5 Common Types of Mold and How They Could be Affecting Your Business
Mold thrives in damp and dark environments where the temperature stays between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The catch? These environments are usually located within walls, behind baseboards, above ceilings, or even within air ducts; areas that we don’t typically inspect. There is no sure way of preventing mold growth, especially in hard-to-reach areas, which means that it is important to know what the effects of different growths may be so you can prepare for any scenario and deal with it immediately.
Alternaria is the most common form of allergenic mold in the world. This velvet-textured, dark green growth, with over 250 different species is commonly seen in areas with high moisture or humidity which makes this one of the most common types of growth to occur after some sort of water loss. Some species of Alternaria can also be found in dry, windy conditions, causing them to be extremely airborne in certain scenarios.
Aspergillus is among one of the 3 most common types of mold found in American structures, along with black mold and pink mold. This is another case of airborne mold spores that cling to nearby surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. They typically make their way throughout a building via the heating or air conditioning system, making it a challenge to identify the exact location that aspergillus may strike next.
Cladosporium is an allergenic mold type. This can be found in both warm and cold conditions and is often located within indoor materials such as fabrics, upholsteries, and carpets. It is typically an olive or brown color with a suede-like texture. Remember your grandma’s old, mildew-scented furniture? It might not be mildew after all. This is one of the biggest reasons why it is recommended to thoroughly clean all fabric furniture that may be bought second-hand.
Although this growth may be famous for its antibiotic production, it can also be the culprit of multiple health effects. Penicillium is easily recognizable for its blue or green color and velvety texture. It is often found in older buildings hiding under or behind carpets, wallpaper, or ducts. It spreads as rapidly as a virus and if left untreated, can cause serious long-term health effects.
Stachybotrys is also known as the famous “black mold”. It is a toxigenic (yes, that means toxic) mold that can cause serious health effects. This mold thrives in wet areas with high humidity levels that maintain these conditions for extended periods of time. It is known for growing on wood, cardboard, paper, or hay. The moral of the story, make sure all rooms are well ventilated and throw away your old newspapers; there’s no need to keep them folded up in boxes within a humid storage room or building.
Although there are thousands of other types of mold spores that have not been discussed in this article, this offers a brief explanation of five of the most common types of mold that could affect your business. If you do happen to notice mold growth, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is available 24/7 at 817-596-8714 to assist with most mold remediation-required services.
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This is mold that was undetected until the carpet was pulled up and revealed a large amount of mold growing.
Mold can grow pretty much anywhere. Carpet, underneath tile or wood, and many other places. It begins when a surface becomes saturated with water. But, if a surface is quickly dried and restored, then the chances of mold growth are dropped significantly. The real worry comes from a surface that has been wet for a long period of time. In many cases, unfortunately, mold is not visible or noticeable until it begins emitting a bad odor. Once mold has reached this point, it can become dangerous as it releases toxins in the air that we breathe. This can lead to illness and in some cases asthma.
Since mold is preventable, we highly recommend having one our SERVPRO professionals come and inspect your home. This way, we can prevent this from happening or remove any hidden mold. SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is here to provide you with our services and bring peace of mind to those in a moldy situation. If you suspect mold, or have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. (817)596-8714
With the foggy weather comes moisture and mold. The warm weather we enjoy so much is saturated by a significant amount of water, which generated the excessive moisture around you. While many fear what the humidity means for their hair or their skin, have you thought about what it means for your home?
In humid climates, homes run serious risk of damage from collecting all of the moisture the air carries. A common result of high humidity levels in your home is mold. Mold grows quickly, in warm, damp conditions and can fester into an entire colony within 24 hours of their spores attaching themselves to surfaces and feeding. As mold grows and spreads throughout your home, allergens and irritants are released into the air which creates a dangerous situation for you and your family. The allergens and irritants can become toxic, causing respiratory problems and other health issues. That's why it's critically important to take steps in preventing mold growth in the first place, We recommend starting with a dehumidifier for your home. Using a dehumidifier will help you maintain optimal humidity levels that are both healthy and comfortable. Running fans, and checking up on your HVAC system will also help keep the humidity down. Make sure everything is running smoothly and functioning properly to help circulate air flow, and if you need help with an inspection you can always call SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties.
Call SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties at 817-596-8714.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur just about everywhere. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today at (817) 596-8714