If you have ever had water in your basement or suffered from storm damage, you could have a silent invader in your home. That invader is black mold, and it can pose a real danger to your home and family. This 444-word article takes a look at the warning signs of a black mold infestation- and what you can do to resolve it.
Black mold is one of the most dangerous invaders to your home, and it is vital to spot the warning signs. If left untreated, black mold can trigger breathing problems, make existing allergies worse and even result in long-lasting health problems, you can see Green Mold Problem and How to Deal With It.
Black mold is bad for your home as well. It could cause severe and long-lasting damage and even lower the resale value of the property. Whether the black fungus in your home is the result of one-time flood damage, a persistent problem with basement waterproofing or just bad luck, it is important to stay vigilant for the early warning signs. Here are some classic indications that black mold may have invaded your home.
- Unexplained respiratory and breathing problems
- A cold that will not go away
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- A damp musty smell in your basement, closets or crawlspace
- Water damage to your home
- Rings and dark spots on your walls and ceilings
- Visible growth
- Discoloration on your walls
If you spot black mold (or any mold) in your home, you need to act quickly. The faster you get help for your mold problem, the easier it will be to resolve. If you wait too long or hope the mold will go away on its own, you will be wasting precious time that you could have spent on professional mold remediation.
If your black mold problem is a relatively minor one, you may be able to clean it up yourself. Just be sure you protect your lungs, and the rest of your body, before tackling the project.
You will want to wear a respirator or face mask to handle any mold, especially dangerous black mold. You will also need to protect your hands with a heavy pair of rubber gloves, and wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as well.
For minor mold remediation, you can use soap and water and a heavy scrub brush, or a specialized mold-remediation formula. No matter what you use, you will need to make sure you get all of the mold, including growths in closets, behind doors and other out-of-the-way areas.
If your black mold problem is an extensive one, or you do not want to tackle it yourself, it is best to seek professional help. A professional mold-remediation service can help you address even the most severe problem, so your home stays protected, and you can avoid the long-lasting health complications of this dangerous invader.
