Mold: The Unwanted House Guest

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on organic matter in moist and warm conditions. It can produce spores that spread through the air and cause allergies or infections in some people.  Mold can be black, white, spotted, or just about any color. It may appear powdery, cottony, or velvety.

If you notice a spot and aren’t sure if it’s just an old stain or a splotch of dirt, here’s how to tell if it could be a sign of a mold problem:

• It has a musty, earthy smell.
• There’s a nearby source of moisture, but not much light.
• You see warping, cracking, or peeling of whatever material it’s growing on.
• A drop of bleach may lighten its color in a minute or two.
• Unchecked mold will continue to grow. Dirt and old stains won’t.

How Does Mold Get Indoors?

Outdoor molds release tiny spores that float through the air. These spores can enter your home via:

• Attached Garages
• Doors
• Windows
• Crawl Spaces
• Heating and Air Conditioning Vents and Ducts
• Clothing and Shoes
• Pets

Once mold spores get inside, they can grow if they have moisture and organic matter, such as wood, paper, or dust, and oxygen.

Mold spores grow in spaces with moisture, such as:

• Sinks
• Bahtubs
• Showers
• Leaky pipes
• Windows
• Basements
• Crawl Spaces
• Aattics

They can latch onto a variety of materials, including:

• Fabrics
• Carpet
• Paper
• Wood
• Ceiling Tiles
• Dust
• Paint
• Wallpaper
• Insulation

How Do You Know If You Have a Mold Problem?

Anytime you see or smell mold in your house, it’s a problem. All types of molds can potentially cause health issues and need to be removed.

Mold may out as a little spot, but it can grows quickly. You’ll usually notice it early on unless it’s in an out-of-the-way location.

Grammatico R is a full-service, family-owned restoration company proudly providing services to cleanup and repair damage to residential and commercial properties due to water, fire, mold, storm, or other disasters. Call us today!