The Capital Region has experienced heavy rain and flooding in recent months. When the ground is already saturated, heavy rain causes flooding, standing water, water damage, and a breeding ground for pests and mold.
The silent and subtle damage from heavy rain.
Many of us as homeowners believe that we are prepared for nature and the damage caused by extreme weather. However, rain is hazardous, and water can travel quickly and silently throughout a home.
- Roof leaks from heavy rain can saturate insulation and leak into ceilings and walls, creating a perfect environment for mold.
- Dampness in the basement or under a porch or deck can weaken the wood and provide a home for termites and carpenter ants.
- Squirrels, chipmunks, and mice need a tiny opening to access your garage, home, or attic. Wet and weakened door frames and window frames provide entry opportunities.
- Moisture also damages wood and softens paper and drywall, producing an entryway and refuge for destructive bugs and pests.
Why is moisture such a problem?
Damage caused by damp and moisture on a ceiling
Most of our customers would probably believe that bugs and pests exist in their homes because of food availability. Leaving open food containers, crumbs on the counter, or kids eating snacks in their bedrooms. Water is an excellent motivator for pests and bugs, and many can survive longer without food than water.
Here are some of the pests and bugs that are significantly motivated to locate a moisture source in and around your home to live and breed:
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that consists of tiny organisms found almost everywhere. Mold can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Indoors, mold can be dangerous as spore counts tend to be higher in confined areas due to poor ventilation.
Mold can exist in even the cleanest of homes. During the thaws of winter and the approaching spring, previously undetected leaky roofs and decaying wood can breed a moldy environment. Mold loves your basement and attic! Dark corners and storage or utility closets are sanctuaries starting with a bit of moisture, turning to mold, then decay and rot.
Cleaning up the mold is only half the battle. First, you need to find the root cause of the moisture issue and access. Mold grows inside the material instead of just on the surface, and so you can’t remove it entirely unless you eradicate the mold and its source. For example, mold grows:
- On drywall
- Behind walls
- On and under furniture
- In insulation
Be vigilant and inspect your home regularly, especially after heavy rain. It will be worth your time. Visit our page on Mold Remediation for more information.
How can we correct and prevent damage from heavy rain?
Every structure was built and designed to have specific ventilation. Therefore, remodeling or adding to the structure can impact the original ventilation. For example, as simple as remodeling a bathroom and venting the bathroom vent into the attic can cause substantial mold growth. At Accurate, we offer various forms of corrections:
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Have you left your gutters slightly neglected?
If so, you may have created an environment for bugs, mice, and birds to create a home. To take this one step further, if your gutters are blocked from heavy rain and the water cannot freely run off your roof and away from your home, standing water is collected. Here mosquitoes, ants, and other flying insects lay eggs to breed. Once again, when the weather changes, you could be facing an infestation. In addition, these pests look for cracks and breaks in the siding, windows, and soffits to gain entry into your home, attic, and walls.
Prevention works best to prepare for heavy rain and damage.
Please work with us to help keep your home safe and pest-free. Our inspections are performed at no cost to you. It is always best to consult a professional. Weekly and monthly service plans are available for pest and wildlife maintenance control.
Contact us for a free inspection and keep your family and home safe and healthy. Did you know we offer organic pesticides? Find out more!
Serving: Albany County, Columbia County, Fulton County, Green County, Montgomery County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Warren County, Washington County.
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