From Damp Walls to Mold Growth: The Dangers of Ignoring Leaks at Home

Even the minor cracks or gaps in the construction of your house, can become a source of many problems, including the appearance of mold. Mold spores are present in the air at all times and all that is needed for it is to find a conducive environment with moisture. Spare a drip, a dammed roof, or high humidity in your home, and it creates a perfect environment for mold – a hazard to your families’ health as well as structures of your home.

The Dangers of Mold Growth

Mold growth is not just a problem that affects the appearance of the interior of buildings and homes. It can cause a variety of health problems, including:

1. Respiratory problems: Inhalation exposure can cause respiratory illness which manifest itself by coughing, wheezing and difficulty in breathing. This is especially allergic to people with asthma conditions, be it children or grown-up individuals.

2. Skin irritation: Itchy, red and unpleasant rash is one of the symptoms of skin reaction to mold.

3. Other health problems: Although exposure to molds for an extended period can lead to very severe effects like headaches, depression, and even neurological disorder.

This is apart from the health risks associated with mold growth which also poses a great threat to your home. Mold can cause a lot of damage to painting, drywalls and any other material that is used in construction. Since aluminum siding is a metal, it can also break down the internal support system of your house significantly.

Identifying Leaks and Mold Growth

The main factor of preventing formation of mold is that leaks should be detected and fixed in the shortest time possible. Here are some signs that you may have a leak in your home:

1. The apparent signs that are usually associated with the presence of this element include presence of water stains on the walls or the ceilings, blisters on the paint or even the floor, among others.

2. Unexplained musty odors

3. Increased humidity levels

In case you are sure that you are dealing with a leakage then it will be wiser to detect the cause of it and have it rectified as soon as possible. You should also conduct a check for dampness and mold growth on the walls of the rooms. Mold can come in different colors; black, green, brown, or even white types. It can fester on walls and ceilings, on the floor as well as on furniture and even in the ventilation systems.

Taking Action Against Mold Growth

If you discover mold growth in your home, it's important to take action immediately. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Identify and address the source of the leak. This is the best procedure in avoiding more mold formation in the building.

2. Contain the mold. Put on a mask and goggles and cover the affected area with plastic sheet and tape it up with duct tape so that the molds will not spread to the other areas of your house.

3. Remove the mold. When mold is not large and covers a space of less than 10 sq. ft., you can negotiate to remove the mold by yourself. However, for large scale infestations, one has no option than seek the services of mold remediation firms.4. Prevent future mold growth. After the mold has been treated, find ways of avoiding a repeat of the problem in the future. This involves repairs of any issue that would lead to formation of leaks, proper airing, and regulation of humidity in your house.

Waterproofing Solutions to Prevent Leaks and Mold Growth

Here's where 20 microns comes in!  We offer a variety of high-performance waterproofing solutions that can help prevent leaks and mold growth in your home. Our products include:
1. Tigersil 2-90: A high-performance, silicone-based sealant that is ideal for sealing cracks, joints, and gaps around windows, doors, and other building elements.
2. Nanosil: A unique, water-repellent coating that can be applied to interior and exterior walls to create a barrier against moisture. 
3. Micronsil 30 C Plus: A robust, cementitious waterproofing compound that is ideal for waterproofing terraces, roofs, and basements.

By using these products along with proper maintenance, you can create a watertight barrier that will protect your home from leaks and mold growth.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Wetness and other related problems are some of the common issues that can lead to heavy losses in your home and also the entire health of an individual. If you have any signs that you have a leak, don't wait until it's too late. As soon as you notice signs of drainage take prompt steps to eliminate the cause of leakage and or mold formation. Since buildings allow damp to penetrate its walls and cause mold to grow, you should prevent the formation of leaks to ensure the safety of your home and family.