The sun is shining. The grill is ready to go. But then, all of a sudden, you find mold. Summertime mold is always a headache to deal with. Luckily, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog. Below, we answer commonly asked questions about mold damage in summer.
What Causes Summertime Mold?
As with everything, there are many reasons that mold grows in the summertime. One of the biggest reasons is humidity.
High humidity levels are standard in the summer, especially here in Portland. Generally, mold needs humidity and moisture to grow. The hotter it is, the easier it is for mold to develop. Hotter temps and interior condensation cause moisture levels in the air to rise. This mixture creates the ideal environment to grow.
Calling a mold damage professional is necessary if you recently suffered a water leak after a rainstorm or burst pipe this summer. Otherwise, it can lead to mold damage.
Risk Factors of Summer Mold Damage
Areas that suffered water leaks or condensation are more prone to mold damage. Likewise, rooms with poor ventilation are also at risk of growth.
However, these aren’t the only risk factors. Mold growth sometimes leads to mold allergies and other physical symptoms. If you or a relative have asthma, you’re at a higher risk of developing a mold allergy. Furthermore, young children and the elderly are at higher risk of physical symptoms.
What Are the Signs of a Mold Allergy or Sickness Caused by Mold?
Anyone suffering from a mold allergy will likely experience coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Residents may also experience itchy, watery eyes, nausea and/or vomiting, and headaches. Unfortunately, you may confuse your mold allergy for a regular cold.
If you notice that your symptoms decrease when you step outside of the house or a particular room, it may be a mold allergy. Likewise, if your symptoms start when you enter a specific area of the house, consider it a warning.
While these symptoms may not seem like a huge worry, keep in mind that mold growth can spell other trouble, too. Mold growth is known to cause insomnia, depression, skin irritation, and anxiety. Simply put, summertime mold in your house significantly hinders your day-to-day life without you even realizing it.
Fortunately, a solution is knowing how to handle mold after it develops.
How to Handle Summertime Mold Safely and Effectively
If the mold growth is small, you may want to try cleaning it yourself. If treating mold in your kitchen, use some white vinegar and let it sit for one hour. You can also try using tea tree oil, detergent, and baking soda to try and treat mold spores.
Remember, when treating mold yourself, always wear the proper protective gear. Wear a face mask to avoid breathing in harsh chemicals, and wear gloves. If you can, try to wear eyeglasses, as well. Some molds are toxic to breathe in, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
However, for larger areas or places that are difficult to reach, you need to call in a professional. A mold damage repair company will inspect your home for mold and use the correct cleaning solution to treat it at the source.
To treat mold, a mold damage repair team uses special equipment such as air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and HEPA vacuums. Chances are, you don’t have this equipment handy, nor will it be worth buying it yourself to treat it once.
Don’t Let Mold Ruin Your Portland Summer – Call the Team at PNW Restoration to Schedule an Appointment
There’s nothing worse than dealing with mold during the summer. It smells. It doesn’t look good. And unfortunately, if left untreated, it causes a lot of structural damage to your home.
Dealing with this yourself is not how you want to spend your summer. That’s where PNW Restoration comes in. Instead of giving up your pool party or family vacation to treat mold, you can call us to come out and do it for you.
Everyone on our team is IICRC certified, so you can trust that we’ll treat your mold right the first time. Call us today at 971-247-3470 to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, feel free to check out our blog for answers to other commonly asked questions about mold damage and how to treat it.
