Mold Removal FAQ
What Is Mold?
Molds are fungi that grow on organic materials, both inside and outdoors. In nature, they are responsible for decomposing leaves, wood, and other dying plants. It only starts to become a problem once it finds its way inside and begins to digest the materials we need, like our homes. Mold grows best in warm, and damp or humid spaces. Once it starts to grow it reproduces and spreads quickly with the use of microscopic spores.
How Does Mold Grow In My Home?
The spores are found almost everywhere and will survive in dry conditions that don’t support mold growth. Once mold spores settle in your home, they need moisture to begin growing and digesting whatever organic material they are growing on. Mold eats away at the surfaces it lives on, so in the worst-case scenarios the damage it causes can be extensive. High humidity conditions or long standing moisture from water leaks and flooding create the ideal growing conditions for this fungus. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Is Mold Toxic?
Some molds do contain toxins that can be harmful to humans. Even the species that commonly produce toxins need ideal conditions in order to do so though. More commonly, mold affects people because of its allergenic properties rather than any toxic properties, but all indoor molds should still be tested just in case.
What Does Mold Look Like?
Mold comes in a variety of textures and colors. It can range anywhere from light green to black and be completely slimy or velvety in appearance. Because there are so many different types of mold, even remediation experts can sometimes be confused about if you have mold or not with only a visual inspection. It often gives off a musty odor that can make it easier to detect though. The best practice is to have any suspected presence of mold lab tested to ensure accurate results.
Is Mold Different Than Mildew?
Mold and mildew are very similar, but not the same thing. Mildew tends to look much lighter in color than mold, and usually appears only on surfaces of materials. Mold on the other hand is usually part of a much bigger infestation. Mold often roots itself deep into the materials it grows on making it naturally tougher to remove than mildew.
How Quickly Does Mold Grow?
Mold can start growing within 48 hours of finding moisture, but could also take weeks to develop depending on the conditions of the area that it’s in. It will start to colonize after about a day and spreads very quickly thereafter.
Where Is Mold Found?
Molds are found in virtually every environment. It can usually be detected both inside and outdoors year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions or wherever moisture is present.
Should I Hire A Specialist To Remove The Mold?
Mold removal should follow industry standard IICRC guidelines. If you can physically see it, it’s time to call in mold remediation specialists who uncover and remove harmful fungus. Mold problems can become big and expensive in a relatively short amount of time, so removal isn’t something you want to leave up to chance. If cleanup looks to be more than just an amateur job, call a reputable company for mold remediation today.
