In this age of information, misconceptions are more common than ever. Of course, we also have a lot of valid, useful knowledge that past generations may not have had. But it’s hard to tell fact from fiction sometimes, especially when it comes to important homeowner issues like remodeling, energy efficiency, or protection against mold growth.
This last area — residential mold problems — is a hot topic these days. Many homeowners are just learning why mold is an issue and needs to be addressed. People are searching for information, and not all of it is reliable. And when you don’t have reliable information about residential mold growth, you can run into problems pretty quickly!
Let’s take a closer look at four common misconceptions about mold. When it comes to this home invader, knowing the difference between fact and fiction can make the difference between clear sailing and significant problems with mold.
1. Mold is natural; it’s no big deal
It’s true that mold is a natural part of the ecosystem — in fact, without mold, our ecosystem would be able to break down organic materials effectively and recycle them into new soil and vegetable life. But when too many mold spores are in the air, and people or pets are breathing these spores, the effect can range from allergic to downright toxic.
2. I can clean it myself
When people discover mold in their homes, their first instinct is often to grab a spray bottle, fill it with watered down bleach, throw on some rubber gloves and start scrubbing. When there’s visible mold, there’s probably unseen mold — and attacked the visible mold won’t address the underlying problem. Plus, working with bleach or other harsh chemicals presents additional health hazards, and should only be undertaken with extreme caution.
3. Any mold remediation company can take care of it
You’re probably better off with some kind of professional help than none at all — at least in the vast majority of cases. But it remains true that mold remediation professionals come in all different stripes. The best ones have accumulated years of experience, and have invested regularly in the most modern tools and technology for mold testing and removal.
4. Mold will never come back
Mold can and will return, even after a professional mold remediation effort, if the underlying causes for the mold growth are not understood and prevented in the future. This often comes down to understanding the importance of humidity control and proper ventilation. Once the underlying conditions have been changed, mold will find it much more difficult to get a foothold.
The best information on mold
When you look for a mold testing, remediation or prevention specialist, what you’re really looking for is reliable information and sound advice. Of course, the only way to really achieve a high level of expertise is to have the training, skill and real world experience in dealing with residential mold. With the right information about mold, you should be able to keep your home completely free of any serious problems.