Mold is a type of fungus. These small organisms can be black, white, orange, green, or purple and live almost anywhere indoors and outside. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce through lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day. But what about the mold that develops along the grout in a bathroom or on a basement wall? Mold in the home can cause material and structural damage and can be a health hazard. Do you know your mold facts? The mold remediation professionals at ServiceMaster of Savannah have compiled 21 facts about mold everyone needs to know.
- Mold needs moisture to grow. Outdoors, mold grows in the soil, on vegetation and on decaying materials. Indoors, mold thrives in damp, moist conditions like bathrooms, basements, or even behind drywall where there’s been water damage.
- Mildew is a kind of mold, which means mold and mildew have a lot in common. They are both fungi, are often found inside homes, thrive in moist environments, spread from surface to surface easily, and may cause problems with your health and your home.
- There are four common types of indoor mold: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.
- Often, mold found in a home appears greenish-gray, brownish-green, gray, and even black. You may find slimy green mold on the exterior growing on vinyl siding located in an area that receives little to no sun. This mold usually can be removed with a power washer.
- Mold, a fungi, spreads by spores, which act as seeds to form new mold colonies.
- Some mold spores do contain toxins that can cause health issues when inhaled. People with mold allergies, pregnant women, anyone suffering from asthma, and those with a compromised immune system or respiratory conditions shouldn’t be exposed to mold. This is why mold remediation by professionals is essential.
- Health risks of mold may include, but are not limited to, headache, fever, cough, wheezing and flu-like symptoms. It can trigger asthma attacks as well.
- The terms “toxic mold” or “black mold” refer to Stachybotrys chartarum. Typically, it’s greenish-black in color and develops after a space has suffered heavy water damage. It, and all other kinds of mold, needs to be removed safely by professionals trained in mold removal.
- Mold on a shower curtain or in the tile’s grout around a tub can be removed by a homeowner. Bleach removes mold, but remember to only use it in a room that’s well-ventilated. Also, some types of tile will etch with bleach contact, so make sure to spot-check the bleach before using around the entire tub.
- Running a bathroom fan can help reduce the development of mold in the room. Open glass shower doors to allow ventilation and never bunch a shower curtain; instead, keep it open so it can dry thoroughly. Remember, mold needs moisture for growth.
- A musty, mildewy smell in the basement is not natural. It’s likely mold due to water damage, a cracked foundation, or leaking pipes.
- If that musty, mildewy smell is present in your home, it’s important to locate the source of the smell or the location of the mold.
- For mold growth in a residential home, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend mold sampling or testing.
- Keeping indoor humidity levels below 45 percent can inhibit mold growth.
- Condensation on windows, walls, and other hard surfaces is a sign of high humidity in the home, which increases the risk for mold development.
- After a water damage event (flood, burst pipe, or firefighting efforts), mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours.
- Mildew, a type of mold, easily develops on cardboard, books, and even fabrics. Store old clothes and other items in water-resistant containers instead of cardboard boxes to reduce the risk of mold growth.
- Mildew often can be brushed off fabrics like curtains and clothing.
- After a home flood, mold can grow in many unseen places, including behind drywall, within insulation, on carpet padding, and even throughout the HVAC system.
- Adding mold-inhibitors to paint before painting can reduce the potential for mold growth.
- ServiceMaster of Savannah offers complete mold remediation services performed safely and effectively by professionals.
What to Do If You Suspect Mold Inside Your Home
Mold can quietly grow behind walls, under floors, or in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. If you notice a musty odor, see discolored patches on walls or ceilings, or experience unexplained allergy symptoms, it’s time to take action.
1. Don’t Disturb the Area
Avoid touching or cleaning suspected mold, especially if it’s spread across a large area. Disturbing mold can release spores into the air, spreading them further.
2. Check for Signs of Moisture
Inspect areas where water may be leaking or pooling, such as under sinks, around windows, in crawlspaces, or near HVAC systems. Mold often follows water.
3. Improve Ventilation
If it’s safe, increase airflow by opening windows and running exhaust fans to reduce humidity while you await professional inspection.
4. Use a Dehumidifier
Lowering humidity levels can help slow mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent if possible.
5. Call a Professional Mold Remediation Company
Prompt evaluation by a certified mold remediation expert is key. Companies like ServiceMaster of Savannah have the tools to detect hidden mold and determine how far it has spread.
6. Don’t Rely on DIY Kits Alone
Home test kits may be unreliable or misleading. Professional mold inspection ensures a more accurate diagnosis and a safer plan for removal.
7. Act Quickly
Mold doesn’t go away on its own. The longer you wait, the more damage it can cause to your home and your health.
ServiceMaster of Savannah's Mold Remediation Process
- Mold Inspection – Our team will identify the extent of mold growth and water damage in affected areas. It involves the use of moisture meters and other specialized equipment. Air quality sampling can also be employed to identify the extent of the contamination and moisture problem.
- Mold Testing – We work with nationally recognized testing facilities and can provide mold inspection, laboratory analysis, and written remediation plans. We know how to identify and help eliminate the source of what has caused the mold, and implement the proper processes in order to help prevent future mold growth.
- Isolation and Containment – We will add a physical barrier to contain it while we prepare a report for your insurance company and discuss your options for moving ahead.
- Air Filtration – The mold spores will often be disturbed and become airborne. This can lead to cross-contamination and create a situation much worse than the original problem. We use specialized techniques to contain the area. This involves the use of HEPA filtration, negative air machines, and plastic sheeting.
- Mold Removal – Our team will use HEPA vacuums, antimicrobial agents, negative air scrubbers, and other high-tech equipment to completely remove mold.
Contact Us for Savannah GA Mold Remediation
Mold removal is best handled by the experts. Call ServiceMaster of Savannah at (912) 244-6966 today or contact us online for mold inspection and remediation services in Savannah, Georgia, and surrounding areas.
What Our Customers Say
I highly recommend ServiceMaster! I am currently undergoing chemotherapy and therefore not working at the moment. I noticed what I thought was a possible dangerous mold growing in my bathrooms. I was hesitant to call anyone due to me not working right now, I was afraid of the cost involved. I did decide to call them, based on positive reviews I read. The reviews were absolutely correct! They came out and tested the areas and told me it was nothing to worry about. They gave me some advice on how to take care of the problem and left! This is a very honest and reputable company! Will was who they sent, and he was very knowledgeable and professional.
– G. R.
I had an upstairs toilet leak and ServiceMaster was a great help with the mitigation and mold remediation process. Will, the technician, was very knowledgeable and thorough throughout the process. Selena who works at the front desk was always pleasant as helpful as well. Thanks again! Definitely recommend this team.
– S. W.
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