Black mold is a silent killer. It hides in ceiling tiles, lives in gypsum board, fiberboard, moist places, and drywall. Black mold grows in leaky pipe areas, previously-flooded homes and locations with water damage. Black mold is a fungus that’s usually black or dark green, and thrives in frequently moist, warm environments, including, showers, baths, kitchens, toilets, and basements. Mold authorities such as those at Elite Moisture Solutions indicate that this type of mold grows commonly in humid climates, but will also grow in dry arid climates when moisture is prevalent.
The top risks of black mold
Mold spores spread fast. The moisture source allows mold to flourish. The airborne spores are invisible and it affects both, your possessions and building materials. The top risks of black mold are that the entire home gets contaminated and damage gets greater with each passing day. Primary mold exposure risks include:
- Nose bleeds
- Itchy eyes
- Laborious breathing
- Severe coughing
- Exacerbated risks to asthma and those with respiratory illnesses
These top risks caused by mold cannot be underestimated. There may be unanticipated health issues and it may appear or aggravate if adequate measures toward mold remediation are not taken.
Where black mold is most commonly found in a home
Black mold easily finds its way into your home through your clothes, air currents, and pet fur by hitchhiking. The mold spores are uncomfortable in places without water. It is found in places having leaky pipes or plumbing issues. Materials such as carpet, drywall, also soak water, thereby giving the right home for black mold to form a colony. Even in places having humid air or if the conditions are suitable to generate toxins, it results in adverse health conditions. Mold hides in crawl spaces, basements, and cabinets. Kitchens and bathrooms are mold spores breeding ground as these areas lack proper ventilation.
Why it’s important to have professionals remove it instead of doing it yourself
Hiring professional mold remediation companies is vital since DIY methods to recognize and remove mold is found to be inefficient. Many homeowners think using fungicide can kill mold, yet DIY mold removal is incomplete and a temporary solution.
The main difference in hiring professionals instead of doing yourself is they understand what not to overlook, what mistakes to avoid, and most importantly can eliminate the mold permanently.
Professionals mold remediation is efficient and quick. Their services include:
- Mold inspection done with effective equipment and products, and proper techniques.
- Containment by cleaning up the affected materials.
- Professionals use proper equipment, including safety gear and a dust suppression unit, while cleaning mold.
- Professionals seal the work area, use professional and expensive equipment such as HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, etc.
- Professionals use a sealer to treat water areas. They use antimicrobial chemicals to keep the area free from mold and mold stains.
Eliminating mold the right way can prevent it from spreading, so make sure you either have someone with you that is extremely knowledgeable about black mold if you choose to use DIY methods, or simply hire someone who specializes in mold removal.