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If you do not already know what black mold is or what it looks like, it resembles a black shadow in circular shapes. This black shadow is frequently seen on walls in the home that have had some sort of uncontrolled water damage. There are many types of mold, but black mold is one of the most common and toxic types. This mold thrives in cellulose-rich building materials that are affected after being damaged by humidity, damp conditions or any level of water damage. It particularly grows in wet gypsum, behind wall paper or any porous surface. Black mold requires moisture content in order for it to grow, making neglected water damages and humidity perfect conditions for it to propagate.
Black Mold is not commonly found in nature. It is more frequently found in environments produced by human habitats. All the mold needs to grow are:
The spores that cause the mold are only released if the mold is disturbed manually, especially if it is wet. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself. While you may be successful at removing it from a surface, it will continue to grow underneath it. It best to hire a professional to help you identify and mitigate the black mold, especially if you’re severely allergic or vulnerable to it. All of our technicians at JD Restorations are trained and specialized in Black Mold remediation, and any other type of mold that may be present in your home.
Recognizing the problem area. It is impossible to avoid mold 100%, but at least you can minimize it. Once you have identified that mold is present, the next step will be to find its point of origin. Finding where the humidity is coming from. This can be from:
After you have identify the origin of the problem, correct it if possible. You may do this by drying wet carpets, applying mold-resistant products and repairing damaged pipes.
Try to keep you home free of large quantities of humidity and condensation. If there are no sources of dense humidity, mold will not propagate. Removing excess sitting water from areas after each rainfall. Avoid accumulation of water in basements or any other area of the home. Avoid leaving wet things around the house. Dry the bathroom floors and walls after showering. Do not leave wet clothes in the washing machine. This is an area in which mold can grow and spread quickly. Hang wet clothing to dry outside or in areas with good air circulation.
Using mold-resistant products at home is a great way to prevent mold growth. If you are renovating your home or constructing a new-build, try to use mold-resistant drywall, mold-resistant sheet rock, and mold inhibitors for paints.
When building or renovating a home choose wisely. Common drywall is made of gypsum and paper. Mold-resistant ones do not contain paper; they are made with fiber glass so they are more resistant to humidity. Purchase quality building products. Use mold-resistant drywall in areas likely to have large quantities of humidity like bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens.Control Humidity
Try to control humidity inside the house. Unfortunately, it is not possible to avoid humidity 100% at home; but you can control it. It is useful to measure humidity levels. If you notice condensation forming, dry surfaces on which it is present immediately.
Identifying Black Mold is fairly easy. It is a blackish color (variations of colors may be present) and has a wet looking appearance. It may also look ashy and flaky if it has propagated but the water source has dried out. You may also notice black, bundled growths around your house (on walls, cabinets.
Pay special attention to damp and warms rooms. If you start coughing, sneezing, or wheezing when you enter the room for no reason, this is red flag. The spores related to toxic black mold contain mycotoxins that cause allergies and you can cause these symptoms.
Being aware of possible causes of Black Mold is key, in being able to prevent it. You can start by correcting issues in the home that provide the perfect conditions for its growth. Some of those preventive measures are, repairing broken water sources such as leaks, increasing ventilation, discarding old foods, papers, or woods. The musty smell of humid areas cannot be easily disguised. This is another sign that there is a section in the home that will be the perfect nest for Black Mold to grow in.
Use a dehumidifier in the home to keep indoor relative humidity low. Use an indoor air purifier with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration or install an appropriate high-efficiency filter in your air conditioner or ventilation system.
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