Molds, Dust Mites & Odors in Greater Knoxville and Surrounding Areas
Often, the first signs of mold are visible within blotchy stains, either found on the floor, walls, or even wrapped around objects such as piping. When you can’t see the mold however, you can immediately sense there’s a problem when the moldy smell hangs in the air, making a room smell damp and musty.
If you’re concerned about mold growing in your home, you should be. Mold has been responsible for damaging building materials and possessions, but far more importantly, it can take its toll on your family’s health, as well. Mold can cause breathing problems and can trigger asthma, allergic reactions or other resperatory ailments.
Dust Mites and Mold Like Moisture
Mold dislikes the sun and dry areas, and thrives in moist, dark environments, with a food source of organic materials to consume. To get a good idea of where mold growth may be starting, the best place to look is below ground level, in your basement or crawl space.
In the same vein, dust mites also thrive in the same conditions–and while their presence is merely an irritation, their microscopic feces does pose a serious health hazard, equal to mold spores.
Aside from mold causing respiratory problems, dust mites do the same thing. Dust mites can defacate up to twenty times per day, and this amounts to it creating waste up to 200 times its own body weight. Their feces, having the composition of 15 potent allergens, can trigger asthma and respiratory issues in humans. In fact, studies prove dust mites are the number one indoor allergen we face in our homes! Your best bet is to kill the dust mites, by lowering the relative humidity in the environment to below 50%. Dust mites die when there is no more humidity to suck up from the air, effectively dehydrating them.
Take Control and Dry Up Moisture
A permanent solution against the ill effects of mold focusses on controlling moisture and getting mold-resistant, inorganic materials in your basement. That can range from having a sump pump and drain installed, to purchasing a dehumidification system, or perhaps you may need a vapor barrier to ensure that outside moisture can not get inside your crawl space or basement.
Choose Trusted Waterproofing
At Trusted Waterproofing, we only employ highly-trained professionals who are dedicated to giving homeowners in the Greater Knoxville area, more comfortable and healthier homes. Call 865-213-7565 today for help with moisture control, mold control, or basement waterproofing.
