Mold Remediation in Greensboro
Safe & Effective Mold Removal Near You
Water damage in your home typically goes hand in hand with mold growth. It only takes a small unaddressed leak to create the warm, dark, damp environment that mold thrives in. In just a few hours, growth can begin. Any material touched by mold will become damaged, and exposure is a serious health hazard. Allergen production is one threat. Some people also experience respiratory problems due to potentially toxic substances. To keep your home safe, mold is an organism you shouldn't ignore.
Our team has the extensive training, equipment, and experience to safely remove mold in your home. We want you and your family can breathe easy. We are available 24/7 to serve you. If you suspect a mold infestation or if you've recently experienced water damage, call us. The team at ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration 24/7 Services will assist immediately.
Need professional mold removal in Greensboro? Call (336) 360-5901 or contact us online today!
Why Does Mold Exist?
Molds are microscopic organisms in the fungi class. When it grows in the proper areas, mold plays an important role in breaking down dead organic matter. (Think: old plant roots, dead tree trimmings, animal manure, etc.). It can help return nutrients to the soil.
However, when the fungi appear in the home, it can cause a slew of issues. Moisture is the foundation on which mold flourishes. Humidity, condensation, and standing water are all sources of extreme reproduction and colonization.
Mold in the Household
There are more than 1,000 types of mold found in homes, according to the National Center for Healthy Housing. Mold can quickly reproduce quickly by releasing spores. These travel through the air and find their way to dark and moist places. This leads to a continual infestation until remediation is complete. Unattended mold can be dangerous for the health of your family. This especially true for those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.
There are many materials in the household that mold can develop in, including:
- Insulation
- Wallpaper
- Carpet glue
- Drywall
- Dust and dirt
- Plumbing
What Does Mold in a House Smell Like?
Mold can smell musty and earthy. In some cases, mold can smell as bad as sweaty, dirty socks. The tricky thing with smelling mold is that some folks can smell it more than others.
Mold's odor can also be masked by other smells throughout your home, like, for instance, by a Christmas tree. In one instance, some apartment renters didn't know mold was in their apartment until after they got rid of their Christmas tree. The Christmas tree hid the visible presence of mold and the mold's odor.
Also, if you can smell mold but can't see it, you shouldn't sweep that under the carpet. It's best to have your home tested for mold and, if needed, have the mold removed and remediated.
What are the warning signs of mold?
Here are some of the signs that your home is experiencing a mold problem:
- Odor: if there's a musty smell occurring in your home that doesn't dissipate or gets worse, there is likely a mold problem
- Spots on Ceilings, Walls and/or Floors: black or brown spots in these areas are not only signs of mold, but could indicate that the mold has been there long enough to damage the material
- Condensation: if condensation is forming on glass or metal or there is any moisture in the home where there shouldn't be, these are breeding grounds for mold
If you're seeing any of these signs of mold in your home, call ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration 24/7 Services at (336) 360-5901 for a mold inspection near you.
Mold Remediation vs. Mold Removal
- Mold removal is an impermanent fix for your home. Cleaning the infestation away from the source will only temporarily keep it at bay. The spores floating through the air mixed with the damp conditions of the source will have it growing back in short order.
- Mold remediation is the process of addressing the cause of growth and returning the environment to natural levels. Mold spores exist naturally both indoors and outdoors, making permanent removal impossible. Even though you're unable to completely remove the fungi, you can take steps to keep spores in a dormant state.
Ways to Prevent Hazardous Mold:
- Monitor areas of your dwelling that are dark and damp. Check on low airflow, especially bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Be sure that your home has sufficient ventilation throughout all rooms and crawl spaces.
- Maintain the exhaust fan in your bathrooms. Or, you can ensure there is a working window that can circulate fresh air.
- Ensure you hire professionals for a proper mold inspection. Give our friendly professionals a call any time for protection against damaging fungi.
Learn about our mold inspection and removal services in Greensboro – reach out by phone at (336) 360-5901.
Your Health Matters – Keep Mold at Bay
Mold spores floating around your home trigger allergic reactions as you breathe them in. This is because your body is trying to fight off the foreign microorganisms. You can also get exposure through skin contact with materials that have contamination. Did you know that the more you're around mold the more sensitive to it you'll become? Therefore, mold left to fester will continue to worsen your symptoms as time goes on. Certain types will produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. These can cause further health problems.
Symptoms you should look for that indicate mold allergies include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Irritated eyes, ears, or nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Itchy skin, rash, or hives
- Headaches or sinus infections
- Coughing and sneezing
- Sore throat
Health impacts from mold are different from person to person. To some extent this relates to the type of fungi and environment where it’s growing. It is always good to be aware and use the proper safety precautions to keep your household environment healthy.
When in doubt, don't ignore the warning signs. Call our Greensboro mold removal experts at (336) 360-5901 or reach out online today!