Have you noticed an unfortunately musty smell in your home? If you have, there may be mold growing in your space. Once you find the mold, removing it may be more overwhelming than expected. If that’s the case, it might be a good idea to seek mold remediation from a professional. At Liberty Restoration, we want you to know what mold remediation is and how to protect your home from mold growth.
What Is Mold Remediation?
Anyone who lives in a wet, damp climate has probably dealt with mold before. But people who live in arid climates are still at risk of mold exposure. You may seek mold remediation services if you have mold in your home. Mold remediation is the process of eliminating mold from your home. This process includes mold testing, cleaning, sanitizing, containing, demolition, and removal. The mold remediation process may be more or less intensive, depending on the type and severity of the mold.
Is This Mold Or Mildew?
Mold and mildew are referenced together. Mildew is a type of fungus or mold. The easiest way to tell that it is mildew is its visual appearance. Mold is green, red, or black and slimy or fuzzy in texture. Mildew is powdery looking and appears white or grey. Mildew is also much easier to clean than mold because it only grows on the surface of things.
What Kind Of Mold Do I Have?
Several kinds of mold are commonly found in homes. The types of mold found in your home include the following:
- Stachybotrys: Also known as black mold, this mold is hazardous and can be found in spaces with poor ventilation. If you believe you have black mold in your home, a team of professionals should be brought in to remove it, as it is incredibly toxic.
- Alternaria: This mold can be found on window sills and bathrooms and may impact individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Ulocladium: This mold loves especially damp places, including in and around appliances like your washing machine. It does appear similar to black mold, though it isn’t quite as toxic.
- Aspergillus: You may find this mold in your HVAC and air conditioning systems. Left untreated, it may cause respiratory illnesses, including asthma and lung infections. Some strains of Aspergillus can trigger cancer growth.
Where Might I Find Mold In My Home?
Mold might appear anywhere in your home exposed to adequate moisture or with a water problem, like a leak. You may also find mold in areas that have inadequate ventilation. If you believe you may have mold in your home, you’ll want to look in the following places:
- Bathroom: You’ll want to check your shower stall, bathtub, around your toilet, and under your sink for any mold growth.
- Basement: Because this space isn’t generally well-ventilated, mold growth is not uncommon in basements.
- Kitchen: Much like your bathroom, there is plenty of exposure to moisture in your kitchen. You’ll want to check under and around your sink, as well as behind your fridge, for any leaks that may lead to mold growth.
- Laundry Room: Because of their exposure to high humidity, your laundry room may be the perfect place for mold to form.
- Air Conditioner: Because of the condensation in your air conditioner, puddles of water can form, leading to mold growth.
What Do I Do If I Think I Have Mold?
If you’ve found mold in your home, you may feel panicked. If the mold has formed in spaces like bathtubs, shower floors, or sink basins, you’ll want to ensure this space is cleaned and that water doesn’t sit there for extended periods, which may lead to mold growth. If the mold has overwhelmed your space, or you aren’t sure how to handle the development, you’ll want to get a professional to schedule mold remediation.
How Do I Prevent Mold?
The easiest way to prevent mold is by limiting your home’s humidity. If you have a leak, seek a professional immediately to correct the problem. If you’ve experienced mold from spills or leaks, ensure the area is dried. If it can’t be appropriately dried, it needs to be removed. You may also want to look into installing proper ventilation and direct water from your home. Following these steps should prevent further mold growth in your home.
Mold Remediation With Liberty Restoration
If you’re dealing with mold growth in your home that has overwhelmed you, our team of professionals at Liberty Restoration can help you handle it through mold remediation. Our experts can clean and care for your home so you can go back to enjoying your space safely.
In addition to mold remediation, our experts can help with flood and fire damage remediation, storm damage, asbestos abatement, and more. If you’re looking for mold remediation or one of our many other services, contact our team today.