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What Does Mold From Water Damage Look Like?

July 29, 2024
Mold , No category , Water Damage Restoration

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.

Water Damage 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:

Signs of Water Damage Mold

  • Discoloration: Mold rarely blends in with its surroundings and may appear as discoloration on walls, ceilings, floors, upholstered surfaces, and others. It may look black (no, not all black mold is toxic black mold), green, brown, or white.
  • Musty Smell: If you’re walking through your home and suddenly smell a musty odor, it’s time to search for mold growth. It can be described as damp, earthy, or stale and is one of the first signs of mold growth is a persistent musty odor.
  • Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Moisture can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble, peel, or crack. If you notice this coupled with the signs above, it may be time to call a mold remediation expert.
  • Warped Wood: Wood that has been exposed to water damage will swell and/or warp. It may also be soft to the touch.
  • Visible Growth: Of course this sign is the most obvious and that is if you actually see the mold. It may appear fuzzy or slimy depending on the type of mold that you’re dealing with.

person trying to clean mold with bleach

Types of 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 (Stachybotrys chartarum)

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.

green mold and fuzzy white mold on a surface inside a home

Green Mold (Aspergillus)

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.

White Mold (Penicillium)

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 (Acremonium)

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 (Serpula lacrymans)

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.

Pink Mold (Fusarium)

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 and Addressing Mold

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:

  • Fix Leaks: If you have a leak, find a way to fix it. Call a plumber or a restoration specialist to repair them immediately. This alone could inhibit the growth of mold.
  • Dehumidifiers: In areas that have high humidity such as bathrooms, use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.
  • Ventilation: Using exhaust fans and opening windows in areas with high humidity ensure that your home is well-ventilated.
  • Dry Surfaces: If your home is prone to condensation when it’s cold outside make sure you dry those surfaces to discourage mold growth.

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.

Mold Can Cause a Headache (Literally!)

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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