While mold can be a health hazard for your home, it often grows unseen. Therefore, homeowners should regularly check spots it may be hiding and take preventative steps to stop its growth—like waterproofing high humidity areas. The guide below lists places where fungus usually thrives.

How & Where Does Mold Form?

Mold can grow anywhere with moisture. Therefore, start by checking your bathrooms. Fungus often appears in the tub of your shower or behind improperly sealed tiles. While there may or may not be noticeable stains, mold typically also comes with a musty odor.

Basements are also popular places for spores if waterproofing hasn't been performed. Heavy rains can cause water to seep through cracks in the foundation. Alternatively, if you have plumbing fixtures installed there—such as your hot water heater—corroded or frozen pipes might leak or burst, providing the sustenance that the mold needs. 

Next, visit your attic. Warm, moisture-laden air tends to rise, making this a likely area for mold to grow, especially if your bathroom vent or dryer vent funnel into this area. Pay close attention to the insulation in particular. 

Finally, mold may form behind walls, especially in areas with pipes running through them. 

What Are the Health Consequences of Mold?

In addition to destroying building materials, if someone in your home is sensitive to fungus, the presence of mold can cause them to have a runny nose, sneezing, a rash, or red eyes. If a mold allergy is severe, it could incite shortness of breath. Those with asthma may have more attacks.

What Should You Do About It?

If you identify mold, hire a remediation service. Attempting to remove the fungus yourself could result in the accidental discharge of spores, causing the fungus to spread. 

After your current infestation has been taken care of, limit moisture sources that could feed mold in the future. This may involve replacing leaking pipes or investing in a dehumidifier. You should also hire someone to seal any cracks in your basement and to waterproof this and other areas of your home.

 

If you need reliable basement waterproofing, look no further than Jaco Waterproofing. Serving the Cincinnati, OH, and Indianapolis, IN, areas for over 40 years, they specialize in residential and commercial waterproofing and repair. To have a professional technician evaluate your specific challenges, call today at (317) 721-9379 for Indianapolis or (513) 738-0084 to reach their Cincinnati and Dayton, OH, location. Visit their website for more information on their capabilities.