Mould is bad for homes and their occupants
You can remove small amounts, but larger problems require a pro
Mould can present a serious health issue and it can also eat away at building materials, insulation and support structures. Unfortunately, homes and the materials inside them can provide the right food source and the right conditions for mould to grow.
It’s important to know what to do if you detect mould in your home.
Mould needs an organic food source to grow, such as drywall, wood, paper, carpet, grout, wallpaper and fabrics — the kinds of materials you find in most homes.
It also needs moisture and warmer temperatures.
Areas in the home where mould tends to grow include the basement, bathrooms, walls, ceiling corners, the attic, crawl spaces and on windowsills.
If you live somewhere humid, the garage can also be place for mould to thrive. When you do your seasonal maintenance, make sure to check these areas for mould.
There are thousands of different types of mould. It can be green, black, yellow, white, even pink and, depending on the conditions, a single type of mould spore can be any number of colours.
It’s extremely difficult for homeowners to detect what type of mould is growing in their home and whether or not that type of mould poses a danger to your health.
A lot of people are sensitive to mould spores; they may trigger allergy and asthma symptoms when inhaled. Typically, the mould found in homes is not toxic, but it can still present a health risk. There’s no real standard for a mould level that is ‘OK’ or ‘safe’ — every individual reacts differently to mould.
According to a Mayo Clinic study conducted in 1999, 93 per cent of chronic sinusitis cases were attributed to mould. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may be more sensitive to the effects of mould exposure. If anyone in your home is experiencing headaches, sinus problems, sore throats or other respiratory symptoms, speak to your doctor. The cause could be mould.
In most cases, you can tell if you have mould by a musty smell and black stains. Other signs include water damage and black mould around baseboards, walls and ceilings. If there is a musty smell in your home but you can’t see any stains, mould could be behind your walls. In that case, I would recommend getting a certified professional home inspection done that includes thermal imaging, and possibly an indoor air quality assessment that includes mould testing.
If you find a small amount of mould that covers an area 10 square feet or less, then you can typically remove it yourself. Use a solution of strong soap or detergent and water. I use a product that is non-toxic, antimicrobial, requires no scrubbing and kills mould at the root, not just the surface. Whatever you use, remember to wear the proper protective gear, such as goggles or safety eyewear, a mask and gloves, and keep the area well ventilated. And do not use bleach! Not only is bleach toxic, but the mould will come back.
If the mould in your home covers an area more than 10 square feet, or if there’s sewage involved, bring in a professional remediation company. Any surface with more than 10 square feet of mould should be cleaned by licensed professionals.
If you bring in a professional, do your homework and ask the right questions. What are their credentials? What training have they gone through? What kind of professional accreditation do they have? Do they have references? Mould remediation is a fairly new industry, and like anything new, it’s the frontier.
If you want to make sure the job will be done right find someone with Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
If you find mould in your home, it means there’s too much moisture. The best way to get rid of mould is to control the moisture in the house and remove the mould. Depending on the size of the area that has mould, it could be something you can remove yourself, or you might have to bring in a professional. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to hire a professional, because when it comes to your health, it’s not worth the risk.