Mold, Moisture and Your Home
The Invisible Threat: Understanding Mold in Your Home
As a homeowner mold is a word that can cause instant anxiety. The truth is, mold spores are part of the natural environment—they’re floating in the air both indoors and out. They only become a problem when they find what they need to thrive: moisture.
At Trailblazer Home Inspections, we believe the best defense against mold growth is understanding the core issue.
The Golden Rule: Moisture Control is Mold Control
If there is one key takeaway from this post, it is this: Molds will not grow without water or moisture.
Mold begins growing indoors when its spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp. This means the single most important action you can take to prevent a mold issue is to act quickly when you have a leak or spill.
Crucial Timeline: If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases, mold will not grow.
Why You Can't Ignore the Moisture
In the natural world, mold plays a vital role in breaking down dead organic matter. Inside your home, it works on your structural materials, carpets, and drywall—which is why growth must be avoided.
If you clean up the mold but don't fix the underlying water problem, the mold is highly likely to return.
⚕️ Mold and Your Health: What You Need to Know
While mold is often invisible, its potential health effects are real. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
Here are the most common ways mold can affect the home's occupants:
Allergic Reactions: Inhaling or touching mold can trigger hay fever-like symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
Irritation: Mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both allergic and non-allergic individuals.
Asthma Triggers: People with asthma who may be allergic to mold, exposure can cause severe asthma attacks.
While research is ongoing, if you suspect mold is impacting your health, please consult a health professional.
Trailblazer Tip!
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Trailblazer Tip! 〰️
During an inspection, the most common places we find hidden moisture—which often leads to mold—are near vent pipes in the attic, under sinks, and behind old appliances. These are areas homeowners often overlook.
The Trailblazer Guide to Mold Cleanup and Prevention
If you discover mold in your home, you must approach the issue in two phases: Cleanup and Prevention.
Phase 1: Cleaning Up the Existing Mold
Fix the Source First: Immediately repair plumbing leaks and other water problems.
Clean Hard Surfaces: Scrub mold off non-porous surfaces (like tile or glass) with detergent and water, and dry them completely.
When to Discard: Absorbent or porous materials (like drywall, ceiling tiles, or carpet) may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow deep within these materials and may be impossible to remove entirely.
Do Not Seal It In: Never paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. Clean up and dry the surface before painting, as paint applied over mold is likely to peel.
Phase 2: Prevention Through Moisture Control
The most effective strategy is keeping indoor humidity low. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 30% to 50% Relative Humidity (RH). You can easily measure this using an inexpensive humidity meter from your local hardware store.
