Black mold is a big concern in homes these days, and if you have excessive moisture anywhere, it is a good place for molds to start. Granted, Colorado is a very dry climate, but areas like Boulder, Louisville Colorado, and Longmont Colorado are still not safe from mold issues. The hiding places in which you will find black mold are not always the most obvious. A potential customer could be turned off if he finds them because he does not want a problem on his hands. You need to find the root of the problem which can also affect your family’s health before a purchaser does.
The moist areas like the shower and the tub in your bathroom would be favorite sports for mold to form. In a bathroom that is not well ventilated, molds can grow quite easily. Even ones that have fans might not be ventilated all the time, especially ones that have the fan on a separate switch. If you have small children in the residence, programming light and the fan to come on together makes it easier to prevent mold. An electrician can easily arrange this for you.
Check around the tub surround caulking and the seams in the shower and tub area met in the enclosures are fitted to the walls. Cracks in the caulking can allow moisture to collect and thus facilitate the growth of mold. Make it a rule to renew your bathroom caulking annually. The growth of mold is inhibited because it cuts off air circulation and the new caulking makes your bathroom look good.
You should next look in the basement where black mold can grow. If you have a finished basement, it can be hiding behind drywall because of moisture coming through concrete cracks in the foundation. By the time the mold becomes visible on the front of the wall, you will in all probability have a leak and a damp smell because of poor ventilation.
If your basement foundation itself is cracked, there is no way to fix it inexpensively but often rainwater that is redirected to the foundation by clogged gutters and spouts can cause a seepage. Building up the dirt around the base of the foundation on the outside can help keep water sloped away and sometimes, this will fix the problem.
If your drywall has been affected by the moisture, drying out is not an option and you would have to replace it. Poor ventilation in the basement is a major cause of mold and can be remedied by the use of a dehumidifier.
Moisture leakages can also create favorable conditions for black mold to grow under the kitchen sink and around the bathroom vanity. Even attics can reveal black mold if your roof has a leak or there is caulking needs around rooftop ventilators and attic fans. Ideal conditions for black mold to grow can be created in any part of the home which suffers from poor ventilation and damp .
There are many specially manufactured cleaning products for mold and mildew that are effective though sometimes bleach water will suffice. You can use swimming pool cleaners that are effective in killing molds but be careful that you do not end up inhaling the black mold by accident. Call in an expert if you feel that you cannot resolve the problem by yourself.
This article was provided by AutomatedHomefinder.com – your Colorado real estate experts.