Your moldy home can be saved with the help of the team at Exit Mold! We specialize in mold remediation, and we are here to help you overcome even the most stubborn mold infestations. Call us today at (516) 512-7877 to learn how we can help you.