Homes that have problems with dampness are very prone to mold formation and spread. This has many different side effects, including unpleasant smells, but many people will tell you that mold isn’t harmful. Unfortunately, this is just not true; mold can be very harmful to your health and your home.
Irritation and Inflammation
There are many different species of mold, and while some are benign and non-harmful, there are many that are absolutely toxic if inhaled or ingested. Mold spores are tiny and will spread throughout a property via the HVAC system in very little time. Worse still, they cannot be seen with the naked eye and a single spot of mold on a wall can spread tens of thousands of spores. Incidentally, this is why you shouldn’t just cut mold away from bread; the spores will be all over the loaf.
These airborne spores can cause a huge number of issues, from skin irritation and infection to lightheadedness and dizzy spells. There are some species of mold, like black mold, that can also cause migraines and trouble breathing. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, these kinds of mold can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, they could be lethal for anyone who has a chronic respiratory condition.
Sagging Floors
Certain species of mold are also dangerous to the structure of your home. More specifically, they can damage exposed wooden structures within your home. As such, any wooden support joists in your basement that come into contact with mold spores can quickly become damaged. This process will be quicker, of course, if they have already been affected by dampness.
Mold needs organic material to thrive, and damp or rotting wood is a perfect meal. As mold spreads over the surface of a wooden joist, it will gradually become weaker. Over time, this can lead to over span and cause the joist to lose its load-bearing capability. The result of this will be a sagging main floor in your home. Of course, this process is not limited to wooden supports. Drywall, wooden window frames, and even your property’s floorboards can be affected by mold formation.