Frequently Asked Questions About
Mold
Remember NationDry
stands ready to alleviate any of your mold problems
with services that include: mold remediation, waterproofing
and structural repair originating from water damage.
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a list of NationDry services.
What is mold?
Molds are a type of fungi. Mold is especially
common in buildings and homes where conditions are moist
and warm. Molds can grow anywhere there is moisture.
In nature they function to decompose dead organic material
such as leaves, wood and plants.
Why Does Mold Start Growing
In My Home?
Mold spores are always in the air around us.
They enter your home with the air or sometimes attached
to clothing or pets. When a mold spore drops onto a
moist surface the begin to grow.
Where does mold grow?
Although mold can grow anywhere moisture is present it is commonly
seen on wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard,
ceiling tiles, all of which can provide it nutrients. However common materials
such as dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, carpets and upholstery can
also help support their growth in damp or moist conditions. Mold can grow
on dust and dirt that accumulates on inorganic matter such as on concrete
or in air ducts. For these reasons basements and attics are the most common
sites of mold infestation for many homeowners. If you are having a problem
with mold or water in your basement or attic contact
NationDry .
What Does Mold Need to Grow?
First and most importantly mold needs water to grow.
Mold also needs food, oxygen and a temperature range
between 40 degrees and 100 degrees F. Since mold decomposes
dead organic material it can grow on wood, the paper
facing on gypsum board and other materials made from
wood. Molds can decompose wood, materials made from
wood and also some synthetic materials such as adhesives,
pastes and paints. Mold cannot get nutrients from inorganic
material such as concrete, glass and metal, however
it can grow on the dirt present on these surfaces. Some
molds can get the moisture they need from the air when
the air is very damp (relative humidity is above 80%).
What types of mold are commonly
found indoors?
Molds that you may encounter in your home come
in various types and colors. The most common indoor
molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria,
and Mucor. The toxic molds that can be found in homes
are two species of black mold, Stachybotrys (the more
common) and Memnoniella.
How can I tell if I have mold
in my home?
Usually sight and smell will be sufficient to detect mold in
your home unless it is hidden somehow.
If you see or smell mold, treatment will depend on the amount of mold
that is present. Visible mold growth may have a soft, fuzzy, cottony,
velvety, granular, or leathery appearance and come come in many colors.
Examine your home making sure to look around areas where there is excess
moisture. Look behind and underneath materials (carpets, wallpaper, vinyl
flooring, sinks and cabinets), around pipes and areas of condensation,
in the basement and attic, on furniture and items in storage placed in
non-environmentally controlled areas. Since disturbing these areas of
hidden mold has the potential to release a large amount of spores or may
involve destructive techniques in getting to inspect these enclosed spaces
where mold and moisture are may be hidden it is recommended that you contact
a professional mold remediation
service such as NationDry.
How can I clean mold areas?
In some cases where the area is small mold
can be removed by a thorough cleaning with soap and
water. If you choose to use bleach, do so with caution.
If you have a larger amount of mold or you suspect
the mold is in a hidden or hard to reach area where
deconstruction may occur to reach it, you should contact
a professional service such as NationDry
who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and
homes. Remember there is no point in trying to remove
the mold if you do not first correct the moisture problem
that led to the mold. If it remains the mold will quickly
return.
How do molds affect people?
There is evidence that large amounts of mold
exposure may affect those with impaired immune system
function and cause allergic reactions.
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