Mold: A Growing Problem For Residents
My Fox Boston featured a story on mold detection and remediation— a must-watch for all Boston homeowners. Spring is the time to get on top of the threat of mold left over by the melting winter snow and ice, before it grows out of control during the hot and humid summer months.
The record-setting snow and ice that came down on Boston this winter caused many problems for everyone in the area. From impassable roads to slippery sidewalks and travel bans, the problems were severe. Now that the winter has passed and spring has set in, it is tempting to think that the issues the snow and ice brought on are gone. However, there is one problem caused by the winter precipitation that may be sleeping in your walls.
That problem is mold. As the winter snow and ice melts, it can find its way into cracks in your home exterior. Seams where your windows meet your outer walls, or leaky skylight, for example. And given the sheer weight of the snow that fell, your roof may have unnoticed cracks in it just wide enough to let water in.
That water can create the ideal conditions for mold to grow. Within 48 hours, mold can start growing in your walls, attic, and ceilings. Sometimes spotting it is easy– water rings are a sure sign that there is mold to be found. Other times there is no clear indicator, save the musty sweet smell of growing mold. The mold may sit comfortably over the spring, and then grow very rapidly during the humid summer months.
In all cases, a professional inspection of your home, including those hard-to-reach spaces like the interiors of your walls, and your attic, can ensure that any mold present is found. And if there is mold present, professional mold remediation can remove it thoroughly– leaving you a safe, healthy home.
If you want to perform an inspection for mold yourself, follow these guidelines:
- Check everywhere. Pay special attention to areas of your home that are regularly damp (laundry rooms and bathrooms), and any areas which border the outdoors (attics, for instance).
- Look for visual signs of water damage like discoloration or warping. These signs indicate the presence of water, which is a prime component of mold growth.
- Keep aware of the smell of the area you’re in. Mold has a distinct smell, often described as musty and sweet. If you smell such an odor, it’s very likely that there is mold nearby.
If you suspect or confirm the presence of mold in your home, call a professional mold removal/remediation service like Mold Removal Boston. We service the entire Boston area as well as the rest of Massachusetts. We also serve New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine and Rhode Island.
