Spring Cleaning Mold
From Mold Busters, the Mold Removal Experts
While the majority of us welcome spring with open arms, a great deal of work accompanies this season, namely home improvements and spring cleaning. The roof, windows, and foundation of your home bear the brunt of winter weather. As a result, repairs are nearly inevitable once spring rolls around.
Some property owners love spring cleaning and repairs, whereas others could do without. No matter your stance, it’s the perfect time for spring cleaning mold. A comprehensive clean, as well as taking care of leaking windows, leaking roofs and flooding basements will help you detect and prevent mold.
Leaking windows
Windows certainly bear the brunt of winter weather. Ice storms and heavy gusts of wind can seriously damage a window and its frame. It’s common then for cracks and leaks to develop throughout the winter.
When water enters your home through cracks in the windows or the window frames, you’re immediately at risk of mold. Following water intrusion, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, it’s imperative you check your windows this spring; look closely for leaks of any size. Also keep your eyes peeled for black spots (potentially indicating mold) on or surrounding the window frame.
In order to prevent mold, detect and eliminate the source of moisture. Patch up all window leaks as soon as possible.
Leaking roofs
Your roof is always susceptible to leaks; it’s usually the first to get hit with rain, sleet and snow. Shingles deteriorate and fall off over time. That said, after the winter, you’re going to want to ensure the roof is still intact.
If there are leaks in your roof, your chance of developing a home mold problem increases. Attics contain a great deal of cellulose-rich materials, including insulation and wood. If water seeps through your roof and accumulates on cellulose-rich material, you have the ideal conditions for mold growth.
If a roof inspection or repair isn’t already included in your spring-time maintenance routine, consider it.
Flooding basements
Spring is a popular time for basements to flood. After all, spring is notorious for wet weather and the melting snow puts substantial pressure on your drainage system.
Whether it’s because of snowmelt, problems with your piping or cracks in your home’s foundation, a basement flood in the spring is common. If you don’t act quickly to ensure proper flood restoration, mold grows—and fast. Because it’s so damp to begin with, the basement is extremely prone to mold growth following a flood.
Cleaning to find mold
Spring is the most popular time to thoroughly clean your home. It’s rejuvenating to push open the window and inhale fresh air, while you toss the old for the new and tidy every crevice of your home.
While you’re cleaning, pay attention to any signs of mold in your home. Ask yourself: Are the walls discoloured? Is there black spotting underneath sinks or in other highly humid areas? Are there any musty odours?
Cleaning to find mold takes time and special attention. Clean areas you tend to overlook, such as the crawlspace or the attic. These rooms are often hard to reach but the most prone to mold, as they’re usually dark, damp and cramped.
There are several signs of mold, but these signs are not always visible. In fact, you might need an infrared camera to detect moisture or mold behind walls or underneath floor boards.
Spring is a time for renewal; it’s a fresh start for many men, women and their families. The only way you can truly start fresh, with a clean and healthy home, is to ensure it’s mold-free. Otherwise, your health and the structural integrity of your home will remain in jeopardy.
This spring, clean mold and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a happy, healthy home.