Mold thrives in damp environments and if not properly remediated, it can cause serious health issues and damage to your property. If you are currently facing a mold problem in your home, it is important to call in a professional before it becomes a bigger problem. Mold is dangerous and can cause major health issues. There are several reasons why you shouldn’t remediate mold yourself. Read our guide on what signs to look for when it comes to mold growth and when to call in a specialist right away.

Look for the Signs of Mold Growth

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp and humid environments. There are ways to prevent the spread of mold from growing in your home and it is better to resolve the issue as quickly as possible before it spreads. There are several signs that may indicate the presence of mold growth. Here are a few ways to know if there is mold growing in your home:

• Musty Odor – Mold has a distinctly earthy, damp smell. If you start to notice a strange, musty odor in your home, this could mean that you have a potential mold problem. 
• Visible – Mold can appear as black, green, or even white spots on different surfaces throughout the home. Mold is more common in spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens or even the basement.
• Health Issues – If you or your family starts to experience respiratory infections or severe asthma attacks, this could be linked to the toxic mold growing in the home.
• Water Damage – Mold grows in moist spaces. If you come across any water leaks or damages in the home, then be sure to check for mold right away.
• Stains – If you start to notice discoloration or stains of green, yellow, or black on your walls, surfaces, or ceilings, there is most likely mold causing this to happen.

The most important thing you can do is to identify and prevent the moisture problem that caused mold to grow in the first place. Identify any sources of moisture in your home. If you recently experienced a broken pipe, leaky roof or faucet, basement flooding, or poor ventilation in the home, get this resolved immediately. It is better to prevent the problem of mold before it even happens.

Types of Mold

Exposure to certain types of mold can make you and your family very sick if not handled properly. It is important to know when to call a professional and what types of mold can be more toxic.

Always be cautious and never touch mold without wearing gloves and a face mask. These are the three different categories of mold to be aware of: 

• Allergenic – This type of mold can cause allergic reactions and asthma-like symptoms. Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, or skin rash are common symptoms of allergenic molds.
• Pathogenic – Can cause serious infections and fungus to grow on human tissue.
• Toxigenic – Just like it sounds, this is the most toxic category and can cause deadly health conditions and neurological impairment. 

Not all molds are allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic. Potential health effects of mold can depend on the specific type of mold, level of exposure, and the individual. If you have any concerns of what type of mold you are dealing with in your home, it is better to contact a professional to address the issue for you.

Rapid Restoration can help you to find out what type of mold may be growing in your home and where it is growing. Ask about our professional mold testing and inspection. Take control of mold growth in your home today!

Dangers of DIY Mold Removal

No matter the size or color of mold, it is always hard to know exactly how toxic it is. Removing mold on your own could result in releasing mold spores and spreading throughout the home, making it more toxic and difficult to remove. 

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t come in contact with mold and call a professional instead:

Health Risks

If you have any allergies or respiratory problems, this could especially be dangerous and worsen the issue. The last thing you want to deal with is health issues, so be sure to protect yourself as you contact a mold removal specialist. Do everything you can to prevent inhalation or direct contact of spores. 

Incomplete Mold Removal

Mold is tricky and sometimes hard to prevent. Specialists use specific tools and products to completely get to the source of the issue. You may think that it’s gone in the moment, but if not properly taken care of, it can grow back quickly.

Structural Damage 

If left untreated, mold can cause even more costly issues, such as structural damage in your home. A mold remediation specialist can come up with a plan and process to prevent mold growth and restore your home back to normal.

Hidden Mold 

Mold can grow in the most unexpected and hard-to-reach places. Some of these areas may include walls, ceilings, and HVAC systems. Mold remediation companies have the right tools and experience to find mold.

Need Rapid Restoration in Minnesota?

If you come in contact with mold it is always better to be safe than sorry. Stay away and call Rapid Restoration! Our mold remediation and removal team has the experience and tools to safely remove mold from your home. On top of our remediation process, we can repair any carpet, drywall, or furniture damage. Leave the remediation to us! 

 Based in Roseville, Minnesota, we offer our water, fire, and mold restoration services throughout the Twin Cities area as well as Western Wisconsin.