Mold In Florida Can Be Incredibly Destructive To Homes And Harmful To Humans
When people talk about mold in Florida, they either don't know what you're talking about or get that sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach. For those that have a compromised immune system, the very mention of the word "mold" can cause anxiety and fear due to past experiences of how it can affect a person's health. For other Floridians, it just means you need to have a container of bleach somewhere nearby.
Mold is elusive. It can travel through the air or it can live beneath the walls and floors of your home. It can even live in your air ducts. An indoor air quality inspection is the best way to determine if you have a mold problem in your home. An inspection can detect the presence of mold beyond a healthy threshold. Since mold can't always be seen, an inspection can be incredibly valuable.
When it comes to mold in Florida, there are usually two different opinions from homeowners on what to do about it. One group will tell you to just mix a solution of bleach and water together and spray it on the contaminated area. This is not only ignorant but dangerous. Contrary to popular belief, putting bleach on mold does not get rid of the mold. In fact, it can make the situation worse! Unfortunately, the other popular opinion about mold isn't much better. Many homeowners when faced with the prospect of a mold issue simply give up. They believe if they can't see it, then it doesn't hurt anyone.
How Did Mold Get In My House?
In order for mold to grow, it needs three things: food, moisture and temperature. Mold is a fungus that feeds on organic compounds such as wood. Additionally, this is why when you spray your bleach and water mixture onto a mold site, you are only providing more moisture for the fungus to thrive.
As we mentioned, mold needs an organic material to feed on. Examples, that may exist in your home include wood, drywall or fabric. Mold will not grow on any compounds such as plastic, metal, ceramic or glass.
As far as moisture goes, here in Florida, moisture is everywhere. Unfortunately, Florida has a high humidity count, which means a great deal of that moisture is traveling through the air. Florida residents are very familiar with the concept of humidity. What most don't realize though, is that even though you don't have a water leak somewhere in your home, humidity can cause moisture to infiltrate your home and start to grow. All it takes is a humidity level of 50% or more to start the growth cycle. In fact, most homeowners never see humidity levels this low in Florida.
Temperature is the final match that lights the fire when it comes to a mold infestation in your home or commercial property. Mold not only grows, but it thrives in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Because the state of Florida is known as the "Sunshine State", it is rather common to see temperatures above 70 degrees for much of the year. The average temperature in a Florida household is roughly about 72 degrees. Consequently, this means Tampa Bay residents all live in the perfect environment for growing mold in our homes.
So, what's a homeowner to do about mold in Florida?
How Do I Make Sure My House Is Free Of Mold?
The best way to ensure your home is free of mold in Florida is to hire a licensed property inspection company that specializes in mold testing. Inspectors with a mold certification are specially trained in the biology and science of mold growth and understand how to detect its presence in the air of a home or business. Having a mold test and indoor air quality assessment can provide valuable details about the air you are breathing.
If mold is detected, Solid Rock Inspections Group can provide details and information on what to do in order to get rid of the mold inside your property.
Mold In Florida Is Dangerous To your Health - Call Solid Rock Inspections Group To Perform A Mold Inspection Today
Solid Rock Inspections Group are trained mold detection specialists and are available to address any concerns you may have about the air in your house. Call us today at (727) 386-8627 to schedule a mold test for your home or business or contact us on our website here.