Mold in your house can be caused by any multitude of reasons, most of which are related to water damage. You can take preventative measures like keeping your pipes up to date, drying out wet areas around the house, and using an air purifier. However, if you’re worried mold is already there, it’s best to get someone who performs home inspections locally to check out your mold and see how to get rid of it. In the mean time, it’s best to get informed on what mold is and what it could do to your house.
Different Types of Mold
Most people wouldn’t normally be able to pick out one type of mold from another, but there are different kinds that can lead to various different health risks for your household. Aureobasidium is a mold that is commonly found on wooden furniture or surface, painted walls, wall paper, around windows, and in caulk. This mold is pink and black. It’s so common that most people are allergic to it, and it’s known to cause more severe reactions than other molds.
Cladosporium is a type of mold found in cool and warm areas around the house, like carpet, wood floorboards, wooden cabinets, and older fabrics. This mold is known to give homeowners breathing problems and respiratory issues.
Stachybotrys Chartarum is also known as “black mold,” or “toxic mold.” This mold is typically found in areas that stay damp and can be recognized by its musty smell. Black mold creates toxic compounds that are known as mycotoxins, and they cause the people who breathe in the mold to get breathing issues, sinus infections, depression, fatigue, asthma and more.
There are more types of mold, like tricoderma, ulocladium, and alternaria, that cause various issues for homeowners typically involving breathing issues and allergic reactions, so always keep an eye out for mold as to avoid the issues that come along with it.
What Does Mold Mean For My House?
If mold damage goes too far, it might mean bad news for the future of your home. If mold damages dry wall, you may have to cut out and dispose of that part of the wall. In some cases, you may have to completely replace the fixture or surface the mold is on, and that can get costly.
If you’re selling your house, you are legally required to inform interested parties about the mold in your home, which could make it harder to sell. Mold litigation is getting tougher and tougher, so it’s best to get your home looked at by a home inspector if you think you’ve found mold, so you can best determine how to get rid of it, and more easily sell your home.
How Can I Solve My Mold Problem?
Mold can generally be treated by giving it a good scrub with the right cleaner. Moldy surfaces should be washed with a solution that contains detergent and warm water, then, when the surface dries, use a bleach solution on the surface and clean it. Do this three times. Secure the room the mold is in until the mold is gone so it does not harm anyone in the process of trying to get rid of it. Once you get rid of the mold, be sure to keep up with cleaning and keeping your surfaces dry so it doesn’t come back.
If you’re unsure about what kind of mold you have, or if you have mold, call Highland Home Inspections today to get it checked out. We can help you identify the mold you have, and help you fight against it.