Is There Hidden Mold in Your Home?

One of the core services that Flood Response specializes in is mold removal. We are experts at mold removal and proudly serve Palm Springs, CA and surrounding areas. Typically, we are called in when a home or business owner suspects that they have hidden mold growth. One of our goals is to educate our customers about the early warning signs of mold growth before the situation gets out of control and hazardous.

Learn how to determine if you have a mold problem by identifying the top 7 areas in your home that you will likely find hidden mold growth. Plus, get all the dos and don’ts should you find it.

If you are concerned that you may have mold growing in your home or business, contact Flood Response today for professional mold remediation. 

Hidden Mold: Top 7 Places to Look In Your Home

You cannot avoid mold. In fact, mold spores are everywhere. The reason that you do not see piles of dead plant material and other organic material accumulating outside is because of mold. It has a purpose in our ecosystem, to feed on dead organic matter.

The core problem with mold, however, is when it begins growing indoors. In these instances, the indoor spore counts increase to unhealthy levels, which can lead to short-term and longterm illness for any inhabitants.

Unfortunately, most homes are filled with food that mold loves to eat, including:

• Paper
• Wood
• Drywall
• Wallpaper
• Carpet
• Ceiling Tiles
• Dust and Dirt

The other ingredient that mold needs to thrive is the right temperature ranging from 41 degrees to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, common throughout our Palm Springs, CA service area. Finally, the most important ingredient mold needs is moisture. Mold cannot grow without moisture.

Preventing Mold Growth

Moisture prevention is the key to mold prevention. And humidity control is essential to moisture, and in turn, mold control. Other sources of moisture could be caused by leaking pipes, roofs, environmental events like floods, sewer backups, and of course human error, like forgetting to turn off the water in your bathtub.

One of the most common signs that you may have mold could be a “musty” or “mildew” odor.

In addition, your home may provide you with visual clues that you have mold, such as:

• Buckled Floorboards
• Discolored Carpet
• Water stains on Ceilings or Walls
• Visual Mold Growth

7 Areas in Your Home to Look for Hidden Mold Growth

Keep in mind, not all mold is black, but can be various colors. Typically, the seven most common areas that you will find mold growing, include:

1. Bathrooms and Kitchens. Leaks are a common cause of excess moisture, meaning you should look under all sinks. If you find a leak, get it fixed.
2. Appliances. Your refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine are other potential leak sources. Check behind and under the appliances for mold growth.
3. Roof/Attic. If you notice water stains on the ceilings, then your roof could be leaking. If the leak is not repaired, mold will grow.
4. Windows. If you have condensation in the home, you will likely find mold on the window sills and around the windows.
5. Basement. If there is high humidity in your home, then check your basement and other areas of the home for mold.
6. Closets. Leaky pipes, high humidity, and other sources of moisture can result in hidden mold in your closets. If there are boxes in the closet, move them and check the walls and floor for mold.
7. Crawlspaces. Moisture in your crawl space will cause mold to grow.

If you find mold or suspect you have mold it is very important to not disturb the mold for two key reasons:

1. Spores Are Released By Mold

A common instinct of most people if they find mold is to begin the clean up process immediately. However, this is not recommended because mold proliferates by releasing spores. Disturbing an area of mold growth can actually worsen the mold problem in your home because more spores will be released. The goal of mold removal is to prevent spores from spreading throughout the home by ensuring that it is contained.

2. Mold is Linked to Health Problems

Mold growth at home presents health problems for all inhabitants. In fact, even a little mold in your home or business can cause sickness because some mold species, including Aspergillus and Stachybotrys release mycotoxins that can depress the immune system.

Hidden Mold Growth: 5 Things You Shouldn’t Do

 

1. Do not remove mold contaminated materials without proper containment. Mold remediation professionals set up containment barriers to prevent mold from spreading.
2. Do not clean mold with a normal vacuum. Mold spores are extremely small and pass through a normal vacuum filter. Vacuuming simply spreads the spores, and you want to avoid this! Mold remediation professionals use HEPA vacuums because the filters trap the mold spores preventing cross contamination.
3. Do not try to kill the mold with bleach. The internet has lots of information that states you can kill mold with bleach. Bleach is great for cleaning bacteria and viruses, but is not a long term mold removal solution. Attempts to kill mold with bleach and other chemicals can cause more harm than good because they are not very effective and also dead mold spores can be just as harmful to the health. Reputable restoration companies will never recommend the use of bleach because they know that it has no impact on porous materials and is unable to penetrate the surface and kill the roots of mold.
4. Do not remove mold contaminated materials without wearing personal protective equipment.Mold remediation professionals wear safety equipment to prevent mold spores from entering the lungs and touching their skin.
5. Do not ignore a mold issue. There are two essential reasons why you should not ignore your mold issue. First, mold growth can negatively impact your health! Second, mold is like a parasite that will continue to feed on your property as long as the right conditions exist. Constant feeding by mold will impact the structural integrity of your property, reducing its value.

Make Your First Response, Flood Response When Disaster Strikes

If you have mold, the most important step is to fix the moisture source! If you find mold in your home or business, just remember that disturbing the mold can make the situation worse. Contact Flood Response by sending us an e-mail or call our mold hotline, (760) 903-5449.

Home disasters can be scary and overwhelming, but you don’t need to face the unknown alone. At Flood Response Restoration Services, our IICRC-trained and certified technicians, experienced licensed general contractors, and property restoration experts will arrive quickly to begin emergency water extraction, mold removal, or fire restoration services.

For over 20 years, we’ve helped families and business owners in the Coachella Valley area take the right steps to restore their properties and rebuild their lives in the face of disaster. Are you looking for a reliable, full-service disaster recovery service in the Coachella Valley or the surrounding area? Contact Flood Response today.