Homes in South Carolina are at a particularly high risk of a serious mold infestation because of the state’s hot, humid summers — and, in some areas, flooding. Mold can thrive and spread quickly in areas of a house that experience excess moisture, often in spaces where the problem goes unseen until it has taken a strong hold.
A mold infestation can’t be taken lightly as it poses a serious threat to your family’s health and the structural integrity of your home. It’s important that once mold has been discovered, it is quickly addressed by a professional contractor with experience in mold remediation to safely and completely eradicate the infestation and ensure it doesn’t reoccur.
Risks and Signs of a Mold Infestation
- Health risks
Mold inside a home can cause serious problems to those who are susceptible to it, including respiratory issues and allergic reactions like skin irritation, watery eyes, sinus problems, wheezing and shortness of breath. Prolonged mold exposure can lead to chronic respiratory and other health issues. Those at elevated risk include children, the elderly, asthma sufferers and those with compromised immune systems. - Common areas for mold growth
Mold tends to grow in areas that aren’t often inspected and where excess moisture is present. These include attics and crawl spaces, bathrooms and under sinks, damp basements, laundry rooms, and around HVAC systems. - Structural damage
Because a mold infestation often goes unnoticed for long periods, it can often cause serious damage to the structure of your home. Left unchecked, it will eventually cause deterioration to drywall, wood framing and insulation, necessitating costly repairs. - Signs of mold infestation
Recognizing the symptoms of a mold problem and regularly inspecting the areas of your home that are prone to it can help you discover it in the early stages of growth and call in a professional to address it before it becomes severe. The signs of a mold infestation include spots or large areas of discoloration on walls, ceilings and cabinets, and a strong musty odor that won’t go away.
The Benefits of Professional Mold Remediation
A mold infestation isn’t a problem you should try to tackle yourself, as your efforts would probably be unsuccessful, and you’d also be risking your health. Here’s why you should leave mold remediation to the pros:
- Evaluation
An experienced mold remediation contractor can use special tools to assess the extent of growth and determine the proper eradication procedures. - Safe containment and removal
To prevent airborne spores from spreading to other areas, professionals use special equipment and methods to remove and contain mold safely and effectively. - Prevention of infestation reoccurrence
If mold isn’t removed completely, it will likely return. Mold remediation also involves repairing leaky pipes, improving ventilation, and performing water damage restoration to affected areas. - Ensuring proper mold-handling techniques
Professional expertise ensures that mold will be removed correctly. Improper handling of mold during removal can make the problem worse and exacerbate health risks inside the home.
Adams & Coe is an experienced mold remediation contractor in South Carolina. If you believe you have an infestation, contact us for an evaluation.