With high levels of moisture and humidity, mold growth can become widespread and infest large areas inside the home. After a recent water damage event, such as leaks, overflows, backups or other forms of flooding, mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Time is a critical factor when dealing with mold, so it is important for property owners to handle the situation properly to prevent its development. Learn some tips from the experts of ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief.
Conditions for Mold Development
Unattended moisture can lead to mold growth, whether it is in your home or in your office. Here are the four things that molds need so that they can grow:
- Liquid water
- Food (typically sugar or starch)
- Temperatures between 41° and 104°
- Oxygen
The conditions of oxygen and temperature are usually met in any indoor environment. Food sources can easily be found in the back paper of drywall or particles in the water, making the addition of liquid water into the cavity wall that should be taken care of right away.
Common Types Of Mold Found Indoors
Mold comes in many different forms; in fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are probably tens of thousands of types of molds, if not more. Molds are vital in the decomposition of leaves, plants, and trees. Mold can degrade natural materials like wood and leaves, causing structural harm to your home.
Here are a few types of mold commonly encountered in various areas of a building:
Alternaria
- One of the more common molds found indoors and outdoors is Alternaria.
- Alternaria usually appears in areas that are damp like sinks and showers, or dark and dimly lit areas outside the home.
- Health problems associated with Alternaria include asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
Aspergillus
- Another indoor mold is Aspergillus.
- This mold is incredibly common and does minor damage to those who inhale it.
- Severe reactions include respiratory infections, allergic reactions and inflamed lungs.
Aureobasidium
- The Aureobasidium mold is most often found on wooden furniture, surfaces, painted walls and wallpaper as well as around windows and in caulk.
- If you notice a spotty substance that is pink and black in color in those areas, it’s probably this type of mold.
- Since Aureobasidum is so common, most people do develop allergic reactions to it and it has been known to cause more severe reactions than other molds.
Chaetomium
- Chaetomium mold is found in drywall that has experienced water damage.
- People typically identify their presence when they smell a musty or old odor in their homes.
Cladosporium
- Homeowners often find the Cladosporium mold inside both cool and warm areas like carpets, wood floorboards, wooden cabinet and older fabrics.
- Being around the Cladosporium mold can leave homeowners with breathing problems and respiratory issues.
Fusarium
- Fusarium is a mold that tends to grow in colder, wetter areas.
- The typical homes for Fusarium are carpeted areas and similar fabrics.
- Fusarium can cause standard allergic reactions as well as respiratory infections and inflammations.
Health Risks Of Mold
While some mold species are not harmful, others create allergens, irritants, and even toxins. Allergens are chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Inhaling or contacting mold or its spores can cause allergic responses.
Here are some allergic reactions that you can experience when you are affected by mold spores:
- Airway inflammation
- A sore throat
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes
- Long-standing or frequent sinusitis
- Nasal congestion
- Rash
- Redness of the eyes
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing/shortness of breath
Prolonged exposure can cause chronic lung problems. Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have more severe symptoms when exposed to mold spores.
Steps to Prevent Mold Growth
Whether water damage is caused by a storm surge or another weather event, if the water is contained inside or behind walls, the conditions for mold growth are almost certainly present.
It’s better to act quickly to minimize the damage and prevent the mold from spreading. The moisture that is creating the mold will be evaluated and removed by ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief.
Immediately dry areas
- Try cleaning and drying the areas that are easily reached by water within 48 hours to avoid mold growth.
- ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief has all the needed water extraction and drying equipment.
Be aware of warning signs.
- Continue to be sensitive to smelly odors in the affected area after cleaning and drying.
Take a peek outside.
- Always check the exterior corners of your homes or buildings for collected groundwater.
- When the ground is soaked, molds begin to form outside and find their way inside the house.
- If the water has been collected in your area, take preventive measures to drain the water away from your place.
- Keeping your things dry is one of the best key steps to mold growth prevention.
Removing damaged materials.
- If materials are wet and cannot be cleaned, better remove them from your area and replace them with new ones.
Mold sensitivity affects some people, and this can be damaging to their health. If this is the first time you’ll be dealing with water inside your home or structure, make sure to take extra precautions to check for mold.
Schedule Your Mold Remediation Appointment Today
ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief is a professional mold remediation company in Pinellas County, Florida.
- We manage all work from the initial mold removal to cleanup. We will also provide you with 24/7 assistance regarding your concerns.
- We are one of the best mold remediation service providers in Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Largo, Madeira Beach, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and Treasure Island, Florida.
Call ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief at (813) 295-7797 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
