Mold and Allergies

Seasonal allergies run rampant for some people when the seasons change, and summertime is the peak time of year for those allergic to mold. While there are plenty of mold species that merely trigger allergies, black mold in particular is known for its fatal effects. Here are a few ways you can stay safe and prevent a mold allergy from hindering your summer fun.

Help keep family members free from allergies by cleaning your ventilation system once every few years. Many homeowners don't realize that allergies are often triggered by dirty vents that constantly blow mold spores into every room of your house.

“Forty million Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever), and mold is one of several triggers -- especially in summertime.”
(CBS8. "Fight theMold Allergy". Brooks, Ellen.)

Be aware of areas with potential for long-term moisture such as basements, bathrooms, and underneath sink areas. When moisture sits for too long it becomes a prime risk for mold growth. Some quick tips to prevent this kind of mold growth:

• Wipe puddles after showering and cooking
• Scrub bathroom tiles with household cleaner
• Avoid letting your carpets stay wet for too long
• Immediately address burst/leaky pipes
• Look for signs of a plumbing leaks inside bathroom and kitchen cabinets, at base of toilets, and behind appliances on a monthly basis

Attic spaces can also be a major source of mold allergies, as they can get very warm and humid. It can be a prime spot for mold growth because of moisture caused by humidity or roof leaks. Mold can be prevented here using plastic tubs instead of cardboard boxes for storage. Items such as textiles, stuffed animals, and other fabric keepsakes should be kept in plastic bags to seal out moisture.

If you have concerns of toxic mold, such as black mold, in your house it might be best to have your home tested for this substance. Black toxic mold becomes increasingly dangerous if left untreated, especially since it is usually found in areas of your home that you don't see every day (like under carpets and inside walls). The best way to prevent toxic mold is to control the humidity in your home by investing in a few quality dehumidifiers during the summer months.

Call SOS for referrals to reputable, licensed, bonded and insured companies that can help you with these mold issues (labs to test your home’s mold levels, licensed plumbers to complete needed plumbing repairs, or if you need a reputable water restoration company when water damage is found). Call 1-888-589-1868 to speak with our customer service coordinators or fill out an online service request form.

Summertime Home Maintenance

It’s important to put some extra care into your home as we transition into summer. From being energy efficient indoors with your air conditioning, to taking care of outside safety measures for your pool – keep the following things in mind to gear up for an enjoyable season.

Your air conditioning unit will be the hero of your hottest days. For homes with window or free-standing air-conditioning units, make sure to remove and clean their filters. If you haven’t done this before, here’s a quick how-to:

• Power down and unplug your window or stand-alone A/C unit
• Get a putty knife to separate the grill from the mesh filter screen
• Prepare warm, soapy water to wash both the grill and the screen
• If mold is evident, it’s wise to add a safe amount of bleach to the cleaning mixture (best to do this cleaning outside of your home rather than release mold spores inside)
• Allow the grill and screen to dry completely before reattaching them to the unit

Any homeowner running their A/C, whether it’s central A/C or a window unit, should take care of a few energy-saving tasks. The caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is a major contributor to conserving cool air. If parts are not properly sealed, then fill gaps and replace old weather stripping with materials from a local home store. Ceiling fans can aid in air circulation when it’s cool enough to turn the A/C off. If you’re in the market for a new ceiling fan or stationary fan, go with a product with an ENERGY STAR sticker for optimum energy efficiency.

Fire season is expected to be strong during these summer months when the weather is hot and dry. To keep your home safe, take preventative measures to reduce chances of fire damage. Keep leaves and yard debris cleaned up and make a conscious effort to clean your gutters.

If you are fortunate enough to have a pool during these hot, sunny days, then make sure the access gate to your yard is secure. If children are around, you’ll really benefit from peace of mind if you have fencing along the pool’s perimeter with latches that are in working order.

If you encounter a home emergency or need a repair this summer, call SOS for referrals to contractors who will put as much care into your home as you do. Call 888-589-1868 or access our online service request form.

Have any tips to share with other homeowners? We’d love to hear them! Comment below or visit SOS on Facebook to tell us how you take care of your home during the summer months.