Mold can form anywhere there is moisture and warmth. That means that it can form just about anywhere in your house and in many places where you would not see it until it is too late. Despite its ability to hide from homeowners, is mold really that big of a deal? The truth is that mold is one of those things you are better off taking care of when you find it instead of hoping that it just goes away.
Places Mold Can Form
Anywhere your plumbing pipes run that experiences long periods of warmth are breeding grounds for mold if the pipes have even the smallest leaks. Your attic can be the ideal place for mold to grow if you have any size of a leak in your roof and the water drips in places you do not see. Mold can grow in your walls, it can grow around the water drain in your clothes washer, and it can form in your basement.
Why Mold Is Dangerous
Some forms of mold give off spores that can cause serious medical problems for anyone living in the house. In some cases, mold will form in and around your furnace ducts and the ducts will help the spores travel throughout your house.
The most well-known form of mold is black mold, and it is possible for exposure to black mold to be fatal. At the very least, black mold can cause respiratory problems that could become serious. In young children, black mold could create breathing problems that follow the child into their adult life.
What To Do About Mold
You should have a certified mold inspector look your home over every year to check for places where mold can form. The inspector will point out mold formations to you, and offer you suggestions on how you can get rid of the mold.
Since most people are not experts in mold, the best course of action if you think you see mold is to call in a professional. Pouring bleach on suspected mold and other mythical removal methods may only cause the mold to spread faster. The sooner you catch a mold problem, the less you will have to worry about.
How Bad Could It Get?
Some forms of mold can be sneaky and persistent. If a mold problem is not properly handled, it could come back worse than ever. Many insurance companies cover mold abatement services, but only to a certain point. In extreme circumstances, there have been instances where families have been forced to leave their homes because of the presence of mold.
First and foremost, mold represents a potential health hazard to you and your family. As a secondary issue, mold can weaken your woodwork and make your home physically unstable. If you are unfamiliar as to what mold looks like, the do an Internet search to become familiar with the common signs of mold. If you feel as though you might have a mold issue, you should call an expert right away and take absolutely no chances on the problem rapidly getting worse.