Molds are living fungi and develop in organic settings. They create tiny cellular material, which are called spores, and these are so small that they are easily dispersed in the air, by bugs or moving water. These spores will exist in all buildings and mildewed material. It is when they are allowed to flourish further by damp and humid conditions that they become a health hazard, and can also cause a home to rot and cause damage to a property.

People living in homes that have mold and mildew will show signs of respiratory problems, such as blocked nasal passages, coughs, throat irritation and skin breakouts. Some people, especially children and the elderly may develop a high temperature and find it difficult to breathe.

Mold and mildew will only grow when they find the right environment. Inspecting your home regularly can prevent such conditions from developing and prevent further damage to a property. Damage can be avoided if gutters and roofs are constantly cleaned, so that there is never any build up that is conducive to growing conditions for the mildew and moss. Trees close to roofs can help moss to grow and must be constantly trimmed to keep them away from roof surfaces. If the general weather conditions in the area where you live are damp, you must use roofing and siding materials that resists the growth of these fungi. Proper ventilation inside a home and roof can reduce the chances of this development. Roof ventilation can be in the form of ridge vents, which will allow the air to circulate. Within a home, dampness and leaks must be attended to quickly, and care must be taken to see that areas behind drywall are not damp.

Regular inspection of homes that have a susceptibility to mold and mildew must be carried out by experts who have the right equipment. They will take samples of air to determine spores, and also inspect all visible and hard to reach areas, using sophisticated techniques like infrared or spectroscopy that helps to determine the presence of mold. Roofs containing tar material serve as food material for mold, and when they attack them, they can cause the material to deteriorate and damage it. Any excess mold growth can lead not only to allergies, but also lead to a sick building syndrome, which points to structural problems, especially in roofs. Neglect can be dangerous and expensive in the long run.

The prevention of mold and mildew is as important as eradicating it after its presence is detected. A roof that permits rain to come into a home is a definite indicator of damage that does need to be repaired. Carpets and rugs in a home can harbor mold if they are not properly dried out, especially if they have been steam cleaned. Constantly be on the lookout for leaking pipes, humid spots, especially in bathroom floors and walls. Get any flooding removed by experts who can restore your property to its original dry condition.