Home Improvement
Mold and Your Home: What You Need to Know

Mold is a fungus that grows from multicellular filaments called hyphae. Mold is commonly found in damp or humid environments and can grow on various materials, including food, paper, and wood. Some types of mold can produce toxins known as mycotoxins, which can be harmful to humans if ingested or inhaled. Mold exposure can cause various health effects, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. If you think you may have a mold problem in your home, it is essential to address the issue promptly to prevent the spread of mold and protect your health.
What should I do to prevent mold growth in my home?
If you notice mold symptoms in your house, you must take the following actions to stop mold growth there:
- Keep your home well-ventilated: Proper airflow can help to prevent mold growth by reducing humidity levels.
- Fix any leaks: Water leaks or excess moisture can provide the ideal environment for mold growth. Make sure to fix any leaks as soon as possible to prevent mold from developing.
- Use a dehumidifier: If you live in a humid climate or have a damp basement, using a dehumidifier can help to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
- Clean and dry any wet areas immediately: If an area of your home becomes wet, dry it thoroughly as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
- Keep the humidity level in your home below 50%: You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in your home. If it is above 50%, consider using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce the humidity.
- Avoid carpeting in damp areas: Carpeting can hold moisture, providing a perfect breeding ground for mold. Consider using tiles or other waterproof flooring materials in moist areas.
- Use an exhaust fan: When cooking, bathing, or showering, use an exhaust fan to help remove excess moisture from the air.
By following these steps, you can help prevent mold growth in your home and protect your and your family’s health.
How do I get rid of mold in my home?
If you have a small amount of indoor mold, you may be able to remove it yourself using the following steps:
- Protect yourself: Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles to protect yourself from mold spores.
- Isolate the area: Close all doors and windows to the room where the mold is located, and turn off any fans or HVAC systems.
- Scrub the mold: Use a mixture of water and detergent to scrub the moldy surface. Be sure to clean thoroughly to remove all of the mold.
- Dry the area completely: After scrubbing the mold, be sure to dry the area thoroughly. Use fans or a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process.
- Repair the cause of the moisture problem: If you don’t fix the cause of the moisture problem, the mold is likely to return. Make any necessary repairs to prevent future mold growth.
If you have a large mould or the mold is located in a hard-to-reach area, it may be best to hire a professional mold remediation company to handle the problem. These companies have the expertise and specialized equipment to remove mold from your home safely.
Home Improvement
Things You Need To Know About Adding On To Your Home

Expanding your home with an addition is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re looking to create extra space for a growing family or add a new room for a specific purpose, such as a home office or gym, there are a few essential things to consider. In this blog post, we’ll explore key factors you need to know about adding to your home.
Understanding Residential Building Permits
Before embarking on any home addition project, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with residential building permits. A building permit is an official document issued by your local government that grants permission to construct or renovate a structure.
It ensures that your project complies with safety codes and regulations. A residential building permit is essential to avoid legal consequences and ensure your addition is constructed correctly.
Hiring a Qualified Contractor
Adding on to your home is no small feat, and hiring a qualified contractor is essential to ensuring a successful project. A professional contractor will have experience in home additions, knowledge of local building codes, and the necessary licenses and insurance.
They will guide you through the process, help you obtain the required permits, and ensure the addition seamlessly integrates with your existing home.
Considerations for Structural Integrity
When adding to your home, it’s crucial to consider the structural integrity of the existing building. A qualified contractor will assess your home’s foundation, load-bearing walls, and overall structural stability to determine the feasibility of the addition.
They will ensure that the new addition blends seamlessly with the existing structure and doesn’t compromise its integrity.
Budgeting and Financing
Adding on to your home comes with a price tag. Establishing a budget and considering financing options before beginning the project is essential. Obtain detailed quotes from contractors, considering materials, labor costs, and additional expenses such as permits or architectural plans.
Adding to your home is an exciting endeavor that can provide significant benefits, such as increased living space and improved functionality. However, it’s essential to approach the project with careful consideration.
Home Improvement
Things To Keep in Mind When You’re Buying Your First House

Have you recently begun thinking about purchasing your first home? Many people find a point when they get tired of paying rent to a landlord and wish to own a house instead. Purchasing your first piece of real estate can be a rewarding experience, but sometimes the process can feel overwhelming. Taking the time to research homes on the market and available lenders will help you build valuable insight that can last for years.
Consider a Fixer-Upper
It’s very common for people to purchase an older home when buying for the first time. Many times this makes the selling price a bit lower. If you’re planning on purchasing a property that needs repair, then it’s a good idea to become familiar with available local contractors. Researching the best remodeling company in your area could help you get started on the process.
Think About the Neighborhood
When you’re looking to save money on your first home, it may be tempting to choose a property in a less favourable neighbourhood. Just because the property is priced lower doesn’t always mean it’s a good deal overall. Take time to research statistics in the particular area such as property crime rates, school district ratings, income levels, and other items that may affect your life.
Understand the Costs
Purchasing a house means you’ll be responsible for other costs associated with the property. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with things like home insurance rates, tax assessments, and if the property is part of a homeowner’s association or not. These items add up and may make the purchase unaffordable. It’s a good idea to keep in mind there will be more costs than just the mortgage payment.
There are many things to learn when you’re a first-time home buyer. Taking the time to explore things thoroughly will save you headaches in the long run.
Home Improvement
What Difference Does an Air Filter Contribute to Your Home

Air filters filter pollutants out of the home’s air, preventing allergies and other respiratory problems. Responsible homeowners replace their HVAC system air filters on schedule. In surface filtration, large particles are expected to be sieved by the pores of the filter medium and deposited predominantly on its surface. The efficiency of this mechanism is dependent on the particle size and velocity.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Fans and ventilation systems account for 20 percent of industrial energy consumption. Choosing air filters from an air filter supplier Richmond with high-efficiency ratings allows industrial plants to significantly reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions.
MERV 6-8: Standard pleated filters to increase surface area, offering more surfaces for capturing particles. They can handle large debris but struggle with catching smaller allergens and pollutants.
Electrostatic: Act like dust magnets with static electricity that clings to pollutants and keeps them from dispersing. They must be washed regularly to avoid losing their effectiveness.
Diffusion: These filters use a diffusion mechanism rather than relying on static electricity. They are designed with IAQ in mind, ensuring they protect the HVAC system and improve IAQ. They are thicker than other filters and require fewer changes. They are most commonly found in residential settings. They can capture various particles, including irritants, chemicals and allergens.
Cleaner Air
Whether you are looking to improve your air quality for your family’s health or to avoid the hassle of cleaning, an air filter can meet your needs. There are many different sizes, shapes, and materials for filters. It’s important to know what you’re looking for before purchasing. Generally, fibreglass filters with a MERV rating between 1-4 catch larger pollutants such as dust, lint and pet hair. These types of filters are usually replaced once a month. Higher MERV-rated filters can capture smaller particles, such as mold spores, welding fumes and aerosol spray. However, they can restrict airflow, get clogged more easily, and may require you to replace your filter more frequently. People with breathing problems like allergies, asthma and bronchitis should consider a higher MERV-rated filter that can help them enjoy clean indoor air. They can also benefit from a HEPA air filter that will catch micro-particles, including viruses and the smallest contaminants produced by furnaces and cars.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can cause or aggravate respiratory problems, such as allergies or asthma. Studies have shown that improving air filtration reduces respiratory symptoms and other negative health effects. Choosing the best filter type depends on your needs and budget. Regardless of the style you choose, regular replacement is essential.
Flat filters are inexpensive and simple to install. They’re available in disposable and reusable options but have low MERV ratings and provide minimal IAQ benefits.
High-efficiency filters use a multi-layered netting of fine fiberglass threads with various-sized gaps that trap airborne pollutants. In most models, HEPA filters have the highest particle capture rate. Activated carbon filters trap odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through adsorption. They’re often used in combination with HEPA filters. These filters work by incorporating activated carbon that’s been processed to make it highly porous.
Longer Life
The cleaner your air filter is, the longer your HVAC system will last and the fewer repairs it will need to make. A clogged air filter, on the other hand, creates moisture spots where water can collect. It leads to mold, mildew and other airborne pollutants that can cause respiratory problems. Air filters use various methods to capture airborne particles, including straining, inertial impingement, interception, diffusion and electrostatic effect. Each method has characteristics that can be adjusted to balance filtration efficiency, air resistance and particle holding capacity. For instance, fiberglass filters can vary in average fiber diameter and density to optimize filtration efficiencies at different temperatures. Similarly, carbon filters can be manufactured with chemically activated charcoal to remove gaseous impurities like odors and VOCs.
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