California, in general, has a fairly dry climate. But occasionally we experience bursts of humidity. Beyond making the air “sticky” and uncomfortable, humidity can have a negative effect on our health and homes through mold. Molds are simple, microscopic organisms which can grow on walls and ceilings due to excess moisture. They smell, they’re unsightly and they can even kill. Is unexpected California humidity causing mold in your home? If so, what causes it – and what can you do to stop it?
What Causes of Mold?
The Stack Effect
One of the major culprits for dampness and mold in houses is something known as the “stack effect.” The stack effect is a phenomenon where hot air leaves the home through the attic or upper levels, creating a vacuum below – allowing more moist air to be pulled in through basements or lower floors.
If, for example, your area is experiencing higher than normal humidity, the stack effect could result in increased moisture in your basement or lower levels – which may lead to mold spores. As the stack effect continues, this damp air will make its way up through your home, the spores will travel as well, infesting all that they come into contact with
How to Remove Mold & Protect Your Home
Once you have identified an outbreak of mold in your home, what should you do? The first step is to control the humidity.
Ventilation
Moisture can be a problem in any home due to bathing and cooking. To protect from mold and reduce humidity it is essential that adequate ventilation be available. This is especially true for all bathrooms and the kitchen. As fans can be noisy, a smart idea is to install something called a humidistat, which can silently monitor humidity levels and turn fans on when needed.
Windows
Single pane windows are less effective at keeping moisture out than double paned windows. Double paned windows offer improved sound insulation. Storm windows are a much better option on paper, as they are excellent at keeping nearly everything out – but in California, they aren’t really practical.
Cut Out Mold Infestations
Once you’ve taken steps to reduce the humidity, you need to tackle the mold infestations. One of the most drastic ways to achieve this is to simply cut out the parts of the wall which have been most affected by mold spores, then replace the wall. This will probably be unavoidable for particularly large clusters of molds.
Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning products can be effective at killing mold and removing the stains. Some of the best cleaning solutions include:
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Borax
- Ammonia
- Baking Soda
Insurance
One of the best ways to protect yourself from mold and the negative effects it can have by getting the right insurance plan. At Insurance Online, customers can compare hundreds of quotes – and not just from the big providers – at any time 24/7. We’re more than just an insurance company. Our agents live and work in the same communities as you so you can be assured you’ll get the right policy from an agent that understands your needs. So, when life happens, Insurance Online is just a click away. Call us today at 1 (800) 313-8013 to speak to an agent about home insurance – so if mold strikes, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.