Signs of Mold Growth in Your Home

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Due to their spores, mold can easily spread through the air, which also makes it very easy to multiply.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that serves to decompose dead organisms and substances. In nature, mold can breakdown plant and animal matter, such as soil, plants, food, and other materials found in nature.

Due to their spores, mold can easily spread through the air, which also makes it very easy to multiply. Spores from outside can enter the home through openings such as doors and windows, but also heating and air conditioning vents, clothing, shoes, and pets.

How does mold grow and how to stop it?

Once inside the house, mold needs a dark and humid environment to thrive. Additionally, some of the most common materials and surfaces that attract spores include fabrics, carpet, paper, and wood, if there is little light and moisture available. Therefore, mold is commonly found in places like the bathroom and the basement in spots like sinks, bathtubs, showers, leaky pipes, and windows.

The key to preventing mold growth is just controlling the amount of moisture in your home.  This includes cleaning up spills as soon as possible, drying out any wet materials, and keep the humidity level below 60%.

What are the signs of mold growth in your home?

Because mold likes to hide in these dark places, it is possible that you may not notice it right away. What starts as just a little spot can expand very quickly and can usually been seen or smelled.

Some of the most common signs of mold growth include:

• Visible spots of growth that can be a wide range of colors from black to white to green or even spotted. The mold growth may appear to have a cotton, velvet, rough, or leathery texture.
• Odors that are earthy and musty
• A nearby source of moisture or signs of water damage (leaks, standing water, water stains, condensation, etc.)
• Wallpaper or another surface is that are warped, cracked, or peeling

How do you get rid of mold in your home?

In some less severe cases, you can remove the mold in your home yourself with either commercial products, soap and water, or a solution of bleach and water. If you are going to remove the mold by yourself, you should open windows for ventilation, wear protective gear over your eyes, hands, and face and avoid mixing any other cleaners with bleach. After getting prepared, you can just use a brush to scrub mold off of the surface is until it is gone.

However, there are some cases where it is much safer to let a professional handle the mold removal. If there is a large amount of mold, you are unable to reach it, you have had severe water damage, or you are at a high risk from the symptoms of mold, it is best to seek a professional contractor.

At SERVPRO of North Palm Beach County we have over 30 years of experience in mold removal and mold remediation. Contact our mold damage experts today to learn more.