Mold can be a concern in your home if it has grown anywhere. The basement, crawl space, and attic have traditionally been the most prevalent places for mold to grow. And any time there is water infiltration anyplace in the house and the water is not removed and the area is not dried immediately, mold might grow. Mold can grow in as soon as 24 to 48 hours after any type of water damage. Mold can grow in the presence of oxygen, water or moisture, and food. Any organic material discovered in your home can be used as mold food. Mold can grow on wood, insulation backing, wallboard, plants, ceiling tiles, cloth, and even dust. Here are the top five reasons why you should repair your home to get rid of mold.

Mold can harm the structural components of your home over time. This is due to the mold's ability to feed on and breakdown any organic material. Mold loves anything that includes wood or cellulose as a food source. Wood or wood composites are also an important component of a home's foundation and construction. It makes no difference if the organic material is found in the basement, crawl space, major dwelling levels, or attic. Mold can also live on metal, concrete, or plastic if dust or dirt is present, as previously stated. Mold can grow if it has oxygen, a supply of moisture, and food. Any room in your house could be a target.

Another major worry with mold is how it impacts air quality and the health of those who live in or visit the property. Mold produces small particles into the air, which can irritate those who are allergic to mold. As a consequence, some mold releases poisons known as mycotoxins into the air. Mycotoxins have the potential to create more serious health problems and diseases. Allergies are reactions to the presence of mold, whether it is transmitted through touch, ingestion, or inhalation. Some symptoms include headaches, sore throats, itchy skin, rashes, runny noses, coughing, and sneezing. Even if the mold is in the basement or crawl space, it is critical to get rid of it because 50% of the air in the upper floors comes from the basement or crawl area. Mold exposure is especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, the very young, and the elderly.

Another reason to get mold removed is that it might lower the value of your house. According to realtors, it might reduce the value of your home by about 3%. This equates to a $6,000 loss in the value of a $200,000.00 property! If there is structural damage to the foundation or other structural aspects of the house, the value can drop even further.

Mold can cause damage to your home's contents. Keep in mind that the majority of the items in your home are composed of organic materials. If mold is present, the contents may need to be cleaned or discarded. Mold-infested furniture might infect a new space if it is transferred to another site. It can be time-consuming and costly to clean upholstered furniture and computer components. Damaged belongings are likewise costly to replace. And certain sensitive items, such as dried bridal bouquets, photographs, or other mementos, cannot be replaced.

Finally, mold has a strong odor. Mold can produce musty or earthy scents as a secondary effect. Some persons are able to tolerate, are not sensitive to, or are unable to perceive odors. Others may be more sensitive to the odor. Exposure to the mVOCs generated by some molds can cause nausea, exhaustion, and dizziness, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mold should be removed immediately.