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10 Things You Need to Know About Molds
- Mold Spores are everywhere
Mold spores are in the indoor and outdoor air continually. When they land on a damp spot indoors, they begin growing. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur. There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment.
- Moisture Control is the key
The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in a home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess moisture. The most common sources of moisture for mold growth are leaks! Roofs, walls, siding, pipes, sinks, showers, toilets, etc., are all potential sources of leaks. Other moisture sources include kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, fish tanks, humidifiers, etc. Wash mold off of hard surfaces with detergent and water. Absorbent materials, such as carpeting and ceiling tiles, have to be replaced. Controlling the moisture source is the key to controlling mold.
- Symptoms of mold exposure
Common indoor molds are penicillium and aspergillus. Cladosporium and alternaria are common outdoor molds that are brought indoors.
- Cold weather precautions
In cold weather climates, molds can be found on the corners of exterior rooms. Corner surfaces are colder than other areas and this increases the relative humidity on the interior surface of the corners. When the relative humidity reaches 70% on the wall surface, molds can form.
- Fix Leaks
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- Control indoor humidity
Reduce indoor humidity to decrease mold growth by venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture producing sources to the outside. Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.
- Prevent Condensation
Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces, i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roofs and floors by adding insulation or raising the temperature of the condensing surface.
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Eliminate potential moist areas
There are over 100,000 species of molds. William Rose, Research Architect for the University of Illinois, states that the allegations linking new-home construction methods and materials to a higher incidence of mold growth are not supported by fact. He believes that people should be informed about molds, but more importantly, they should be vigilant about places in the home they rarely inspect such as crawl spaces and plumbing access areas. Areas of potentially higher moisture should always be inspected.
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Prevent mold from starting
It is far easier to prevent mold problems than to fix them, but if a mold problem exists, fix the water problem that caused it. Mold cannot grow without moisture.
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Fungicides resist the growth of mold
Nu-Wool Premium Insulation contains an E.P.A. Registered Fungicide making it resistant to mold growth. Nu-Wool Premium Insulation is tested for mold growth under the Underwriters Laboratories test program. Under this ASTM test, the insulation is actually inoculated with five known spores. Nu-Wool insulation does not support mold growth. Nu-Wool Insulation, in fact, actively defends against mold growth with its all-borate fire retardant formula.
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