No one wants their household to be caught in the middle of a mold infestation.
The mere presence of mold alone, a fungus that thrives on abundant moisture and high humidity, is already indicative of a greater underlying threat. If your pre-existing mold growth worsens, you may have another problem on your hands that requires immediate attention.
If the situation gets out of hand, you need the help of a mold mitigation professional. Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration can help. We have the equipment and skills to tackle the problem. As restoration experts, we know a thing or two about what kills mold spores.
What Are Mold Spores?
Mold is a fungus whose spores are airborne and practically invisible until they find the right place to cultivate. Aside from a moist environment and warm temperatures, said spores need sustenance. Potential food sources include walls, fibers, and fabric. Once the mold has settled in your home and begun to spread, your entire household is unwittingly put in danger.
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of mold may cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
The symptoms may include the following:
- Itchy and Watery Eyes, Throat, and Nose
- Coughing
- Skin Rashes
- Eye Redness
What Do Mold Spores Look Like?
Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, with their particles acting as “seeds” that help propagate the mold. Once they find a suitable surface, that’s when the mold growth becomes noticeable, appearing somewhat viscous and covered in fuzz with different colors, such as white, green, yellow, brown, black, and blue. Mold-infested surfaces decay and rot over time, much faster than they should be.
What Elements Cause Mold Growth?
There are six elements necessary for mold to grow. When any are insufficient or absent, mold cannot flourish. Addressing any or all of the following will guarantee that mold has no place in your home.
They are:
- Mold Spores
- Moisture
- Oxygen
- Sustenance
- Optimal Temperature
- Absence of Sunlight
What Are the Possible Moisture Sources in Your Home?
Moisture can be caused by any part of your home, like the attic, basement, bathroom, kitchen, HVAC system, crawlspace, and the exterior, garden included.
Some sources are but are not limited to:
- Pipe Leaks or Damage
- Condensation
- Air Circulation Insufficiency
- Heater Overflow
- Rain or Floodwater
- Drainage System Deficiency
- Foundation Integrity Damage
- Toilet Damage
- Absorbent Dampness
- Puddles
- Sprinklers
Inspecting every inch of your home may help quell the problem before it spawns. Once you spot the early signs of mold, call an expert to your doorstep immediately.
What Are the Signs of a Mold Problem?
Keeping your eyes open for the early symptoms of mold will allow you to act immediately.
Here are some signs you have a brewing mold problem:
Musty Odors in Enclosed Areas
A musty scent or something reminiscent of stagnant water is a clear indication that spores are lingering in the air.
Ceiling Stains
If you ever notice inexplicable staining on your ceiling, in your attic, or in between the floorboards, one thing’s for sure — there’s moisture. If the discoloration hasn’t already developed into a mold colony, it won’t be long until it will without your intervention.
Wallpaper or Paint Damage
When mold overruns a wall or your paneling, its core structure will separate and decay, continuing to worsen before your eyes.
How To Get Rid of Airborne Mold Spores?
When you see mold growth in your home, it means there are spores in the air. An effective way of eliminating it is an air purifier, with hundreds already prevalent on the market. What matters is which gets the job done right — specifically those utilizing High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters capable of capturing 99.97% of 0.3-diameter micron particles.
Say goodbye to allergens and dust. In fact, HEPA filters are impressively effective at entrapping larger particles. Spore diameters vary from one to 20-diameter microns — making the HEPA-filtered air purifier an effective preventive measure for mold.
What Can’t an Air Purifier Do?
Yes, air purifiers with HEPA filters are a precautionary solution to your problem, likely the only one you’ll need if mold hasn’t already dominated your home. However, if there’s any growth already present, address it first.
Air purifiers are no good when it comes to pre-existing mold. Once you’ve handled any mold infestations, having a reliable HEPA air purifier helps prevent any other problems from sprouting.
Don’t let something as petty as mold drive you out of your home.
Deep Water restoration experts can help. Our mold mitigation process guarantees that every mold colony is eradicated. Once you’re in the clear, you can use your HEPA air purifier worry-free. If you need a helping hand, our water damage restoration services in the Omaha, NE, area will save you from any water and mold damage. Contact us today!
