Mold in Basements, Attics and More: Where Toxic Mold May Be Hiding in Your Home
If you are like most homeowners, you probably haven’t checked out your basement, attic or floorboards recently for signs of toxic mold. Many families have a big secret hiding in their walls and flooring that may be causing health problems and damaging the overall structure of their home. Mold in basements, attics and other hidden areas of the home is a situation that can quickly grow out of hand, and before you know it, major damage has already been done and your family’s health has already been put in serious jeopardy. It’s a silent danger that is already probably growing in parts of your home.
Conditions for mold …
- Supply some food: Wood, drywall, wallpaper, fabrics and even the paint used throughout your home are all likely candidates for mold … they are all mold food.
- Add some moisture: The appliances that we use to “power” our lives, including washing machines and dishwashers, all add to moisture in the air. Then there are the leaks, water vapor transfer and condensation issues too.
- Heat: Not a whole lot, just the sort of heat we need to feel comfortable. Now, you have the perfect breeding ground for mold.
The key to mold prevention and elimination is moisture: that’s the one variable we can control.
Have you recently investigated your home for signs of moisture infiltration and mold growth? If you smell musty odors or are suffering from chronic respertory issues, rashes, dizziness or headaches then do a quick home mold inspection. Look at the areas noted in the picture to determine if there is a moisture / mold problem.
Common mold trouble spots
If you find mold … look around, can you find the source of the moisture? If so, eliminate it.
If you find or smell mold but can’t locate it or determine the source of the moisture, then contact a professional – the sooner the better! Working with the pros is sometimes the only way to resolve the problem completely and prevent it from coming back again.