Understanding Mold: An Overview of What it is and How to Prevent it

5/14/2023 (Permalink)

Mold requires moisture to grow, and therefore it is important to address any sources of moisture in the home if mold is present.

Mold is a type of fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. It is a natural part of the environment and plays an important role in breaking down dead organic matter. However, mold can also cause damage to buildings and homes if it is allowed to grow unchecked.

What is Mold?

Mold spores are microscopic and can be found in the air both indoors and outdoors. They are commonly found in areas with high humidity or dampness, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, drywall, and carpeting.

Identifying Mold

Mold is often visible and can be identified by its fuzzy or slimy appearance. It can come in a variety of colors, including black, green, white, and orange. While some types of mold are harmless, others can be toxic and pose a serious risk.

Types of Mold

There are several types of mold that are commonly found in homes and buildings. Aspergillus is a common type of mold that can be found in soil, plant matter, and other organic materials. It can also grow on walls, insulation, and other building materials. Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, is a type of mold that is often associated with water damage and can grow on materials like wood and drywall. Other types of mold include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Alternaria. These molds are commonly found in areas with high humidity and can grow on a variety of surfaces.

Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold growth can be achieved by addressing any sources of moisture in the home. This can include repairing leaky pipes, ensuring proper ventilation in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and using dehumidifiers to control humidity levels. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help to prevent mold growth.

Addressing Mold Presence

If mold is present in the home, it is important to address it promptly. This can include hiring a professional, such as SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch, to remove the mold and address any underlying sources of moisture. It is also important to take steps to prevent mold from returning in the future.

Understanding Mold and Taking Preventative Measures

In conclusion, mold is a type of fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. While some types of mold are harmless, others can be toxic and pose a serious risk. Mold requires moisture to grow, and therefore it is important to address any sources of moisture in the home if mold is present. Preventing mold growth can be achieved by addressing sources of moisture, regular cleaning and maintenance, and prompt removal of any mold that is present. By understanding mold and taking preventative measures, homeowners can ensure that their homes remain safe and mold-free.

3 Ways to Discover Growth in Your Air Ducts

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. There is no such thing as a mold-free environment. Without regular HVAC cleaning in your commercial property in San Antonio, however, it could attach to the dust molecules in your air ducts and result in poor air quality. You can usually see or smell an insidious mold problem, but to be certain, you can also have your HVAC system tested for mold.

1. Professional Testing

The most thorough and foolproof method for discovering whether or not there is a mold problem in your air ducts is to have your building professionally tested. This process can be a little costly, but it is well worth the price if it means you catch the problem early before mold causes damage to various parts of your HVAC system. It is less expensive in the long run to pay for minor mold testing and HVAC cleaning than to incur the cost of the extensive damage that could result from a long-term mold issue.

2. Visual Survey

There are two things that you should be on the lookout for when you check for mold. Of course, seeing patches of mold itself when cleaning vents is a clear sign that you need mold remediation. Another issue to watch for is excess moisture. If you see any condensation or if the building is extra humid, you may have found a breeding ground for mold.

3. Olfactory Cues

If your commercial building in San Antonio, smells musty or reeks of mildew, chances are that you may have a mold problem. You can run an informal test of whether the problem is in your air ducts or not. Turn your HVAC unit off for a little while. After you turn it back on, compare the intensity of the mildew smell. If it smells stronger when the unit is on, you may have pinpointed the location of the growth.

Whether you see it, smell it or test for it, a mold issue must be remediated. A professional HVAC cleaning can improve air quality by ridding your system of mold growth.

For more on San Antonio click here.

Mycotoxins and Mold Remediation

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mycotoxin Molecule

Mycotoxins are compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of mold. These molds typically form on foodstuffs such as grains, dried fruits, nuts and spices. Mycotoxin molecules are much smaller than the mold spore itself, making it much easier to travel throughout a structure and ductwork. Mold spores are typically 1-6 microns. For comparison, human hair is about 100 microns and a mycotoxin molecule is only 0.1 micron. This small size, therefore, makes it easy to inhale or be absorbed through the skin.

In the remediation process, it is important not to only be concerned with mold removal, but also the removal of these small molecules that can cause health effects. There are two areas of focus. The first is removal of all dust particulate (dust particles) where these molecules often land and take up residency. The second is in the ductwork and its role in distribution, which must be addressed in mold remediation projects. We always recommend duct and coil cleaning at the same time as mold remediation.

SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch is a licensed Mold Remediation Company with a licensed Mold Remediation Contractor on staff. The process of mold remediation can be a little daunting, but SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch can help you through it.

If you believe that there might mold in your home, you need to hire a Mold Assessment Consultant to do initial testing and to write a Mold Remediation Protocol. If you need help finding a Mold Assessment Consultant, SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch can give you several recommendations.

Call SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch at 210-670-9591 if you suspect mold in your home.