What You Need to Know About Mold

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

While mold is invisible to the naked eye, it plays a vital role in the environment by causing the breakdown, or decomposition, of dead organic matter. However, when mold makes its way to the indoor environment, it can cause health effects. Moisture creates a favorable environment for mildew to thrive, resulting in extensive mold damage; typically, where there's moisture, there's mold. 

Mold Thrives in Humidity

Since mold thrives in humidity, small leaks and damp surfaces are prime real estate for rapid development of mold and mildew. Mold spreads swiftly due to the lightweight nature of its spores, which allows them to be transported easily by airflow. Therefore, it has great potential to contaminate a vast area.

Can I See Mold?

Mold damage in a property can be detected by visual inspection, particularly on open surfaces. However, mold growth can begin where it is unseen—like inside ducts and crawl spaces or behind tiles, paneling, and wallpaper, making it hard to detect. Common signs of imminent mold issues include warping walls, blistering paint, crumbling plaster, deep cracks in the tiles, and gaps in grout. If the floor or the walls have stains or feel wet and soft to the touch, mold testing and removal should be done as soon as possible. Additionally, a smelly odor in a well-maintained home is another signal for hidden mold growth.

What About Dormant Mold?

After discovering the moisture source and drying out the area, the mold may seem to vanish. However, failure to remove the mold spores in their entirety only makes the fungus dormant, and it is capable of reactivating upon the occurrence of favorable conditions which include:

• Ideal Temperature
• Organic Material
• Moisture

Even dormant mold can produce a smelly odor and cause health effects.

Can There be Mold in Newly-Built Homes?

Newly constructed homes are not exempt from fungus infestations and subsequent mold damage. Especially when the materials used to build a property were either inappropriately stored in humid surroundings or they were rained on. If not fully dried, such materials hold moisture internally, which can facilitate mold growth and cause a smelly odor.

Okay, So How Do I Get Rid of Mold?

During the first stages before mold damage escalates, a do-it-yourself (DIY) method can be helpful to eliminate the smell while preventing further development. It's advisable only to use fungicides and deodorization sprays that are registered under EPA, which should be done after the definite elimination of the sources of moisture. However, in most cases, DIY methods will only provide a temporary solution and could even spread the mold if not careful, necessitating an expert in mold removal and mitigation.

Professional mold remediation is especially necessary when:

• The fungus has found its way into the HVAC system or other materials that are generally out of reach
• The fungus affects a large area
• The homeowner lacks the appropriate tools to eradicate mold
• The homeowner has exhausted DIY mold removal and remediation methods

SERVPRO’s Professional, Efficient Mold Removal and Mitigation Method

Specialists in mold removal and mitigation possess experience and proper equipment for efficient and permanent fungus removal from homes and business premises. Mildew can go unnoticed and therefore establish itself all over. Attempting to get rid of mold damage without professional assistance could prove tough. Efficient mold remediation and mitigation go a long way in reversing the destruction caused by mold. For additional information regarding mold remediation, contact SERVPRO of East Memphis at (901) 754-9061.