How to Spot Common Molds in Your Home

Homeowners have all heard about it, the unpleasant discovery of mold in the house and the potential harm it could cause. But what most people don’t consider is how many kinds of mold there are. While there are thousands of mold species out there, not all of them will appear in your home. For those that do appear in the home, they can be potentially harmful if left to grow.

To protect your home from mold and its effects, it is important to take a proactive stance in learning about mold and your options in remedying a mold infestation. Below we’ll be exploring some of the common molds that may appear in your home. You’ll learn what they look like, where they like to grow, and what problems those molds can bring into your home. You will also learn how you can keep that mold from returning.

Common Types of Molds in the Home

Depending on the species, mold can come in a variety of colors and appearances. You’ve likely heard of black mold, also known as “toxic mold” by many. But there are other molds that you may encounter, and you’ll want to look out for them just the same.

Black Mold

Consisting of over 60 different species, black mold is a diverse group of mold that tends to look dark in coloration. The one that tends to show up in homes is known as Stachybotrys chartarum.

Stachybotrys chartarum generally has a greenish-black appearance and can have a slimy texture to it if it gets wet. When dry, this mold can have an almost sooty appearance. However, the environment that it grows can cause a change in coloration. So long as there’s enough moisture and its spores are on a material that’s rich in cellulose, there is a chance for it to grow and spread. This can be on paper, fiberboard, or gypsum board (commonly known as drywall).

This mold has been known to cause allergic reactions as well as contain toxins in its spores and fungal fragments. Some symptoms that you may experience in the presence of black mold include throat irritation, coughing, and some have even reported headaches and chest pains.

Aspergillus

This group of mold species is very widespread. You’re probably breathing Aspergillus spores right now. But normally, your immune system will keep those spores from causing any harm. For those with compromised immune systems, however, this kind of mold can lead to a variety of diseases collectively known as Aspergillosis.

Aspergillus tends to grow on decaying matter, such as dead leaves and rotting vegetation. It can also grow on grains, spices, and food.

This kind of mold can look white, but different species of Aspergillus may change color such as to green, brown, black, or yellow. Texture-wise, Aspergillus tends to have a cotton-like appearance.

Penicillium

You might know of this group of mold species from the popular antibiotic called penicillin. But not all the penicillium molds are as beneficial. Penicillium can be found in the house, often growing on rotting fruits and vegetables. It’s also frequently found growing on stale bread.

Penicillium has a fuzzy, brush-like appearance with a blue or green coloration. It can also be found growing on damp carpets and furniture, on wet building materials, and wooden structures. So long as these materials and surfaces are damp with enough moisture, penicillium spores will become active and begin their growth cycle.

How to Keep Your Home Safe from Mold

Mold spores are virtually everywhere—it’s impossible to keep all mold spores out of your home. But the concentration of airborne spores is usually low enough that it doesn’t lead to much reaction with anyone. It is when there’s mold growing directly in your home that your indoor air can become filled with more spores, triggering allergic reactions and causing illness.

A mold infestation in your basement can lead to costly repairs and potential health risks—but preventing mold in your basement doesn’t have to be hard to do. In fact, without one all-important ingredient, mold spores will simply sit on a surface doing nothing. That one thing is moisture.

Controlling the moisture levels in your home can keep mold from growing and spreading. But the most common place where moisture problems occur is in the basement or crawlspace of a home. That’s why basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation can be so important for a homeowner.

Mold Problems Require Professional Solutions

It is highly recommended that any mold infestation problem be taken care of by a professional. Cleaning a mold spot doesn’t necessarily mean the mold is gone, especially if it has deeply rooted itself into the material that it is growing on.

When trying to remove mold, it can lead to spores and fungal fragments getting released into the air. This can lead to mold growing in other locations around the original spot. Last but not least, spores and fungal fragments can cause allergic reactions and other illnesses to you.

A mold specialist will know how to properly take care of your mold problem. They can also help keep those spores and fungal fragments from spreading, and they can help determine the best solution to keep that mold from returning. Take care to find one that meets these criteria…

•       Decades of experience
•       Many positive online reviews
•       Mold services are provided by certified mold technicians

For an experienced company that fits these requirements, consider contacting ’58 Foundations. They specialize in mold solutions, basement waterproofing, and crawlspace encapsulation.