Dampness is not a big deal when you are talking about towels hanging in the bathroom. But when humidity and damp conditions are a constant, it can become a huge problem – and cause serious damage – to your home. We recently sat down with experts from the mold remediation company Rytech Nashville to find out more about how a little water in the air can become a big problem for homeowners.
Q: Tennessee is a humid state during the summer. How can that affect a home’s interior?
Rytech Nashville: The outdoor humidity is usually not a problem for exterior areas. However, when it is hot and muggy outside, and your home’s interior can’t regulate moisture, the water vapors trapped inside can creep into small openings, such as holes in the drywall and cracks in the caulk. This can cause mold and mildew.
Q: Is mold really dangerous?
Rytech Nashville: Mold is always a cause for concern. Although every home has mold, the spores are usually dormant and will not harm you. However, if those spores come into contact with water, whether on a surface or in the air, mold will begin to grow within 48 hours and at a surprising rate. Within just a few days, millions of reproductive-stage mold spores can be released into the air, which can pose a threat to the health of some people.
Q: What kind of health problems are associated with mold exposure?
Rytech Nashville: People who are prone to respiratory infections, those with asthma, young children and elderly people with a compromised immune system are at risk of breathing problems. However, everyone is at risk of a mold allergy, which is similar to a severe cold. In the Nashville area, mold remediation must be followed up with proper home maintenance to eliminate mold spores and other allergens. Keeping humidity down and servicing the HVAC on a regular basis is key.
Q: Aside from the potential to harm human health, what other problems can mold cause?
Rytech Nashville: One of the most serious side-effects of mold and moisture is structural deterioration. The most vulnerable parts of a home are wood and drywall. Over time, wood, and especially the frame of your home, which is hidden behind the walls, can become brittle and rot.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover mold remediation?
Rytech Nashville: Mold remediation caused by certain circumstances, such as a water pipe suddenly breaking, should be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Unfortunately, mold allowed to grow because of improper ventilation, a faulty HVAC system, or neglect will become your financial burden.
Q: How can moisture in one room affect another room?
Rytech Nashville: We mentioned earlier that moisture can enter tiny cracks and crevices throughout the home. Given time, it can push even further into these tiny spaces. As hidden areas become saturated, surface moisture can travel. Think of it like a sponge soaking up water from a small drip. A home that does not have proper air circulation can also cause moisture to expand its reach.
Q: Are all humid environments full of mold?
Rytech Nashville: It is safe to assume that a home with long-term dampness has a mold problem.
Q: What is the best way to prevent mold from spreading?
Rytech Nashville: Mold remediation services, which start with identifying the damage and then determining the source of the moisture, will reduce the spread. It is up to homeowners, however, to maintain a home properly after remediation and restoration. Regular plumbing and HVAC system checkups along with monthly inspections of hidden spaces, such as the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, can help identify small issues before they become a big problem.
Visit www.rytechinc.com/nashville or call 615-751-8445 for more information.
