Signs Of Black Mold
What is Black Mold?
Black mold is a type of fungus with a greenish/black color that grows in damp and humid areas. Also known as Stachybotrys, black mold can not only cause expensive repairs, but also health hazards. It can be hard to visually spot black mold since it usually grows in hidden areas.
Black Mold Causes:
As with all mold types, black mold is typically introduced into a building through natural or man-made sources such as leaks, condensation, or flooding. Other common causes include moisture from water damage or leaks from pipes, roofs, or windows; excessive humidity from improper ventilation.
Signs of Black Mold
If you’ve experienced any type of water intrusion then it’s important to keep an eye out for black mold growth. Common signs of black mold growth include:
- Visible spots on surfaces
- Unexplained musty smell
- Excessive condensation on interior surfaces
- Water damage to ceilings or walls.
The Dangers of Black Mold
Health Risks:
Black mold exposure can cause a wide range of health problems. The symptoms may vary from person to person and depend on the severity of exposure. Some people might not show any symptoms at all while others may have severe reactions to it. Black mold can cause allergic reactions.
The most common symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Skin Rash or Irritation
- Eye Irritation
- Shortness of Breath
Property Damage:
Black mold can cause serious damage to your home or business if left untreated. As extreme as it may sound, untreated mold can cause your property structure, ceilings, and walls to collapse.
Black Mold eats away and rots the following:
- Walls
- Hardwood Floors
- Ceilings
- Foundations
- Property Structure
Removing Black Mold
Dealing with black mold growth can be hazardous and is best left to a professional mold remediation company like R&L Global. However, here are some tips to remove small, surface level infestations.
- Safety first! Since you are dealing with a living organism, make sure to wear protective gear like face mask, goggles, rubber boots, and gloves.
- Open doors/windows for better ventilation and clear affected areas.
- Use strong cleaners like ammonia, fungicide or clean to clean all affected areas. Remember, these cleaners will only work on nonporous surfaces.
- Identify and fix the root cause of the moisture issue. Once complete, use dehumidifiers and fans to dry your property.
The above steps are only effective on small, surface-level mold growth. For more serious mold growth, you need an expert who has the experience, equipment, and qualifications to get rid of black mold.
Contact R&L Global For A Free Inspection:
Extensive black mold growth is a serious issue and should only be handled by the best. With over 14 years in business, R&L Global is the mold remediation expert you need by your side. Rather than dealing with multiple contractors to remedy your mold issues, one call to R&L Global handles it all. We are IICRC-Certified, licensed, insured, and trusted by property owners all over Houston. We offer free mold assessments in Houston, as well as free repair estimates in the case that there is mold.