If you have recently felt sick without any identifiable cause, this might be a sign that you have mold in your home. Although you might believe you have mold in your home, identifying and treating it can be incredibly difficult. While you might not know where to begin, there are a few ways to appropriately identify and treat this mold.
At Liberty Restoration, our team understands how important it is to address mold in your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. But, not all mold is created equal, which can make it difficult to properly identify it. If you would like to learn more about how to identify and treat mold in your home, keep reading.
What is Mold?
Molds are a natural part of many environments and may be found anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. These are a kind of fungi that often live in moist places, like soil, plants, and decaying matter. In nature, mold is responsible for breaking down dead organic materials, including fallen leaves, dead trees, and other natural debris.
However, when mold begins to develop indoors, you may begin to experience significant structural and health problems. As it continues to develop, you may begin to experience respiratory illnesses and notice structural problems within your home. But while you may believe you have mold in your home, properly identifying it can be difficult.
Identifying Mold in Your Home
While you might think you have mold in your home, that isn’t always the case. In some situations, you may believe you have mold, but you may actually be dealing with mildew. One of the easiest ways to identify mold in your home is by smelling it. While it might seem unsanitary, smell the air in the room with the potential mold problem.
Mold has a musty, earthy smell. If you notice this smell, it is likely mold growth. Another way to identify mold in your home is by purchasing a home testing kit. These kits come with a Petrie dish that will be sent to a lab for official testing. If the test comes back positive, you may want to hire a professional to evaluate the type of mold and where it is located.
The Most Common Household Molds
There are several different types of mold that grow in homes. Some of the most common molds you may encounter in your home include:
- Chaetomium: This mold starts as a fuzzy, white growth in homes affected by significant water damage, leaks, and flooding. As it grows, it may begin to darken in color.
- Stachybotrys: Also known as black mold, Stachybotrys is incredibly harmful. It is most often found in damp areas, including home ventilation systems, and requires professional removal.
- Alternaria: If you notice mold growing along the bottom of your window or in your bathroom, this may be Alternaria. This mold may exacerbate respiratory illnesses, such as hay fever and asthma.
- Ulocladium: Ulocladium is often found near appliances, bathrooms, drywall, and carpets. While it is black, this mold is not quite as dangerous. However, it does need to be addressed as soon as possible.
- Mucor: This mold may be found in mattresses and carpets and may lead to a fungal infection called zygomycosis, which causes the death of living tissue. In some situations, mucor can also infect blood, leading to a condition called mucormycosis.
- Aspergillus: Aspergillus may be found in your home’s air and HVAC system, especially if your home has been water-damaged. In more extreme cases, it can cause lethal infections in people with compromised immune systems.
How to Remove Mold in Your Home
If you have mold in your home, you might consider addressing this problem on your own. However, attempting to remove mold without help from a professional can pose a health risk if done improperly. In some cases, mold exposure can trigger asthma, especially in those who have respiratory problems.
Instead of attempting this service on your own, you should consider speaking to a professional about mold remediation services. These services will identify any moisture intrusions in your home, stop them in their tracks, and address the mold that has grown as a result. Once the mold is removed, they will repair any irreparable damage.
Reliable Mold Remediation from Liberty Restoration
If you are looking for reliable mold remediation services in Utah, our team at Liberty Restoration is here to help. We have provided home restoration services to homeowners across Utah for two decades, making us the perfect choice for your home restoration needs. Whether you’re looking for mold remediation, fire restoration, asbestos abatement, or something else entirely, our team is here to help. If you have mold in your home and you would like to speak to a member of our team about mold remediation, don’t hesitate to contact us today.