-Mold needs oxygen, moisture, warmth and food to grow. One of the leading causes of mold damage in buildings starts with water damage. Atascadero SERVPRO professionals advise that preventing water damage in the first place is the best line of defense against mold.
Understanding the connection between water damage and mold gives people more information to help control moisture and water damage that feeds mold. Mold spores are always present and as long as the spores are dormant, mold doesn’t cause problems. Not all mold is as problematic as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), but any mold that gets into the structure of a building is going to cause damage. Inhabitants of mold-infected buildings, including animals, can also have allergic reactions and even severe health reactions.
The Mayo Clinic reports that mold allergies cause the same symptoms that occur in other types of respiratory allergies. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, cough and postnasal drip, itchy eyes, nose and throat, watery eyes and dry, scaly skin. Mold allergies have been linked to asthma and are known to complicate other respiratory health conditions.
There are two general scenarios that contribute to moisture that feeds mold. The first, and most common, is water damage from slow, undetected leaks. The next is water damage caused by flooding from storm damage, broken pipes, water saturation from putting out a fire, or even sewage backing up into a building.
Water damage from slow leaks can be prevented by regular inspections of areas where leaks are not readily visible, such as under cabinets, behind laundry appliances, under buildings, in the attic where a small roof leak will leave signs and repairing the leak. Immediately repairing leaking faucets and leaking toilets is another way to prevent water damage and the associated mold.
Water and water damaged materials need to be dried or removed as soon as possible after a exposure to water. The combination of damage caused by water, coupled with growing mold begin to cause damage very quickly. Water soaked possessions and materials, including structural elements such as walls and flooring need to be dried out and sometimes removed. Mold feeds on damp and wet things like fabric, paper, and wood and other building materials, further contributing to the damage.
SERVPRO of Atascadero is a water damage company that has been supporting the local community over 10 years. The team is fully prepared and trained in different fields including water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration and flood damage restoration. SERVPRO is available 24/7, 365 days a year to help out in any loss and make it ”Like it never even happened.”
Press release by Paso Robles SEO and online marketing company, Access Publishing, 607 Creston Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.
