Mold is a tricky thing to deal with. It can be found almost anywhere, and if you don’t take
the right precautions, it will quickly grow out of control in your home or business.
Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to keep mold from growing in the first place.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes mold growth, how to prevent it, as well as how
to spot it when it happens so that you can take action before it gets worse.
Types of Mold and Their Causes
Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp, dark areas. It can be found almost anywhere on
earth, but certain types of mold prefer specific environments more so than others. Mold
spores become airborne very easily and will quickly grow where you least expect them if
they have access to the right conditions.
If your home or business is in a humid climate, there’s a good chance that mold might be
hiding somewhere. If you live near the ocean or other bodies of water, especially saltwater,
your space may also be more susceptible to mold growth.
Different types of mold thrive under certain specific conditions. Understanding where
these types of mold occur can help you to better prevent them from growing
Alternaria
Alternaria is a type of mold that thrives in warm, damp areas like the shower or tub. It’s
also known as “black mold” and can cause serious respiratory issues when it becomes
airborne.
If you’ve recently had flooding inside your home, there’s a good chance that black mold will
form on or within your walls and other wet surfaces. If black mold has begun to grow, you
may need to vacate your home and call for professional mold removal to get rid of the
problem.
Cladosporium
Another type of black mold, Cladosporium likes to grow on moist surfaces in areas with
little airflow, such as the floorboards near an air vent. It can also be found in soil and on
plants, and is most often found in humid climates. This type of mold can cause allergic
reactions, as well as problems with the respiratory system such as asthma or bronchitis.
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is a type of mold that causes respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma, and can
be fatal if it’s allowed to grow unchecked for too long. This type of mold is also more
common in homes that have experienced flooding or water damage.
How to Treat Mold
If you find mold in your home or business, the first step is to contact a professional
specializing in mold removal and remediation. Make sure that they follow all of the
appropriate protocols for working with black mold, as it can be fatal if not handled
properly.
There are several different types of treatment methods that you can choose from to
remediate the mold. A good professional will help you understand which is best for your
situation, and they’ll also explain how long it will take them to complete the project so that
you won’t have to worry about lingering smells or health issues caused by exposure after
they’re done working with black mold removal.
Treating Mold in Your Home
Without proper experience and the right tools, trying to remove mold on your own is a
mistake. Not only is mold dangerous to handle and inhale, but it’s also difficult to remove
completely. You could leave spores behind that will quickly grow and spread, leaving you
right back where you started.
After the mold is removed by the pros, there are a few things you can do to prevent future
growth. The best way to prevent new mold spores from growing in your home is by
maintaining good indoor air quality. Keep the humidity levels in your home below 70% if
you can help it, and always keep any damp areas dry so that mold doesn’t have a place to
grow, especially around windows or doors where moisture tends to seep through.
Treating Mold in Your Office
If you’re a business owner and you’ve noticed some mold growing in your office, it’s likely
that this is caused by dampness from excessive humidity or water damage. The best way to
prevent further problems with black mold growth is to make sure that the area is properly
ventilated at all times and make sure that all water leaks are attended to right away.
If you do find mold in your office, it’s important not to waste time trying to clean the area
yourself if you don’t have previous experience with black mold removal. Call a professional
immediately, and they’ll come in to ensure that the problem is properly taken care of.
Let Emrick Services Help Prevent Mold Growth
If you’re worried about black mold growth in your home or business, give us a call. We can
provide mold testing to determine whether this is the cause of any problems that you’ve
been having with allergies or respiratory issues, and will work closely with you to make
sure that mold has no place to grow if there is a water or moisture problem.
