Whenever floodwaters have receded and clean-up has been done, one of the most common mistakes committed by homeowners is overlooking areas where molds and mildew may grow.
Most homeowners might have thought they have thoroughly cleaned all possible areas. However, molds have hidden colonies and tend to spread out of control. By the time you discover them, it may already be too late and a huge and costly removal project may be required.
To help you know where these molds might hide and spot them beforehand, here are seven areas prone to mold that you can check or let a professional inspect.
Prone Area No. 1: Underneath Walls
House walls are not waterproof. Walls may look strong and durable, but they are vulnerable to water and humidity. Drywall and wood walls are the favorite thriving places of mold and mildew. Wood is a prime food source for mold growth and mildew damage.
Prone Area No. 2: Beneath Cabinets
Cabinets are typically built from wood, and as stated previously, wood is a food source for mold. Check all your cabinets in the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and even the parking area which could possibly be affected by flooding and moisture.
Remember, a small amount of sustained moisture can start the growth of mold, such as a small leaking pipe, dripping from a loose drain, or a worn-out water line.
Prone Area No. 3: Inside Air Vents
Air vents are the most frequently overlooked areas in a house. As known, air vents connect every part of the house, whether through walls, underneath floors, or above the ceiling. Humidity and moisture can build up in these vents and these vents could be a source of mold growth.
Prone Area No. 4: Beneath Floors
Almost any type of flooring is susceptible and prone to mold infestation. If you do happen to have laminate or wood flooring, your job is not going to be easy. You may need to dry out the material completely.
If you are fortunate and able to open up a portion of your flooring to let airflow circulate all over it, chances of solving the problem are slim because mold will grow and colonize the whole area again.
When mold has colonized your flooring, you may need to replace it completely, and the cost for floor replacement is a big budget headache.
Prone Area No. 5: Inside Attics
The attic is the space between the ceiling of the top floor of a building and the slanted roof. Though you might think that your attic is safe and it is far from flood since it is the topmost part of your house, think again.
Double check if there is a roof leak or if a portion of your roof has blind spots. Once water has seeped through the roof, there is a big chance that mold will grow and thrive.
Prone Area No. 6: Window Frames
Even though flooding may not reach your windows, mold can develop in and around window frames. It happens when the windows leak rain in from the outside.
Check if mold has developed around the window in your basement, kitchen, or living room, and find out how water is getting into the window frame. However, if you do notice some mold growth on your windows, it may be due to a lack of ventilation.
Prone Area No. 7: Upholstery and Other Fabrics
After any flooding incident, one of the items you must prioritize checking is your furniture. This happens if upholstered parts of the furniture, such as sofa cushions, have not been dried thoroughly or have been stored in plastic while they’re damp.
You can get rid of mold as a DIY project; however, it is complicated and dangerous and you could possibly damage your furniture. It is recommended to call in the professionals who have the skills and tools to remove the growth of mold and mildew on your furniture.
Mold Remediation Process
If you plan to remediate mold, it's always best to hire a professional mold removal and remediation service. Experts performing Mold Damage Repair in Newberry focus on identifying the cause of the problem and providing recommendations to find a long-term solution.
The team at ServiceMaster of the Upstate offers professional services which are backed by years of experience to ensure that you get the best possible results. We offer a detailed quote for mold remediation.
You can let the experts of Water Removal in Newberry inspect and assess your property after a flood or another water damage incident. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.
ServiceMaster of the Upstateis one of South Carolina’s leading restoration companies. They have experienced and respected experts in mold removal. Unlike other non-specialist mold removal companies that are often not trained or certified, all of our expert technicians are highly trained in the safest and most effective practices of Mold Damage Restoration in Newberry.
Contact us at (864) 310-7891 or through our website at https://www.servicemasterupstate.com/contact/, before the mold spreads and increases your repair bill and your exposure to health risks.
Mold is present all around us. Some forms pose no threat to humans, while others like the dreaded black mold can cause serious health effects like chronic fatigue or coughing. It’s essential to always be on the lookout for mold to protect the health of you and your family, as well as to avoid costly mold removal. Always check for mold in your bathrooms, cellars and other moist places, and make sure your home is well-ventilated with controlled humidity levels.
MOLD REMEDIATION COMPANY IN SOUTH CAROLINA
If you think that you already have mold in your home, it may be time to contact a mold remediation expert from ServiceMaster of the Upstate, especially if you notice any that match the descriptions of the dangerous molds recorded above. Small, closed-off spaces such as attics and basements are particularly susceptible to the damp conditions that attract mold. For mold inspections or mold remediation, look up a trusted mold remediation company in South Carolina like ServiceMaster of the Upstate and get them tended to as soon as possible.
TYPES OF MOLD AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM
Mold comes in a variety of colors and varieties and can be present in almost every space of your home.
Six common types of mold you may find include:
Acremonium:
Acremonium mold is a toxigenic mold type that evolves in its appearance over time.
It first starts out as a small moist mold that turns into a fine powdery substance.
Acremonium mold is often pink, grey, orange, or white in color.
Acremonium typically grows in household systems and areas such as condensation from humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants.
Aspergillus
With a black or green ground pepper-like appearance, you can often find aspergillus around toilets, painted surfaces, or around air ducts.
If inhaled, Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions that cause asthma attacks, fever, and a mucus cough.
These commonly found molds should be checked frequently.
Aureobasidium:
Aureobasidium is an allergenic mold that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces.
Aureobasidium usually develops in pink, brown, or black color. As it ages, aureobasidium typically turns a darker brown color.
The primary health risk of aureobasidium is its ability to cause infections of eye, skin, and nails. Because of its potential to cause dermatitis (skin rash), it should never be touched directly with bare skin.
Alternaria:
Alternaria is black with a velvet-like texture. Although it is a common type of outdoor mold, it is easily airborne, traveling for a warm, wet place to multiply. This is when it will cause an issue for your home.
It will cling to plants, furniture, and in damp areas like under sinks, showers, or window frames.
The health risks of this mold include a runny nose, sore throat, hives, and rashes on the skin. Babies and those with asthma should be especially careful around this mold.
Cladosporium:
Cladosporium is olive or black color and found in wood and textiles. This is another mold that is more commonly seen outside, although it can also find its way into your home.
Attaching itself to damp areas of the home like the basement, attic, and bathrooms. Similar to other molds, it can cause allergic reactions like watery or itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, and other common cold symptoms
Trichoderma:
This green and white mold can feel almost wool-like and thrives in a variety of environments. These can include wood, paint, carpet, and filters.
Its adaptability is due to its strong metabolism, so almost anywhere can be a potential living space.
Potential Health Risks: Most Trichoderma species aren’t amongst highly dangerous forms of mold, but it can trigger allergies as well as asthma.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MOLD
Some mold types can produce minor health effects like allergy symptoms, while others are highly toxic to humans, which can cause:
Chronic coughing and fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Rashes
Internal bleeding in the lungs
Damage to internal organs
Brain damage like memory loss and tremors
Implementing consistent home checks in places like the bathroom, attic, and basement can help to catch the growth of mold before a loved one begins to feel these symptoms. Have a professional mold expert, like ServiceMaster of the Upstate, come into your home when an outbreak of mold is found. An expert will know how to tackle the issue so it does not return.
WHAT DO WHEN YOU HAVE MOLD IN YOUR HOME?
Water penetration can occur anywhere in your home. In addition to the bathroom and basement, to avoid extensive damages and mold growth, it’s important always to be looking at the following areas for the signs of water damage:
Ceilings and Walls: In the ceiling, water damage can either be the result of water leaking in through the roof or, if there’s a bathroom on the floor above, from a leaking pipe in the bathroom. For walls, you’ll want to check for the same sources of water damage, as well as areas around doors and windows.
Floors: Many things can be the cause of water damaged floors, including overflowing sinks and tubs or leaky appliances.
Exterior Walls: Improper drainage or gutters that don’t whisk water away from your house are common causes of exterior wall damage.
Attic: Stains, mold, and swollen insulation are the common signs your attic has damages.
Appliances: Check under or behind your refrigerator, washer and dryer, water heater and toilets and sinks for signs of pooling or leaks.
THE MOLD DAMAGE EXPERTS AT SERVICEMASTER OF THE UPSTATE
At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we pride ourselves on offering fast and friendly mold removal and water cleanup services to all of the residents of the Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Lawrence area. We’ve been trusted to help homeowners clean their homes and remove mold and pride ourselves on doing your job right the first time. We also offer emergency 24-hour services, so you’re not displaced for too long. For your cleanup needs, give us a call today at (864) 310-7891 or complete our online contact form.
