Mold is one of the most common problems in modern households. Even if it doesn’t grow in your home, you must have heard about it numerous times. For instance, some of your neighbors may have recently hired professionals to deal with the issue and other types of mold damage in their North Park, CA, property.
While this is an easy and effective way to deal with this problem, it’s still well-worth everyone’s while to learn about mold and mildew, and how to deal with it. After all, knowing is half the battle, and being aware of 5 essential facts about mold and mildew can make all the difference in how you deal with it if and when it occurs. Read on to learn more.
What are 5 facts about mold?
Here are the 5 key facts about mold and mildew you should be aware of:
Fact #1 – Mold grows in damp & moist places
Mold and mildew have many things in common. One of them is their preferred habitat. They both thrive in damp, dark places with poor ventilation. That’s why you can often find the fungi in the basement and attic. They can also hide behind walls or above your ceiling, where they latch themselves onto various materials.
Fact #2 – Mold comes in different colors
Most people associate mold with green. Although this is a common mold color, it’s not the only one. This fungus appears in a variety of shades, depending on the food source, light, and humidity level. Here are the most common colors:
- Black
- White
- Gray
- Brown
- Purple
- Pink
- Orange
- Red
Fact #3 – There are subtle differences between mold & mildew
At first, mold and mildew look alike. But when you dig deeper into these two, you can notice several subtle differences. On the one hand, mold usually has an elevated slimy texture and appears in a variety of colors. On the other hand, mildew is a flat powdery substance that usually comes in gray or white.
Once the spores of either mold or mildew affect a surface, they spread and grow about 1-2 days after the area becomes damp. The difference here is that mold digs into the surface, making it harder to remove. By contrast, mildew remains on the object and grows outward.
Fact #4 – Eliminating mold requires you to address the source
Cleaning mold is helpful, but it’s not an effective long-term strategy. To keep the spores from returning, you need to address the source of moisture. There can be several causes:
- Roof leak
- Burst pipe
- Foundation slab leak
- Poor door and window weatherstripping
- Tree roots
Fact #5 – Mold is extremely dangerous
The final fact is also the most significant. Although it doesn’t necessarily appear ominous, mold is no trifling matter. It can be dangerous on many levels:
- Causing severe allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing
- Weakening support beams and other structural elements of the house
- Compromising wiring and other electrical components, which increases the risk of fires
As a result, don’t ignore mold or mildew. By removing it quickly, you protect your children from the harmful effects and keep your pets safe from the toxic substance. Plus, you’re more likely to avoid electrical damage caused by wet, moldy installations.
Where can I hire experts in mold damage in North Park, CA.
The importance of mold and mildew removal can’t be stressed enough. But this doesn’t mean you should take matters into your own hands. With limited experience and inappropriate tools, there’s no way to address the source and take care of the infestation.
So, let Risk Free Serv deal with the fungus. As a top-rated North Park water damage company, we have all the skills and equipment to rid your home of mold and mildew. The sooner you contact us, the sooner you’ll enjoy all the activities at the local Recreation Center without worrying about the microbe.
Head to our contact page or give us a call at (858) 367-5466, and we’ll give you a high-quality, in-depth service.