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Few home inspection discoveries inspire more alarm in homeowners than the presence of mold. However, it doesn’t need to send you into a tailspin. 

Every home has mold spores. They travel in through open windows and get tracked in on your shoes. Trouble only arises when these spores grow into thriving colonies. 

Warm, moist conditions, often present in bathrooms or homes in balmy climates, are a breeding ground for mold. When mold flourishes unchecked, it can damage your structure, causing organic materials, like wood, to decay. 

This fungus is also linked to health concerns, including respiratory and skin reactions. It contaminates the air in your home, causing issues for those with asthma and allergies, and potentially leading to more serious health conditions. 

What can you do when you find mold in your home? The first step is to bring in certified mold remediation professionals to assess the situation and recommend remediation options. Here are a few things you should know about addressing mold in your home. 

Removing the Mold

Mold will continue to grow if you do nothing to stop it. The first step to treating a mold issue is to clean or remove moldy items. You might have to eliminate furniture or carpeting and remove drywall, subflooring, and even framing elements. 

In some cases, you may be able to salvage prized possessions, like heirloom furniture or artwork, by consulting with restoration specialists. Reversing water damage and resulting mold can be a costly process, but for special pieces, it may be worth it. 

Treating the Root Cause

Mold spores don’t magically become mold colonies. Spores feed on organic material, such as wood or natural fabrics, but they also require the presence of water and a suitable temperature range. 

This is why mold tends to thrive in humid environments or show up after leaks or floods. Mold often permeates walls, carpets, subflooring, and plush furniture exposed to moisture. 

It’s not enough to clean or remove damaged items; you must also eliminate the source of mold growth. Since you can never entirely rid your home of mold spores, you must address the source of moisture, whether it’s a leaky pipe, a damaged vapor barrier in your basement, or a lack of ventilation that allows moisture to linger. 

Avoiding Future Issues

Once you have treated mold in your home and addressed contributing factors, consider how to rebuild smarter. If possible, choose materials that are less likely to encourage mold growth. For example, replace carpeting with water-resistant flooring, like luxury vinyl planks (LVP). 

If basement mold is an ongoing issue despite your best efforts, choose a non-paper solution, such as faced fiberglass or cement-based drywall. The right building materials can make a significant difference in staving off mold. 

Mold Doesn’t Have to Destroy Your Home

Mold can be a destructive presence in your home if left unchecked. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Although remediation can be expensive, it provides an opportunity to rebuild in a thoughtful way, creating a safe and healthy home for your family. 

If you’re interested in helping businesses and homeowners treat and prevent mold issues, contact RocketCert today to learn more about mold remediation certificate programs.