What Is the Difference Between Black Mold vs Regular Mold?

/ Mold, Mold Remediation
What Is the Difference Between Black Mold vs Regular Mold?

Did you know that around 70% of homes in the United States have some form of mold growth? It’s a common issue that many people face, and being able to differentiate between black mold and regular mold is essential.

Here at Service First Restoration, we specialize in mold remediation and other restoration services. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at black mold vs regular mold. We’ll delve into the key distinctions between these two types of mold to help you address mold-related problems effectively.

What is Mold?

First things first, what exactly is mold? Mold is essentially a type of fungus that reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and can settle on various surfaces, where they begin to grow and multiply.

It can grow on various surfaces, including floors, walls, ceilings, and even on organic materials like wood and paper. While mold comes in many colors, the two most common types people often hear about are black mold and regular mold.

Regular Mold

Regular mold is a general term used to describe various types of mold that are not specifically toxic or harmful. These molds typically appear in shades of green, gray, or white. They can cause some health problems, especially in individuals with mold allergies or respiratory issues, but they are not as dangerous as black mold.

Regular mold can be treated through thorough cleaning and control of moisture levels. Keeping your living or working space well-ventilated and dry is the key to preventing regular mold growth.

Service First Restoration can help you identify and remove regular mold, restoring your property to a safe and healthy condition.

Black Mold

Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a specific type of mold that is notorious for its potential health risks. It gets its name from its dark greenish-black appearance. Unlike regular mold, black mold is considered toxic and should be treated with great caution.

Black mold produces mycotoxins, which can be harmful when inhaled or come into contact with the skin. Exposure to black mold can lead to a range of health issues, including:

  • Respiratory problems
  • Skin irritation
  • Headaches

It can even cause more severe symptoms in individuals with compromised immune systems. If you suspect black mold in your property, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately. Service First Restoration has the expertise and equipment to safely remove black mold and ensure the affected area is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

Black Mold vs. Regular Mold

Understanding the difference between black mold and regular mold is crucial for maintaining a healthy living or working environment.

While regular mold can be a nuisance, black mold demands immediate attention and professional remediation to ensure the safety of occupants. This is because black mold is considered toxic due to the mycotoxins it produces, whereas regular mold is not as harmful.

If you suspect mold growth in your property or have water damage, be sure to contact Service First Restoration for expert assistance in mold remediation and restoration services.

What Are the Main Types of Mold Found in Homes?

/ Mold
What Are the Main Types of Mold Found in Homes?

There are more than 1,000 types of mold found in homes in the United States. Whether it’s brown, grey, or white, you don’t want it growing in your home. Mold in homes can make you sick, triggering asthma or other respiratory problems.

Mold remediation is the way to go if you find mold in your home. Getting rid of mold isn’t difficult, but you must know what to look for in your house.

Here are the types of mold and how to remove them from your home.

Mold Can Make You Sick

Many people are allergic to mold. The spores found in the different types of mold in your home can make you very sick. Most strains are harmless, but they can cause wheezing and other respiratory problems.

People with weakened immune systems and susceptible to illness may find mold in their homes a real problem. It can lurk and hide in basements, air ducts, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, and crawlspaces.

Mold remediation and mold removal are crucial to helping you live a better and more healthy lifestyle. Mold in homes is something you want to take seriously.

Types of Mold

Mold in homes comes in all forms and several different colors and textures. It’s important to know what to look for when searching for types of mold so you know the best way for mold remediation.

‘Black Mold’ is one of the most common types of mold you will find in your home. Stachybotrys is also green in color too. You’ll find black mold after a flood or any other type of water damage.

You’ll find aspergillus mold in places like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. It’s green or white with a powdery look.

Penicillium is fuzzy and is found under carpets and in damp spaces. It’s also the type of mold found after leaving a vegetable or fruit out on the counter too long.

Getting Rid of Mold

After a fire, flood, or any water damage from a weather event, it’s likely you’ll have several types of mold in your home. In many cases, getting rid of mold is as easy as calling the experts.

When you’re looking for how to get rid of mold, contact a professional cleaning company. They will come into your home with the necessary equipment and chemicals needed for mold removal. The professionals get you back to a healthier lifestyle.

The professionals also give you peace of mind. You’ll know they will do the job right in how to get rid of mold. When they leave, you will see the mold is gone.

Types of Mold and Mold Remediation

There are different types of mold found in homes thanks to floods or other water damage. Mold can make you sick, especially if you are allergic or have other health problems. Hiring a professional to come into your home for a mold remediation project is the best bet.

Getting rid of mold is easy!  It’s the right thing to do and can make your home healthy. Contact us today!

5 Common Signs You Have Mold in Your House

/ Mold
5 Common Signs You Have Mold in Your House

You don’t want to wait too long before noticing the signs you have mold in your house. These issues can get quite costly the more severe they are, with one Cincinnati family recently reporting a remediation and restoration cost of more than $250,000!

It’s not an issue to take lightly. In the following article, we give you the five signs that will help prevent one of these situations from happening to you.

1. You See It

There are many types of mold that can thrive inside buildings and residences. Two of the most recognizable are Stachybotrys (aka “black mold”) and the more traditional penicillin (which appears greenish in color).

You don’t have to know which type it is to know if there’s a mold problem, though. It will generally appear as a growth of spores that varies in color and affixes itself to bathtubs, walls, HVAC systems, and other moisture-prone areas of a physical structure.

Being able to see mold is discouraging, but it at least will alert you to the problem so you can get it addressed quickly. Not all mold is where it can easily be detected, however.

2. You Smell It

Another need to invest in mold removal services comes when you catch a whiff of a musty odor in your home or building that never quite seems to go away. You might get used to the smell the longer you’re at the location, but any length of time away before reentry will bring with it that same dank aroma.

The smell is a good indicator if you suspect that you have a mold problem but haven’t been able to determine an exact location. It will at least give you something to go on when you’re approaching mold removal specialists.

3. Your Body Reacts to It

Unfortunately, mold remediation services might not be the only thing you need when this unwelcome substance begins to grow within your home. You also might need a doctor!

That’s because human beings weren’t meant to be around mold or breathe it in for any length of time. The effects can be anything from mild throat irritation to heavy allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and even potentially life-threatening illnesses.

4. You Have Water in Unusual Locations

The parts of homes where moisture is prevalent but sunlight isn’t can be subject to mold outbreaks. If spots of water are starting to form at the baseboards of the interior walls in your home, for instance, then you might have a water leak somewhere that’s fostering and accelerating the growth of mold inside your home.

5. You See Mold Growth and Damages

The final signs of mold can be seen in the sunken look of your ceiling from a water leak, chipped or peeling walls, and dark spots forming under a leaky sink pipe. Be vigilant when examining your wood and water sources within the home. Any unusual activity can facilitate mold growth.

These Signs You Have Mold in Your House Will Help You Address the Problem

It’s easy to be afraid of the signs you have mold in your house and not want to face the issue. The longer you go, however, the worse the problem becomes. Instead, use these details to jump on issues early.

Pay attention to your eyes, your nose, and the reactions you may be having inside of your home or building. Being knowledgeable and mindful can help you eradicate mold and save a small fortune in the process. If you suspect you might have a mold issue, contact us today to set up an appointment.