What is mold?

Mold is made up of mycelium which are the fibers of fungi. Mycelia can be microscopic or form into visible structures, this is what we are seeing when we see mold. The most common types that plague indoors are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus and can grow in many places. There are a number of problems when it comes to mold in the home. From health concerns to costly damage; mold is not something to play with. However, in the case you might have to, here are some things to keep in mind.

Causes

Mold can grow within a home for a variety of reasons. When seen on food, it is often a sign that it has spoiled and the decaying process has begun. When appearing on places such as your walls or ceilings, it is most likely a moisture problem. Mold spores can travel inside from out and lie dormant until the proper conditions present themselves. What are those conditions? Moisture and material to embed into and grow upon. Mold can grow on cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, wallpaper, drywall, and upholstery amongst other things, if any of these items get wet it is important to deal with it swiftly. The main cause of mold within the home is a leak or broken pipe. If you have water pooling it is important to soak it as quickly as possible followed by drying the area thoroughly. It is when surfaces are left damp that mold begins to form and which follow all the hazards.

Problems

The CDC recommends that if you see mold in your home, do not bother testing it. Rather, remove it as quickly as possible to prevent further spread. If left untreated mold can damage your home and your health. People can suffer from labored breathing, wheezing, and itchy eyes, those who have asthma or allergies are often even more affected by mold in their environments. Apart from the impact on our health, another problem is compromised materials. When mold gets bad enough entire walls might need to be removed in order to get rid of it all. This can be costly and also a big undertaking. Whether in our bodies or on our walls mold is not something to have around, unless it’s in blue cheese.

Your health and safety are important to our company. We want you to feel protected and know that we have your back. Have mold issues caused by plumbing or other issues?  Reach out to us today for a consultation!