Water damage in homes, especially in a state like Florida with its notorious storm season, often leads to the growth of mold. Mold can be harmful to both your health and your property, and it’s crucial to identify and remove it as soon as possible. Here are the top four types of mold you’re likely to encounter after water damage:
1. Stachybotrys chartarum aka Stachybotrys atra
This mold has a greenish-black color and typically grows on materials with high cellulose and low nitrogen content such as paper, fiberboard, dust, and lint. It thrives in areas with excess humidity or water leaks.
2. Aspergillus
Aspergillus tends to be black on the surface with yellow or whitish undertones. Exposure to this mold can cause aspergillosis, a group of diseases often characterized by lung and breathing issues.
3. Cladosporium
Cladosporium is olive green with touches of black and brown. It generally forms in small dots, but as it grows, it merges to form large patches. It’s commonly found in bathrooms, under sinks, and around faucets, but it also grows on materials like carpets, furniture, walls, sheetrock, and flooring.
4. Alternaria
Alternaria has a velvety appearance, can range in color from olive green to gray or black, and sometimes has longer, hair-like growths. Most species of Alternaria are found outdoors, but when it becomes airborne and enters your home, it can grow just about anywhere, including in walls, carpets, crawlspaces, garages, and attics.
While it’s important to know the different types of molds that can invade your home, the most critical thing to know is that mold damage can affect the health of your family and pets. Therefore, it needs to be removed for everyone’s health and comfort. If you suspect mold growth in your home, it’s best to hire a professional mold remediation company to ensure the mold is thoroughly removed and doesn’t return.
Remember, black mold can be particularly harmful, causing respiratory problems, triggering allergies, and even leading to depression and anxiety. If you have a serious black mold issue, most experts recommend staying somewhere else until all of it’s removed from your home.
In conclusion, if your home suffers water and mold damage, it needs a customized solution. A professional mold remediation process includes inspecting your home, containing mold, capturing microscopic mold spores, removing mold and mold-infested objects, cleaning, sanitizing, and performing necessary restoration work. It’s best to leave mold removal and remediation to the professionals to ensure your home and family stay safe and healthy.
