Mold. A dreaded word among home and business owners. Unfortunately, it is also a common word, especially in humid places like Florida. Because it can thrive in damp, humid environments, it can cause significant property damage and health problems for people who come into contact with it.
If you’ve experienced a flood or other water damage, it’s crucial that you check for mold growth as well. Read on for more information about mold, what it looks like, and what you should do if you suspect you have mold.
Mold has to have water to form its colonies and spread. That’s why when a building or home has water damage, prompt water extraction is crucial to inhibit mold growth.
Mold spores are present everywhere in the environment. When water damage occurs due to leaks, floods, high humidity, or storm damage, it creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow and thrive. Here are some signs of water damage mold:
Mold is mold right? Wrong. Mold comes in all sorts of colors and consistencies that range from fuzzy all the way to slimy. Here are some common types of mold and what these molds look like:
Black mold is the most notorious type of mold due to its potential health risks. It often appears as dark green or black patches and will be slimy to touch. Black mold grows well in areas with constant moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Because of the mycotoxins it produces, people and pets may experience long term respiratory problems, skin irritation, headaches, and fatigue when exposed to black mold.
If you see this type of mold, do not try to bleach it away. Make sure to call a professional immediately.
This type of mold can appear shades of green, yellow, or brown and is often found on food, soil, or other damp indoor environments. While some species of green molds are harmless, others can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues. This is especially true in people with weakened immune systems.
This common mold appears white or bluish-green. White mold thrives on organic matter like wood, paper, or fabrics and can spread quickly. Be careful as inhaling these types of mold spores can cause respiratory problems.
Blue mold is a slow-growing type of mold that often looks blue, white, or grayish. It can grow in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, window seals, or other areas of your home that maintain constant moisture.
Yellow mold is often found on wood and can cause dry rot which may be catastrophic to a home. It appears as yellow patches and weakens buildings by breaking down wood fibers.
Think of it as a non-bug type of termite. It won’t eat your wood but it can severely damage it. Luckily this type of mold is uncommon indoors.
This mold, often appearing pink, red, or white, is found in places with standing water like bathrooms and kitchens. While not as harmful as black mold, this type of mold can cause infections within the body so if you see it, have a professional out pronto!
Preventing black mold or any other type of mold growth involves controlling moisture levels in your home or building. Here are some tips to help you prevent mold:
If you do end up discovering mold in your home, it’s important to address it right away. For small mold infestations you may be able to clean the area with bleach but the best course of action is to hire a professional mold remediation company to take care of it before it grows into a bigger problem.
Now that you know what mold looks like, you can keep an eye out for it to ensure the healthiest living environment for you and your family. By quickly addressing water damage or small mold infestations, you can be proactive in addressing issues in your home.
Remember, controlling moisture or humidity is the key to preventing mold in your home or business. At Axel Works we specialize in mold remediation and can help you get your home back to perfect in a timely manner.
Contact us today for all your mold eradication needs.
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