Preventative Maintenance on Mold and Mildew Fungi
Mold and mildew fungi, prior to forming into decay fungi, do not cause any structural damage to wood but will result of discoloration.
However, it is important to realize that mold fungi can lead to decay fungi which will affect the structural integrity of the wood.
Additionally, health issues are a concern anytime there are spore clusters whether or not they are visible to the eye.
Outdoor and Indoor Mold: On the outside of the home, mold can appear caused by drying condensation This is found most particularly on the North side where low hanging trees and dense shrubbery are close to the house.
On the inside, mold can appear in basements, attics, crawlspaces, and bathrooms.
Damp conditions and poor ventilation are usually the cause.
Mold fungi can be differentiated into mold fungi and decay fungi, of which decay fungi is known to damage and weaken wood.
These fungi produce large amounts of spores which colonize the wood which may or may not be visible to the eye.
Both mold and mildew fungi can have extremely adverse affect on individuals' heath.
Preventative Maintenance: The best way to discourage this type of growth is through preventative maintenance.
In order to lower humidity, dehumidify the room and increase ventilation.
You will also want to repair leakage in pipes and structural surfaces, especially in the cove joints (area where floor and walls come together).
Once these areas are properly waterproofed, then you can begin the process of removing mold.
However, if the source of moisture has not been eliminated, then the removal of the mold will only be temporary.
Mold can be removed using a beach or ammonia product (Do NOT mixed these together, though).
After using the chemical solution, be sure to rinse with fresh water and thoroughly dry the surface.
The cleaning will considerably lower the number of mold spores colonizing in the area.
"Efforts to recognize re-move, and remediate mold and mildew are preventative measures that will discourage colonization of decay fungi and lower the homeowner's exposure to spores" states Carol Clausen in her presentation article for the Conference on Durability and Disaster Mitigation in Wood-Frame Housing held in Madison, Wisconsin (2000).
However, it is important to realize that mold fungi can lead to decay fungi which will affect the structural integrity of the wood.
Additionally, health issues are a concern anytime there are spore clusters whether or not they are visible to the eye.
Outdoor and Indoor Mold: On the outside of the home, mold can appear caused by drying condensation This is found most particularly on the North side where low hanging trees and dense shrubbery are close to the house.
On the inside, mold can appear in basements, attics, crawlspaces, and bathrooms.
Damp conditions and poor ventilation are usually the cause.
Mold fungi can be differentiated into mold fungi and decay fungi, of which decay fungi is known to damage and weaken wood.
These fungi produce large amounts of spores which colonize the wood which may or may not be visible to the eye.
Both mold and mildew fungi can have extremely adverse affect on individuals' heath.
Preventative Maintenance: The best way to discourage this type of growth is through preventative maintenance.
In order to lower humidity, dehumidify the room and increase ventilation.
You will also want to repair leakage in pipes and structural surfaces, especially in the cove joints (area where floor and walls come together).
Once these areas are properly waterproofed, then you can begin the process of removing mold.
However, if the source of moisture has not been eliminated, then the removal of the mold will only be temporary.
Mold can be removed using a beach or ammonia product (Do NOT mixed these together, though).
After using the chemical solution, be sure to rinse with fresh water and thoroughly dry the surface.
The cleaning will considerably lower the number of mold spores colonizing in the area.
"Efforts to recognize re-move, and remediate mold and mildew are preventative measures that will discourage colonization of decay fungi and lower the homeowner's exposure to spores" states Carol Clausen in her presentation article for the Conference on Durability and Disaster Mitigation in Wood-Frame Housing held in Madison, Wisconsin (2000).
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