Humidity creates a very attractive environment for mold. And as all Florida residents know, humidity is something we have in spades, so mold is not an unusual problem. Humidity is one of the biggest causes of mold. But mold can also be caused by other things. For instance, if you have a roof or water leak at your home–even a small one–it can create a mold problem. If left unchecked, mold can get in the walls and can actually grow through your drywall. Once you have this problem, it can be very expensive to remedy.

There are only two things that mold needs to grow; food and moisture. Humidity or a water leak provides the moisture, and mold doesn’t mind eating your house for nutrition. Below is helpful information about mold and a list of where moisture can come from. This is courtesy of the website of Florida Health.

“Many building materials (such as wood, sheetrock, etc.) provide food that can support mold growth. Even dust that has settled on these materials or furniture can be a food source for molds. Molds can grow almost anywhere there is enough moisture or high humidity. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth because all molds require water to grow. Moisture can come from:

• Flooding from the outside (stormwater, overflowing lakes, streams, storm surge, etc.)
• Flooding from the indoor (overflow from sinks, tubs, toilets, air conditioner drain pans or sewerage systems)
• Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold)
• Water leaks from outside the building (roof, walls, floors)
• Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes
• Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting the walls or indoor fire sprinklers
• Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking)
• Humidifier use
• Drying wet clothes indoors, or not venting clothes dryers outdoors (including electric dryers)
• Houseplants (overwatering, etc.)
• Moisture from our bodies (sweat, wet hair on pillows, breath)
• Warm, moist air from outdoors
• Liquid spills“

Some molds are not much more than a nuisance, but a particular strain of black mold has toxins that can make you or your family sick. If there is someone in your home with allergies or asthma, they are in far more danger of being affected adversely by mold. This can cause upper respiratory problems, coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation. In fact, a family member who has unusual cold symptoms could actually be your first clue that you have a mold problem. Another great resource concerning mold, dampness, and illnesses it can cause comes from the CDC website. Read the information here.

Public Adjuster Talks About Mold: Great Educational Video

In the video below, one of Noble’s public adjusters talks about mold. This is a great video to watch to become educated as a homeowner. Mold in your home is serious business. Don’t let this problem go unchecked as mold eats away at the structure of your home and/or makes your family sick. If you have discovered a mold problem in your Florida home, call Noble Public Adjusting Group today at (850) 249-MYPA. One of our professional public adjusters will visit your home, test for mold, handle filing your insurance claim, and get cracking on having a mold removal specialist take care of the problem.

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Noble Public Adjusting Group 
107 Amar Place Suite 103
Panama City Beach (West End), FL 32413
(850) 249-MY-PA