Is Your Home Making You Sick?

Is Your Home Making You Sick?

Can you see mold? Can you smell mold? Do you feel sicker at home? Mold is a fungus that grows in places with a lot of moisture such as basements, bathrooms, roofs, windows, pipes, and places where there has been flooding. Mold is a serious issue that can negatively impact someone’s health and the longevity and safety of a house. That is why it is important to regularly check and evaluate the mold risk. Mold is caused by a leak in a roof, a damp basement, no ventilation in a bathroom, dirty gutters, or a lot of moisture around a window.

Mold causes health issues such as asthma. Mold spores can get into your nose and lungs and cause coughing and cold like symptoms. People can acquire asthma over time from the exposure of mold. It’s a good idea to figure out what is causing the mold and to get it out of your house.

Mold can be prevented by getting your roof fixed to prevent leaks, put a ventilation fan in your bathroom, clean your gutters out, an adequate vapor barrier put in your walls, proper seals around windows, and regular maintenance. If you take care of your house and control the moisture, everyone will be happy and healthy.

When building new construction, make sure your home is built properly with vapor barriers and adequate insulation to prevent dampness and leaks. “Dry in” the building before hanging drywall or installing ceilings. “Drying-in” is the process of sealing the building envelope, which prevents water infiltration. This includes installing a water-tight roof, exterior siding, windows, and seals around windows and other openings.

Ultimately, it’s your responsibility as a homeowner to avoid potential home and health issues and understand the simple techniques for how to prevent mold damage. Give PegArch a call if you have any questions.