Mold is all around us and in every breath we take. It plays an important role in the natural process of decay and is used to make everything from cheese to penicillin. If allowed to grow unchecked inside your home, however, mold can result in damage to both the structure and your health. Exposure to most mold usually only causes minor allergic reactions—such as sniffling, watery eyes, and sneezing—that subside a few hours after leaving the infected area. Some people are more sensitive than others and may experience a stronger reaction that can include difficulty breathing and asthma attacks. Several types of mold release toxic substances called mycotoxins. Exposure to high concentrations of mycotoxins from Stachybotrys (a greenish-black green mold that grows on cellulose material such as wallpaper, cardboard, and wallboard) or Chaetomium (a white to gray colored mold found on decaying wood and water damaged drywall) may lead to more severe health issues including chronic bronchitis, heart problems, and bleeding lungs.

There is still an ongoing debate in the scientific and medical community about the health effects of this so called “toxic” mold. Mold feeds off organic matter and requires a moist environment to grow. Typical areas where mold can accumulate in the home include: If the mold is limited to an area of less than 10 square feet, then you might be able to clean it up yourself. Areas larger than that should be handled by a professional. If you decide to enlist a professional, make sure they are trained and experienced in mold cleanup. It is also a good idea to request and check references from past jobs to determine the quality of their work. If you suspect mold in porous surfaces or carpets, it is best to throw them out. It is virtually impossible to get mold out of these materials. Since mold loves moisture, it’s important to remove the source of water to prevent it from returning. Potential problem areas to address to keep mold at bay include: When replacing your central air conditioning unit, be sure it is sized properly for the house and climate.

While an oversized unit will cool the house down faster, it won’t remove as much moisture from the air. You might also consider adding a dehumidifier to the central system if you live in a climate with high humidity or use a portable model for problem areas. If your home still smells moldy or members of your family are having health issues, there could be a hidden mold problem. Mold can grow unseen under wallpaper, dry wall, ceiling tiles, and in heating and air conditioner vents.wooden fairy doors wholesale uk If hidden mold is suspected, have the house inspected by a professional. glass repair tulsa oklahomaIf you think there might be mold in your HVAC system, do not run the unit until the problem has been solved.garage door opener repair santa clarita

Though mold will always be with us, a little diligence on your part can help keep it in check. Prevention and early detection are important, so catch it early and you’ll breathe easier.With temperatures dropping, you don't want to let the outside in. There are various easy ways you can seal tight your leaky windows and doors. The DIY experts at Stack Exchange tell you how. I currently live in a rented apartment and the windows in my shower are not sealed, so it gets pretty cold there. sliding door hardware adaThe front door of the house also has a sealing problem.glass shower door bottom sweep 3 8 The thing is, I'm not going to stay in this apartment more than a couple of months.shower glass doors tulsa

So, what are some good, cheap, fast solutions to seal my windows and front door as much as possible?— Originally asked by AsafIf your leaking problem is from loose fitting window sashes or a poor fitting door, the simplest and cheapest method would be to purchase some self-adhesive foam weather stripping. This rolled product can be easily installed at the bottom of a window or around the outside edge of the door frame. car door lock de icerSelect the smallest size that will help seal the gaps, then just peel and stick. Too large and you may have difficulty closing the door etc. Another good window treatment is the clear plastic window film that mounts to the frame of the window. Use a hair dryer to "stretch" the film, thus sealing any air leaking in around the sides or through poorly glazed panes.All these products are cheap and avail at any hardware store or box store like Lowes or Home Depot.

— Answered by shirlock homes Get a window insulator kit. It is made of a clear, plastic material that goes over the window, with double-sided tape around the edges to seal it. It's easy to set up and helps a lot with drafty windows. (Pictured to the right.)— Answered by Joe PhillipsIf you can actually see the gaps in the windows, a can of "Great Stuff" would probably do the trick. It's an expanding foam that you spray into gaps. Or you could use a squeeze tube of "DAP Silicon II" and run a bead of it around the window. I'm going to assume that if you're in an apartment for the short term you either don't have a caulking gun or don't want to buy one (don't need yet ANOTHER thing to move when you do move), so the link goes to a "squeeze it yourself" tube of Silicon II.As for the door, if it's just a short term thing you may want to just wad up a bath towel and put it along the bottom of the door as a draft blocker for the short term.— Answered by James Van HuisDon't use "Great Stuff" behind window casings and door jambs.