Noticing The Sign of Mold

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the outside and could create a perfect haven for mold. Hidden sources of mold can be extremely dangerous to air quality throughout the entire home. Mold can originate from sudden water releases from a burst pipe, or a chronic untreated condition such as a leaking roof or pipe.

 If you suspect a mold problem in your Long Beach Island home, here are some signs that we at Stretch Cleaning recommend you should look for:

·         Water damage. Unattended water damage can lead to mold growth because the presence of moisture is essential for mold spores to thrive and spread. Any signs of water damage, like dark spots on ceilings, are good indicators that there is mold.

·         Water leaks. If there is a leak in your home, it can cause water to pool in areas, which will lead to mold growth.

·         Condensation. Condensation on surfaces that should not be wet means that there is moisture, and if moisture is present odds are so is mold.

·         Humidity. When a home has humid conditions, moisture in the air is higher. High humidity can lead to condensation and absorption, providing ample food sources for mold spores.

·         Warping. Materials like drywall and wood will begin to warp and swell when exposed to water or moisture. Warped walls and floors may indicate mold growth.

·         Musty odors. Mold produces a musty smell that can travel throughout the entire home. If you smell mildew, or any new strange musty odor, it is a possible indicator of mold.

·         Rust. Condensation on metal surfaces will cause those surfaces to rust. If you notice rust on pipes or any other metal surfaces in your home, you may have higher moisture levels present there which means there is an increased risk of mold growth.

·         Deterioration. Moisture absorbed by porous materials will cause those materials to deteriorate. Bubbling in walls, peeling paint, and other signs of deterioration are strong indications for mold.

·         Respiratory problems. Indoor mold can affect the health of all residents who are exposed to it. Common symptoms of mold exposure include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throat, wheezing, headaches, and other respiratory symptoms.

·         Visible mold. Obviously, if you see mold, then you know there is mold in your home. Mold can have many different appearances, but mainly looks like dark staining on surfaces with a fuzzy appearance. If you are unsure whether or not a visible source is mold, call a remediation team right away.

Mold cleanup LBI is a potentially dangerous and extensive process that should be left to the professionals with proper training, equipment, and experience. If you notice any of the above signs in your home, do not wait to get it taken care of. Stretch Cleaning and Restoration in Long Beach Island is able to identify moisture sources, evaluate mold growth (visible and suspected), contain damage to the smallest area possible, and physically remove contamination and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return.