Category Archives: Mold Treatment

Is It Mold or Mildew? Is There a Difference?

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Mildew Or Mold?

Mildew Or Mold?

Many people think of mold and mildew as being the same type of fungi. However, they are different, and they must be treated differently. Perhaps you have a mold or a mildew problem, but you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, or what to do about it. Read on to find out more about these common household problems and to learn valuable mildew and mold prevention tips.

Mildew

Around your home or office, mildew is most commonly found in the bathroom or in the kitchen. That’s because the moisture in these spaces offers mildew the perfect growth environment. If you leave wet cloths lying around, mildew is likely to grow on them too. The best way to prevent mildew is to make sure to launder everything properly, and if you leave wet cloths in the bathroom or kitchen, spread them out so they have an opportunity to dry.

If mildew isn’t taken care of, it can become mold.

Mold

Mold has a fuzzy or slimy appearance, and can grow on different surfaces. It can begin to look like a plant growing as it spreads, and it spreads quickly. Mold can appear in different colors, including white, green, black or gray. If it’s not taken care of quickly, it can lead to rotting of the surface it’s growing on, as well as many health problems, such as asthma or allergic reactions.

Mold prevention is important, and regular cleaning of household surfaces is recommended to keep areas mold-free. However, no method is bullet-proof, and sometimes mold growth can happen without your knowledge.

If you have a mold problem, it’s important to act quickly. Please contact us today.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

What Types of Molds are Seen Before Mold Treatment

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Like most living organisms, mold and fungus come in a variety of different types. While they all have basic similarities, each has certain characteristics that set it apart from the others.

Here’s a look at some of the more common types of mold. Any fungus found indoors is likely to come from this group.

  • Aspergillus spores are generally present in the atmosphere. While they don’t normally cause illness, exposure can result in upper respiratory infections with symptoms such as fever, cough and breathlessness. People with existing respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems are the most susceptible.
  • Altenaria is also readily airborne with a greater presence during summer and early fall. A known allergen, altenaria is a primary source of hay fever and similar reactions. Studies have also shown a link between alternia exposure and asthma.
  • Aureobasidium is a yeast-like mildew that may be pink or black in appearance. Unlike aspergillus and alternia, these spores become airborne only through manual disruption of contaminated materials. It can often be found on damp surfaces such as shower curtains and tile grout or outdoors on siding.
  • Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold that needs a regular source of moisture such as high humidity or water leaks to grow. It feeds on paper, fiberboard and other materials rich in cellulose.

If you find mold and fungus in your home or office, it should be removed regardless of the type. Our MoldExterm system can successfully treat any type of mold safely and effectively with minimal disruption to your activities. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by one of our trained technicians.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News

Is Mold in My Home or Office Really a Fungus?

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Not The Fungus You Want

Not The Fungus You Want

So you’ve discovered a patch of something that looks suspiciously like mold in your home or office. You might think it seems to have more in common with dirt or a stain than a fungus. A look at the nature of mold and fungus should dispel any doubts.

Most people’s definition of fungus doesn’t extend beyond “something yucky”. Science defines fungus as an organism similar to a plant with the crucial difference that it lacks chlorophyll. As a result, fungi must seek food from other sources. Since it doesn’t need sunshine to synthesize chlorophyll, mold can flourish in dark areas like basements.

Mold and fungus also lack cellulose, so they need to ingest it in other ways. Materials like carpeting, paper, wood and drywall contain significant amounts of cellulose. These are common items that mold will attach to when growing inside a building.

Another significant difference between plants and fungi is the manner of reproduction. While most plants multiply through the traditional process of fertilization, fungi use an asexual method that centers around the dispersal of spores. These microscopic organisms are carried through the air until they land on a spot where they can begin to reproduce. Water is the crucial element they require, making damp spaces like bathrooms a favored spot.

If you find mold in your home or office, you don’t have to resort to ripping out any fungus-affected surfaces. Our trained technicians use our unique MoldExerm system to remove any trace of mold and treat the surfaces to prevent future occurrences. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

What is the Issue with Mold Spores?

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Mold Spores

Mold Spores

Most people are aware that mold is a part of nature that should remain outdoors. However, spores are the real basis of the problem. They’re the primary reason why an infestation can be so difficult to battle. What makes these seemingly harmless cells so dangerous?

You may remember from high school biology that spores are the means by which mold and fungus propagate. These microscopic organisms travel unfettered throughout the atmosphere, reproducing once they land in an area with the right conditions. This is one of the reasons you’ll often see mushrooms in many of the same places where you find mold.

When it comes to “the right conditions”, tops on the list is a damp place. Mold and fungus need water to grow. Since spores aren’t visible to the naked eye, there’s no way of preventing them from coming to rest in your shower or on a basement wall.

Spores are also the cause of the health threat presented by infestations. Mold itself is not particularly harmful. Allergic reactions and other issues arise when mold spores are inhaled, causing irritation to linings in the upper respiratory system. Some people are highly sensitive to these effects, while others may develop an allergy after prolonged exposure. Studies have also demonstrated a link between exposure to mold spores and development of asthma in children.

Traditional mold remediation can actually aggravate the problem by causing spores to disperse more widely. With the MoldExterm system, affected surfaces are encapsulated and treated with a non-micron mist for safe, effective removal. Visit our website to schedule a free mold inspection from our trained technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News

What Makes Mold Grow?

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What Makes Mold Grow?

What Makes Mold Grow?

Effective mold treatment is more than just removing the visible signs of infestation. Conditions need to be adjusted in order to make your home or building a less hospitable site for mold growth. Understanding the process helps you take steps to prevent future infestations.

Mold is a common sight outdoors in the vicinity of organic matter such as trees and foliage. They multiply via microscopic spores that are easily transmitted through the atmosphere. While they’re almost always present indoors, in most cases they don’t present a problem.

Remember the science class experiment where you grew mold in a petri dish? This activity demonstrates the three elements necessary for mold spores to multiply: moisture, warmth and food. The agar base provided the nutrients and moisture, and the sealed dishes were placed in a warm, dry place to incubate.

Once a mold spore settles on a damp spot in your home or building, it’s ready to start reproducing. The warmth and moisture found in bathrooms and kitchens makes those rooms the usual suspects. Damp, dark basements can also be easily infested. While the spores feed primarily on organic materials, they also thrive on cellulose which is found in carpeting, paper (including wallpaper) and dry wall.

Controlling moisture is the key to successful mold treatment. Our proprietary MoldExterm process does this with a two-step method. The affected surfaces are treated with an anti-microbial solution and then coated with a powerful polymer that springs into action when needed. Contact us to learn more about how MoldExterm can safely end your building’s mold problem.

Posted in Mold Remediation, Mold Treatment, News
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