5 Types of Mold Commonly Found in Homes

Although we might try to convince ourselves otherwise, mold growth in homes is more common than we think. Abundant moisture is the main element most molds need in order to grow, and it can be surprisingly difficult to keep our homes' moisture levels in check. 

There are several different types of molds that are commonly found in homes. How do you know which kind you have? Your friends at Best PowerWash Dallas are here to help!

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is commonly found on foods and (unfortunately) home air conditioning systems. As with most other types of home mold, some people experience moderate to severe allergic reactions when they come into contact with aspergillus. Elderly people, infants, and people with weakened immune systems typically experience the worst symptoms, but aspergillus can cause reactions even in healthy individuals.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

This is one of the most dangerous forms of home mold. Slimy and black in nature, this mold is commonly referred to as "black mold." It is also sometimes called "toxic mold," although the mold itself is not toxic. Rather, it releases tiny substances toxic called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can cause severe reactions in people they come into contact with, such as asthma attacks and sinus infections. Black mold typically only grows in areas with constantly elevated moisture levels, such as around leaky pipes or in air conditioning units with lots of condensation.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium usually grows on painted surfaces, fiberglass air ducts, wood and carpeted surfaces, and the backs of toilets. It usually has a black or greenish color. This mold is nontoxic, but it can trigger allergic reactions. Common reactions include rashes, red/watery eyes, and respiratory problems.

Alternaria

Alternaria requires extremely moist environments in order to survive and grow. This mold typically grows outside, but it can also be found in very wet areas indoors, such as in showers, around leaky pipes, or in areas that have been flooded. This type of mold can cause allergic reactions in some people. The real problem with this mold is that it can easily spread from one area to another, so the population can get out of hand very quickly.

Penecillium

Penecillium also spreads quickly. This mold is typically found on wallpaper, carpet, insulation, and even mattresses - especially if any of those areas have been subject to recent water damage. Inhaling spores from this type of mold can cause allergic reactions such as inflammation of the lungs and sinus infections. This mold is easy to identify because it typically appears as a greenish or blueish color.

Contact Best PowerWash Dallas To Remediate Your Mold Issues

If you notice mold growth in your home or office, it's important to take action as soon as possible. At best, mold growth can cause aesthetic issues - at worst, it can compromise the structural damage of your home and create serious health problems for you and/or your family. Best PowerWash Dallas is your trusted, local mold remediation experts in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area. 

Keep us in mind for all your home mold removal needs!

Estimates are always free, so give us a call today at (214) 533-0431!

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Mycotoxins: The Danger of Home Molds

Almost everyone has been told, at least once in their life, that home mold is dangerous to their health. Most people tend to dramatize this a bit - no, not every type of mold growth in your home is dangerous to your health, and no, black mold growth does not mean you and your family is doomed forever - but it IS true that certain types of mold growth in your home can cause health issues for your and your family.

Dangerous Home Molds

There are several different types of mold that commonly grow in homes. All of them create problems for your home, but there are actually only a few types that pose health issues. The most common of these is Stachybotrys chartarum, frequently called "black mold." Black mold produces toxic substances called "mycotoxins," which can cause serious health issues if untreated. Mycotoxins are not the same thing as mold spores - they are a separate, toxic substance all on their own, and they come in several different forms.

Health Risks of Mycotoxins

There have been several studies indicating that when people are exposed to mycotoxins, they can develop adverse health effects. Minor symptoms can include eye irritation, wheezing, and nasal stuffiness. When people experience prolonged exposure to the mycotoxins, their reactions can become more severe. Severe reactions can include fever and development or aggravation of respiratory tract disorders, especially asthma.

Mycotoxins most commonly enter the body through inhalation, but they can also enter through the eyes and via absorption into the skin. 

Decontamination and Removal of Mycotoxins

As most mycotoxins are inhaled, it's important to leave the contaminated area immediately and not return until the problem has been remediated. If you have been exposed to mycotoxins, the best thing you can do is take a long, thorough shower. Shampoo your hair frequently, as mycotoxins can easily become trapped in hair (especially longer hair). 

Mycotoxins are incredibly durable substances that can hold their toxicity for several years. Many of the remediation techniques used to break down the toxicity of mycotoxins create unsafe environments for humans as well, so it is important not to face your challenges alone. The safest, most effective way to rid your home of mycotoxins and mold growth is to hire a mold remediation expert.

Mold Remediation in Dallas, Texas

If you need to remove mold from your home near Dallas, Best PowerWash Dallas is the one to call. As Certifed Mold Remediation Contractors, we have the experience you need to keep your home safe. We work with clients all over the Dallas area, including Cross Roads, McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Lewisville, and Denton.

Estimates are always free, so give us a call today at (214) 553-0431!

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All Your Questions About Mold Growth in Homes - Answered!

Mold can be a scary enemy to many homeowners. It seems to appear out of nowhere, without warning. It can cause severe aesthetic and structural (as well as financial) damage to your home. It can also pose serious health risks to the people in your home. With proper prevention and remediation techniques, however, home mold can become nothing more than a distant thought. Best PowerWash Dallas is here to help you protect your most valuable asset with answers to some of the commonly asked questions surrounding mold and mildew growth in homes.

Q: What causes mold growth?

A: Microscopic mold spores drift constantly through the air, invisible to the naked eye. If they land in the proper environment, they can quickly grow into large colonies. The "proper environment" can take a variety of different forms, as long as it has sufficient nutrients and moisture. Wood, carpet, wallpaper, and even dust often provide all the nutrients mold spores need. As long as there is sufficient moisture, then, mold can grow almost anywhere in the home.

Q: Is mold growth in homes dangerous?

A: Mold can cause mild to severe health problems in people, or none at all. Every person's reaction to mold is different. Mold spores are a common allergen, however, so individuals who are routinely affected by allergies, as well as those with chronic lung and/or respiratory disorders, are likely to experience health problems if mole spores are inhaled. Depending on the severity of their preexisting conditions, some of their reactions to mold growth can be very serious.

Q: Are there different types of home mold?

A: Yes, there are a few different types of home mold. A few common types include:

• Alternaria
• Aspergillus
• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Fusarium
• Stachybotrys Chartarum
• Trichoderma

Q: Are some types of home mold more dangerous than others?

A: Some types of mold do tend to cause more severe reactions in people than others. Stachybotrys Chartarum (commonly known as "black mold") and Trichoderma often pose more serious health risks than other types of mold. While not inherently toxic themselves, these molds produce something called "mycotoxins" which can be extremely toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Q: What is the best way to prevent mold growth?

A: Keeping your home bright, clean, and dry is the best way to prevent mold growth. Mold requires a significant amount of moisture to grow - without enough moisture, it cannot survive. Here are some simple tips to reduce moisture levels in your home:

• Install a dehumidifier
• Run the air conditioning during the summer
• Turn on the bathroom ceiling fan or open a window while showering
• Install vents to the outdoors in your crawlspace
• Disinfect and dry all surfaces in your home, especially sinks and counter tops
• Repair any plumbing leaks
• Increase air flow in your home by turning on fans and/or opening windows

Q: How can existing mold populations be removed?

A: Depending on the severity of your mold population, different strategies can be used to clear your home of the mold growth. Minor growth on non-organic surfaces such as tile, metal, glass, concrete, and some counter tops can be cleaned with the proper disinfectant. However, organic surfaces such as drywall and wood require careful attention. In these cases, simply cleaning the surface may not be enough. You may have to consider removing the affected material entirely; mold can grow into the material (not just on the surface).

After disinfecting the affected surfaces, be sure to thoroughly dry the surfaces (and keep them dry in the future) to prevent the mold growth from returning. If you have a serious infestation or the mold is growing in areas you cannot access (such as the air ducts), you will probably want to hire a certified mold remediation expert to help you.

Home mold can be a serious problem if left unattended, but it can generally be removed relatively easily with the proper tools and techniques. If you notice the people in your home developing unusually strong allergic reactions or if you are able to visually recognize mold growth in your home, do not wait. The sooner you begin tackling the problem, the easier it will be to rid your home of unwanted mold growth. If you have questions about home mold or are looking for a mold removal expert in the Dallas suburbs, give us a call! Best PowerWash Dallas is the top mold removal expert in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Carrollton, Lewisville, and Denton, Texas.

Estimates are always free, so give us a call today at (214) 553-0431!

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Are You Unknowingly a Mold Farmer?

It's a blissful scene, really. You're relaxing with your spouse on your big, comfy couch in your beautiful living room after a long day. Your kids' gleeful shouts carry up the stairs, and you smile, just taking in the scene.

The only thing marring this picturesque scene are the tiny spores, invisible to the naked eye, floating through the air. These little spores seem innocent enough; they're microscopic in size and they aren't attached to anything. However, don't be fooled by their seemingly harmless first impression. Under the proper conditions, these spores can wreak havoc on your family's health and your home.

Best PowerWash Dallas is here to help you protect your home and your family by opening your eyes to some of the ways many homeowners unknowingly contribute to mold growth in their home. The biggest mistakes homeowners make is not paying extra attention to certain areas of their homes or yards that are particularly susceptible to mold growth.

North Side of Buildings/Fences

This may seem like an odd thing to highlight as the first area homeowners overlook, but that's precisely why it's so important. Mold thrives in moist, damp, dark environments. The north side of your home or fence gets significantly less sunlight during the day, which means it is more likely to exhibit the characteristics that attribute to mold growth. Thoroughly power washing the north side of your home or fence will help cut down on mold growth. 

Shaded Areas

Your yard may be on the south side of your home, but if it's heavily shaded, it may be subject to the same amount of mold growth that the north side of your home is. For example, the bench in this beautiful, shaded garden could be a prime location for mold to flourish. Take some time to critically evaluate your shaded areas to see if any of them require special attention.

Areas with Frequent Irrigation and/or Poor Drainage

Moisture is essential for mold growth. When drifting mold spores land in a moist environment, they can quickly multiply into an entire colony. We strongly recommend paying close attention to areas near your home or yard that are irrigated by private wells and/or areas that have poor drainage, as these damp areas are the perfect location for mold to grow.

Mold spores can cause moderate to severe allergic reactions for many people, especially those with asthma or other preexisting respiratory disorders. The inside of your home may be completely mold-free, but if the outside of your home is not, mold spores can be carried into your home on air currents - straight into your family's lungs. A cleaner exterior makes for a healthier interior, so starting with these important outside areas we just mentioned will help get you started on the right track.

Best PowerWash Dallas is expanding! We now offer home mold remediation services in addition to our residential and commercial power washing services. 

Estimates are always free, so give us a call today at (214) 553-0431!

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Mold is SPOOKY!

With Halloween right around the corner, those of as Best PowerWash Dallas thought it would be appropriate to shed some light on one of homeowners' spookiest threats:

MOLD

At first glance, mold's greatest danger appears to be an ugly eyesore on your ceilings, walls, or even your furniture. Unfortunately, mold poses much greater threats than that.

Causes of Mold

Mold begins as a tiny spore. Invisible to the naked eye, these spores are carried through slight air currents through the air. If they land in an area with appropriate moisture, they can begin to grow. If not stopped, a single spore can develop into a large colony. 

Dangers of Mold

While most types of mold are non-toxic, they are very common allergens and can be the culprit behind your family's respiratory problems and seemingly cause-less allergic reactions. Touching or inhaling mold spores commonly causes:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Runny Noses
• Bloodshot Eyes, and 
• Skin Rashes

For people who have asthma or other respiratory issues, exposure to mold and spores can also trigger moderate to severe asthma attacks.

Mold Prevention

While there are many different types of mold frequently found in homes, they all have one thing in common: all molds require a steady amount of moisture to survive. Consequently, most molds are found in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other parts of the home with elevated moisture levels. Reducing the moisture levels in your home, then, is the easiest way to prevent mold growth. Installing and maintaining air conditioners and dehumidifiers is a great first step towards combating moisture levels. Also, don't forget to check the caulking around doors, windows, and roof plumbing boots!

Mold Removal

If you already have a mold problem in your home, your best bet is to contact a mold removal expert. Mold can be a tricky enemy, and you need to feel confident that you're successfully protecting your family from its threats. Best PowerWash Dallas specializes in removing home mold in the Dallas suburbs, and we would be happy to help you fix your mold problem - and help prevent it from recurring in the future! 

Estimates are always free, so give us a call today at (214) 553-0431!

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