Opening Your Beach House? Inspect for Mold
May is the month of anticipation and excitement at the Jersey Shore as many of us will be heading to our beach houses to get them primed and ready for Memorial Day weekend, our unofficial start of summer! We want to remind everyone that homes located near the ocean are at high risk for mold growth because of our humid, damp coastal climate. This often spells trouble for beach homes that are shuttered for months on end!
When inspecting your summer home, keep an eye (and nose) open for these signs & areas:
- High Humidity - One of the most noticeable signs of an excess humidity level in the air is that your home feels moist and clammy and your skin feels moist while inside. The ideal indoor humidity level is no higher than 50%, according to the EPA.
- Your Allergies are Out of Control - If your allergies are intense when you're inside the home and they subside once you leave, there is a good chance you have mold! Some other symptoms are intense headaches and frequent nosebleeds.
- Musty Odor - If it's an odor that you're not used to, such as a strong musty smell, it could be an indicator that mold is present.
- Inspect Your Crawl Space or Basement and Attic - These areas are the perfect breeding grounds for mold because they are uninhabited and humid.
Checking for mold in these locations and keeping an eye out for these signs are essential to ensure the health of your family and the integrity of your home. Should you find mold in your home, give us a call. We will come out and thoroughly investigate any areas in question for free!
