Mold breaks down organic material in the natural world but causes serious problems in the home. The detrimental fungus comes in many forms, including toxic black mold, and most strains prefer dark, damp environments. If you need water damage restoration and are worried about the possibility of mold, use this guide to find out how you can identify the problem and address it.

What Are the Signs of Mold & What Can I Do About an Infestation?

Common Warning Signs

You might smell mold before you see it. That familiar musty odor indicates mold growth in your basement, attic, or any other water-damaged section of your residence. Unexplained allergies among household members also indicate mold growth, such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, sore throats, eye irritation, congestion, and headaches. If you cannot trace allergic reactions to food, pet dander, or other environmental triggers like pollen and ragweed, mold is the likely culprit. 

Additional signs of an infestation include visible mold, such as around ductwork vents or leaking pipes. Mold stains do not go away with soap and water, unlike dirt and grime, and get bigger over time as spores multiply. 

How to Handle an Infestation

If you discover a mold problem, schedule professional remediation services with the local water damage restoration company. Any infestation over 10 square feet requires professional services to avoid inhaling an excessive number of mold spores and experiencing severe allergic reactions. Rashes can also appear on your skin if you touch spores without the proper gloves and protective clothing. Mold remediation experts wear protective gear and use special equipment to eradicate the infestation, which typically includes advanced air purifying technology that removes spores from indoor air. 

Prevent mold from returning by inspecting your house regularly for plumbing leaks that allow mold to flourish. Keep the humidity level between 30% and 50%, as a level of 60% or above creates ideal conditions for mold. Ensure vents that send damp air outdoors work, and use box and ceiling fans to maintain a dry home. 
 

Request mold remediation from The Rug Beater Cleaning Enterprises Inc. The water damage restoration company has served Lancaster, Reading, and Chester counties in Pennsylvania since 1989 and offers both one-time and ongoing services. Call (717) 656-9826 today for a free inspection or get a mold and water damage restoration service quote online. Read the latest five-star reviews on Google.