Mold is present everywhere, and there are different species of mold present in nature. Most molds are harmless, but when they grow inside the home, they can start being a nuisance and affect the people exposed to their spores, as well as cause damages to structural materials.
When mold does grow in a building, ample care must be taken to ensure that it does not spread further and pose dangers to building occupants. Some homeowners prefer to take mold problems head-on and perform do-it-yourself mold removal, but this is usually discouraged, as proper mold remediation can only be done by licensed specialists, such as the team at ServiceMaster Remediation Services. In order to avoid costly repairs and effectively prevent mold growth, there is a need to look into its nature. In this article, ServiceMaster Remediation Services discusses 21 basic facts about mold.
- 1. In order to grow, mold requires moisture. Mold feeds on decaying organic material and can grow in the soil and on vegetation outdoors. Indoors, moist areas such as basements, bathrooms, and areas that have experienced recent water damage serve as perfect environments for mold to thrive.
- 2. Mold often appears as a greenish-gray, brownish-green, gray, or black patch.
- 3. The four common types of indoor mold are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.
- 4. Mold propagates by releasing tiny, invisible spores that form new mold colonies.
- 5. While most molds are harmless, some can be toxic and cause illnesses when inhaled. People most susceptible to mold sickness are those with allergies, respiratory problems, compromised immune systems, pregnant women, the elderly, and children.
- 6. Toxic mold or black mold refers to a mold species called Stachybotrys chartarum. It appears as a greenish-black spot and requires professional mold removal services. Exposure to toxic black mold results in breathing problems, as black mold has spores and mycotoxins. A person exposed to toxic black mold can feel irritation and a feeling of burning on the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat.
- 7. Symptoms of mold exposure may include allergies, asthma attacks, fever, headache, cough, wheezing, and flu-like symptoms.
- 8. Homeowners may remove mold growing on shower curtains or in the tile’s grout around a tub. Removing mold using bleach must only be done in well-ventilated rooms. Also, some types of tile will etch with bleach contact, so make sure to spot-check the bleach before using around the entire tub.
- 9. To keep a bathroom well-ventilated and reduce mold development, a fan can be installed. Open glass shower doors and do not bunch shower curtains for it to dry completely.
- 10. Musty or mildew smells coming from the basement is not natural. They most likely signify mold growth due to basement water damage.
- 11. Locating the source of the musty smell must be done immediately.
- 12. If you get down and smell the electrical outlets, then you will be able to more easily sniff out whether there is mold growth behind your walls. It sounds like a silly thing to do, but outlets have good access to the space behind the walls in your home.
- 13. Mold sampling or testing is not recommended for mold growth in a residential home.
- 14. Mold growth can be inhibited by keeping indoor humidity levels below 45 percent.
- 15. One of the signs of high humidity in a home is condensation on hard surfaces, such as walls and windows.
- 16. Mold can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a water damage event.
- 17. Mildew is a type of mold that can easily develop on books, cardboard, or fabric. To reduce the probability of mold growth, it is recommended to use water-resistant containers instead of cardboard boxes for storing old clothes and other items.
- 18. Mildew growing on fabrics like clothing or curtains can often be brushed off.
- 19. Mold can thrive in hidden corners such as behind drywall, inside insulation, and even throughout the HVAC system after a flooding event.
- 20. Mold growth can be reduced by adding mold inhibitors to paint before a painting project.
- 21. In order to remove mold safely and effectively, the services of a professional mold remediation company must be acquired.
Why Do-It-Yourself Mold Cleanup is Discouraged
- Unintentional mold feeding and spore spreading. Household cleaning solutions mainly involve water, and since mold thrives on moisture, these cleaning solutions might aggravate the problem instead. In addition, some solutions or chemicals might result into a reaction that could trigger the spread of mold spores.
- Unintentional damage. Different chemicals have different reactions when applied to different surfaces. Damages may be incurred if the wrong chemicals are used.
- Incomplete cleanup. Mold can either be visible or hidden. Mold remediation experts have the training and equipment to detect mold in hidden spots and corners which could be missed by untrained homeowners.
Comprehensive Mold Remediation Services in Pompano Beach, Florida
Mold growth is a serious problem that needs an immediate solution. Hiring a professional mold remediation company can save you both time and money. At ServiceMaster Remediation Services, we understand how quickly mold can contaminate and how dangerous it can be if left untreated. Since 1973, we have been helping businesses and homeowners in North Broward and South Palm Beach Counties, Florida recover from water, fire, and mold damage.
Mold removal is a time-sensitive process, as mold spores can spread quickly. We will give your property a thorough assessment and locate the source of the mold growth. ServiceMaster Remediation Services will be sure to communicate with you all the steps we need to take so you are completely aware of the mold remediation process.
Contact ServiceMaster Remediation Services of Pompano Beach, Florida
Contact ServiceMaster Remediation Services at 954-969-5906 for your mold inspection, mold removal, and mold remediation. We are servicing counties Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach, Florida, and surrounding areas.
