Close up of black umbrella with raindrops You’ve probably heard the saying, “When it rains, it pours,” but the saying could also be, “When it rains, it molds.” Here in Atlanta, our humid, subtropical climate makes buildings particularly susceptible to mold, which can cause illness for occupants and even structural damage to the building itself.

If you notice mold in your home, it’s important to act quickly to resolve the problem; mold only gets worse (and harder to deal with) over time. If you’re a homeowner or landlord, you’ll want to keep an eye out for moisture issues. Landlords should make tenants aware of their responsibilities regarding mold prevention. As a tenant, you need to know what you can do to prevent mold and what your landlord’s responsibilities are regarding mold. As your Atlanta mold removal experts, we’ve got the answers you need, so keep reading!

Why Mold Is Dangerous

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause negative health effects ranging from cold-like symptoms (sore throat, coughing, stuffy nose) to serious allergic reactions and asthma attacks, just to name a few. A mold problem, then, isn’t just unpleasant, but actually poses a health risk that could make a dwelling unsafe, violating the “implied warranty of inhabitability” that is incumbent upon landlords according to Georgia state law.

Preventing and Treating Mold

Mold grows when moisture is present, and that moisture can come from a leaky pipe, a damaged roof, flooding, or anything else that allows water to enter the structure where it’s not supposed to. Mold spores are everywhere, but you can minimize the chance of a serious mold problem with these tips:

Keep up with preventative maintenance. Inspect your home or rental property for leaks in windows and roofs, water stains on the ceiling and walls, and condensation on windows, ductwork, or HVAC units.
Musty, mildewy smells are a sign of mold. Follow your nose and figure out where the smell is coming from. It will likely lead you to a leak.
Maintain proper ventilation. It’s important to make use of bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans to disperse the humidity from showering or cooking.
If condensation forms on windows, wipe them down regularly to avoid water sitting on the windowsill.
Respond to moisture problems as quickly as possible, and document your concerns and the steps taken to address the issues. This should include a mold inspection and mold remediation by a fully licensed and insured environmental remediation company.

At Clean Environmental Group, we offer mold removal and remediation in Atlanta and around the Perimeter. Our team is fully licensed and insured, and has over 50 years of combined experience in residential and commercial remediation. With clients ranging from Bank of America to local owners of historic Atlanta homes, we’ve seen it all and know how to protect your investment and health with industry best-practices.