The Importance of Acting Quickly When Addressing Mould in the Home

The dangers of mould are all too real for today's homeowners and their families. This often invisible and silent threat can cause serious damage to a home's structural integrity and source numerous health issues to humans and pets. Mould in the home isn't always readily apparent to the eye, but the body may realize it sooner rather than later. Individuals with mould sensitivity or allergies are likely to experience increased asthmatic symptoms, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing, sore throat and/or headaches. While leaving mould untreated will cause structural damage, too, the health risks of mould to humans are reason enough to act fast with a mould inspection and remediation if necessary.

Structural Signs of Mould in the Home

Unfortunately, mould tends to grow and quickly flourish in some of the home's most unnoticed and invisible areas. Some common areas include HVAC ventilation systems and water-prone areas such as under sinks, laundry rooms, and behind bathroom wall tiles, tubs, and shower units. However, there are a few physical signs that mould is present even if it hasn't shown itself with those telltale black and greenish patches.

Warped walls or those that feel soft to the touch can indicate water leaks sourcing mould, crumbling plaster, peeling wallpaper or paint and new signs of wall cracks. Fresh cracks or gaps in grout or tiles create an opening for water-sourcing mould to grow. However, a funny, musty smell accompanies many types of mould that may be the biggest clue to hidden mould outbreaks. If any of these indicators or the aforementioned health concerns present themselves, getting professional mould removal services could prove invaluable.

The Long-Term Consequences of Home Mould Contamination

The physical health effects of mould exposure will vary depending on one's sensitivity and the particular type within the home. While many only experience allergy symptoms early on, mould can cause long-term health problems, particularly if black mould is the culprit. Black mould can cause severe respiratory issues, memory issues, and even chronic fatigue syndrome after years of exposure, and those with asthma or pulmonary conditions are likely to suffer worse.

Concerning structural damage caused by undetected mould, it's likely going to be in places that you may never see, such as in load-bearing beams, ceilings and behind structural support walls. These can be the most challenging to locate and eradicate before they deteriorate your structure, cause irreversible damage, or require expensive repairs. With so many risks, North East Calgary owners must decide whether to tackle mould removal themselves or whether to call in a pro.

DIY Mould Removal or Professional Remediation?

Just as is the same with standard home improvements, homeowners need to determine whether to seek out mould remediation through DIY projects or by hiring a professional. A word of caution about self-removal and eradication efforts: most homeowner's efforts are largely unsuccessful long-term. Mould has millions of invisible, fast-spreading spores that can permeate just about any space—even clothing.

If caught in the early stages, small spots can often be treated with EPA-registered fungicides, but larger areas may require removing sheetrock, tiles, or other complex construction projects. Furthermore, it's necessary to identify the moisture problem that caused its appearance in the first place to prevent future recurrence. Unless one is very handy and willing to take chances with their health and structure, calling someone for an expert mould inspection and remediation or cleanup is the best solution.

How to Proceed With DIY Mold Remediation

Arranging furniture by zones helps establish a flow that will make the rooms seem unified but functional. This is especially important in rooms with an open floor plan, as this helps to show the functionality and intended purpose of the room. 

Older furniture that is worn or in poor shape can hurt the room's visual aesthetics, as oversized furniture pieces seem to take up too much room and draw too much attention. Many homeowners will replace these furnishings with pieces that are properly sized and in good condition. 

Unfurnished rooms with uncertain purposes are best furnished with pieces that show their purpose (or at least a purpose). This turns the room back into a useable living space in the mind of the buyer. Extra rooms can be made into guest rooms, home offices or a hobby room. Whatever the purpose, it's important for the buyer to visualize the room as functional and comfortable. 

Arranging furniture with symmetry can make a space seem formal while arranging furniture asymmetrically makes it seem less formal. Homeowners should pick the symmetry of the arrangement based on the intended function of the room.  

Furniture can also be placed to establish focal points, which are important for aesthetic purposes. For example, arranging several chairs around the living room's fireplace (its focal point) can help draw attention to it. This gives the homeowner more opportunity to show off the fireplace. After pointing all chairs (and thus all eyes) to the fireplace, the homeowner can then put something decorative over the fireplace, like a large piece of artwork.

Got Mould? Get Help Today!

Don't wait another day to find out if there's toxic mould secretly taking over within the home—contact a local mould inspector and remediation expert today.