Mold can grow just about anywhere — and destroy just about anything! Here at Broadshield Restoration, our restoration experts have tackled mold in all its forms, especially when we’re working on water damage restoration projects or storm damage restoration. Water damage is one of the most common problems we solve for homeowners here in Boerne and San Antonio, because it’s often a side effect of other damage, such as sewer backup or fire damage that has been put out with water.

In today’s blog, we’ll be sharing our expert knowledge about mold, which might be growing in your home as you read this. It’s important to know how dangerous mold can be, as well as how you can detect and prevent it. After all, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to caring for yourself, your loved ones, and your home. Continue reading to learn more about mold and keep our contact info close at hand if you’re ever in need of professional water damage restoration.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus and it can be found almost everywhere! Mold comes in a variety of types and colors, including black, white, green, and even orange and purple. If you enjoy going for walks in Boerne, you may have noticed mold growing on dead leaves or tree bark. Mold doesn’t grow as well here in Texas as it does in damper places, like Florida, but if your home experiences water damage or flooding, mold will start growing very quickly.

In small amounts, mold is harmless. For example, you’re not going to start feeling the effects of mold exposure simply by leaving the bread on the counter too long. Mold starts to become a problem when it’s allowed to grow for extended periods of time in a damp place, such as your basement or bathroom. You may even have slimy black spots on your shower curtain or under your sink. Even that slick orange film that circles around drains is  a form of mold. If you’ve had experience with mold, you know that it’s difficult to remove and the best strategy for prevention is regular cleaning.

Mold affects us because it reproduces by sending out tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. Mold spores can be asexual or sexual, and many species can produce both types, meaning mold is able to spread relatively quickly. We end up breathing these mold spores, and when they get into our lungs they can cause health effects, especially for more vulnerable people, like the children, the elderly, or those with asthma or allergies.  

Mold vs. Mildew

Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that thrive in warm areas with lots of moisture, but there are important differences between the two, including how to treat the problem.

Mildew is fluffy and powdery and is usually white, gray, or yellow. Mold, on the other hand, tends to be darker (green or black) and slimier. Mold grows on the undersides of any damp surface, while mildew often grows on the top — such as on windowsills. Mildew prefers to grow on fabric and paper, while mold grows on organic material, like wood, or on food.

When it comes to restoration, mildew is the lesser challenge because it isn’t as invasive as other types of mold. It’s also easier to clean because it’s light and powdery and only lives on the surface of things. Mold, on the other hand, is very invasive and and can often when you see a patch of mold there’s much more behind it. Because of this, mold removal and mold remediation can be very labor intensive and, like water damage restoration, it’s best left to the pros. 

Mold Exposure

Most homeowners are very scared of black mold. While it is dangerous to have extensive mold growth in your home, mold exposure does not cause cancer or lung disease. It can, however, exacerbate allergies and asthma. Whether or not you’re allergic to mold, mold exposure can still cause headaches, runny noses, sore throats, and other symptoms. You may even experience a skin rash or migraines. You may think that these symptoms are just a common cold or seasonal allergies, but if you’re experiencing them regularly, it’s a good idea to get your house checked for mold. 

Treatment 

The best way to treat mold exposure is to stop breathing in mold spores! It sounds simple, and it is. Get a mold remediation or water damage remediation expert in to remove your mold and start breathing fresh air again. Because mold is often a byproduct of water damage, it’s also important to get your house thoroughly checked for damage. Along with mold growth, water damage can cause extensive structural damage to your home and it’s important to start water damage remediation as quickly as possible.

Preventing Mold

Mold is serious, and it’s important to do what you can to stop it from growing. The best way to keep mold from growing or spreading is to clean damp areas regularly. You can also take larger preventative measures such as sealing your walls, using a moisture managing insulation and drywall, and making sure rooms like bathrooms and basements have good ventilation. Try to keep your walls as dry as possible and when you’re cleaning look out for signs of mold so that you can catch it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Tips for preventing mold:

  • Use dehumidifiers and air conditions to reduce moisture in the air, especially during warm, wet seasons
  • Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and make sure drain lines are unobstructed (a common problem here in Boerne)
  • Make sure that groundwater isn’t entering your basement
  • When possible, open doors and windows to increase circulation and use fans to move air throughout your home
  • Use exhaust fans when you’re cooking or cleaning and check for leaks around sinks or other sources of water

BroadShield Restoration Services

If you’ve noticed signs of mold or water damage in your Boerne home or office, we’re here to help! Remember, mold is dangerous and difficult to remove, which is why water damage restoration is best left to the experts at our restoration company!

Along with water damage restoration, our company can handle damage caused by wind, fire, sewage, hail, and tornados. And along with being construction experts, we help you through the disaster insurance process. We care about restoring your home or business as much as you do. If you’re in need of water damage restoration or any other type of restoration services, get in touch and put our more than a decade of experience to work for you!