During your spring cleaning, you discover mold on your window frames. You clean up the mold, install your screens and forget about it. At least until fall when you remove your screens for the cold season. What do you find on your window frames? You guessed it: mold. Clean up the mold and then listen to our short clip as we present 5 interesting facts to know about mold!

1. What is mold?
Mold is a living organism that helps break down dead organic matter. It can be found everywhere: indoors and outdoors, on plants, leaves and in the soil. Mold spores travel through the air and can grow as long as there is a mixture of moisture and food. There are thousands of species of mold and can be any color!

2. What does mold need to grow?
To grow, mold needs a food source – leaves, paper, wood or other organic material – a source of moisture and the right temperature. Many surfaces in your home can provide nutrients including wall coverings, floors, carpets, clothing and furniture. Note that moisture reduction is the key to mold control.

3. Why is there mold in a house?
Mold is an indicator of excess moisture in the home. Although there are various sources of indoor moisture that can promote its growth, the most common are flooding, a wet basement, a leaky roof, a leaky plumbing pipe, a dryer with no outside outlet, condensation on cold surfaces, the use of humidifiers, etc…

4. Should I worry about mold?
Actually, it will depend on the amount. A small amount of mold – like mold on a shower curtain – is not a major problem. However, a larger area can cause significant health problems. In particular, chronic exposure to mold can lead to fairly severe allergic reactions. In addition, mold can damage building materials, finishes, furniture and, in some cases, even structural components.

5. How can I prevent mould growth?
The key to preventing and stopping mold growth indoors is to exercise better moisture control. Here are some tips on how to do this and prevent mold growth indoors:
– Keep the humidity level between 30% and 50%. Dehumidifiers may be necessary in areas such as the basement;
– Repair water leaks in the roof, walls, windows or plumbing pipes;
– Ventilate bathrooms and kitchen;
– Provide an outside outlet for the clothes dryer;
– Move furniture slightly away from exterior walls so that air can circulate freely;
– In the basement, use plastic bins to store clothes, books or other papers;
– In the basement, use plastic bins to store clothes, books or other papers; Clean the eaves troughs regularly and make sure that the water runs away from the foundation.

Finally, don’t just clean up the mold, identify the source of the problem and fix it for good. Don’t let mold ruin your life: call our specialists and ensure a healthy living environment for your family!