Dirt, dust, animal dander, pollen, and Mold – these are just a few of the pollutants you will find in the average home. While you might not be able to see them, these hidden dangers can have a major impact on your family’s health. The effects of poor indoor air quality can be short-term, such as throat or eye irritation, or long-term, such as respiratory disease or even cancer. Making changes such as installing or replacing Insulation in your house can make a major difference in your home’s air quality and your family’s well being.

Mold Hides in Unexpected Places

While not all homes have mold, those that do pose a health hazard to the residents that reside there. Mold exposure can cause a plethora of symptoms, such as eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, skin irritation, wheezing, and coughing. As the mold spreads, you may find that your symptoms worsen or become more chronic.

Mold typically thrives in moist areas, such as around windows, near leaky pipes, on bathroom tile, near shower and tub areas, in washing machines, in crawlspaces, and on basement walls. It can also be hidden in places you do not see, such as behind wallpaper, under carpets, inside ductwork, on the back of drywall, or above ceiling tiles.

You may be able to recognize a mold problem through a visible inspection. Mold can appear as white, gray, yellow, brown, green, or black discoloration on surfaces. It gives off a distinct musty smell that often lingers in the air around it. If you have mold, it is important to both remove the mold and deal with the Moisture problem that is causing it.

Indoor Allergens Can Trigger Symptoms

Millions of people suffer from the effects of indoor allergens. Year-round, culprits like molds, insect droppings, animal dander, and dust mites can get breathed in, wreaking havoc on our immune systems.

As the body does not know how to handle these allergens, they cause the immune system to produce antibodies that cause a reaction. While your allergist may be able to help you manage your symptoms, you must get rid of the source of the problem to fully eliminate your ailments. Once the source of the issue is gone, you can improve your home’s air quality and breathe easier. Avoiding allergens in the first place is the best solution for controlling symptoms.

It may not always be clear whether or not you are suffering from true allergies or simply are experiencing cold-related symptoms. Indoor allergies can cause a condition known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. This often manifests as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, watering of the eyes, or postnasal drip.

Excessive Moisture Can Damage Your Health

Some moisture in your home is normal, such as moisture created through bathing or cooking. However, excessive moisture can be hazardous to your health and damaging to your home. When the humidity inside your home rises above normal levels, moisture can penetrate through walls and other materials, causing negative consequences.

Mold is one of the biggest problems associated with excess moisture. Mold thrives in humid environments, especially in areas like ceilings and corners. It is also common to see bugs in your home when the environment is warm and humid. Moisture in your home welcomes bed bugs and other insects that enjoy 75 to 80 F degree temperatures.

Moisture can also harm your home in other ways. It can cause damage to your electrical system, resulting in short circuits and reduced insulation resistance. It can also cause wood to decay and deform which affects the structure and overall safety of your home. With moist wood also comes the danger of fungal growth.

Insulation Can Improve Air Quality

Installing proper insulation is an important aspect of maintaining the upkeep of your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to meet insulation standards or do not go through the steps to upgrade old or inefficient insulation. While you may not see the connection at first, your home’s insulation plays a major role in the air quality of your home. Proper insulation can help homeowners achieve a healthier quality of life.

Insulation not only helps keep your home sealed from costly air leaks, it can also improve the comfort and health of your family. Efficient insulation helps keep out pollutants which can linger in the air, causing an array of symptoms. When each nook and cranny is well-insulated, you can better keep dirt, dust, mold, and other pollutants out of your home, allowing your family to live comfortably.

Much of the air you breathe inside your home comes from vents and crawl spaces. These spaces are often moist and may contain mold and other dangers. By sealing crawl spaces and other crevices in your home with a high-quality insulating material, you can better protect your family from airborne allergens and pollutants. When there is no more moisture, mold cannot survive.

Spray foam insulation is a popular choice among homeowners due to its ease of use, long lasting nature, and effectiveness. It can be used in nearly any space, including small crawl spaces. It acts as an excellent sealing agent that not only keeps out pollutants but also air which can boost your home’s efficiency, saving you money each month on heating and cooling costs.

Why You Need a Professional Insulation Contractor

If the air quality in your home is suffering, you may need a professional insulation contractor to inspect your home and install new insulation. Prior to the install, the contractor will go through your home to check insulation levels, locate air leaks, and determine which areas need to be sealed. The expert can also help you determine what type of insulation is best according to your home and budget. As some types of insulation can be tricky to install, it is important to hire a professional who can get the job done efficiently. With insulation properly installed, you can drastically cut down on mold, allergens, and moisture in your home while raising the air quality in your home.

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