Mold Inspections of Houston Shares Five Major Warning Signs of Mold, Recommends Inspection to Confirm and Remediation to Eliminate Colonies
HOUSTON, Aug. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The professionals at Mold Inspections of Houston encourage homeowners to be proactive when they fear their residence has a mold problem. The first step in that is learning what mold is and how to look for signs of its presence.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150825/260926
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150825/260927
Mold is a general term for an entire family of fungal organisms. All species of mold need moisture, oxygen, warmth and an undisturbed place to grow. Mold also needs food, usually in the form of cellulose, which is found in many kinds of building materials, from wallpaper and sheetrock to carpet padding.
While mold is of course bad, it's not the end of the world. That being said, property owners should take prompt steps toward its removal and the prevention of future growth. Left to its own devices, mold can ruin belongings, destroy building materials and seriously affect human health. The following are five clear warning signs that mold spores may be sharing a living space.
Unusual Odors
Typically, property owners will smell mold long before they see it. The fungal colonies produce an unmistakable musty odor once they reach a certain size. People often notice the smell intensifying after a rain or lingering only in certain areas of the dwelling. All of these are telltale signs that an unwanted guest has taken up residence. At this point, a certified mold inspection is warranted to verify the suspicion of mold.
Visible Colonies
Sometimes mold makes itself visible to the naked eye. A colony may appear as a velvety, cottony or leathery deposit on a surface. Colors may range from brown to black, yellow or green. Mold prefers to grow on smooth, undisturbed surfaces; naturally, the fungi require the right conditions for life, including moisture and a readily available food supply. When all of these conditions come together, a colony can expand to cover several square feet. Be aware, however, that mold will not always make itself so obvious.
Persistent Moisture or Water Damage
Moisture is one of the key ingredients mold needs to survive. A leaky roof or basement are among the most common vectors allowing mold to take hold inside a structure. Likewise, a dripping pipe hidden inside the wall can provide ideal conditions for colonies of mold, while often going unnoticed for months or even years.
Sudden Onset or Worsening of Allergies
Most people will experience at least some negative health effects when they cohabitate with mold for long enough. These symptoms can include itchy and watery eyes, congestion, sneezing and irritated skin. Among the more worrisome reactions are fever and shortness of breath; these would indicate someone has a strong allergy to whatever species of mold spores are floating in the air.
Certain populations exposed to mold suffer health problems far beyond a stuffy nose or scratchy throat. Infants, the elderly, those with severe allergies or compromised immune systems are all especially vulnerable. People with asthma, COPD or other breathing conditions should likewise avoid any exposure to mold.
Visible Wet Spots on Exterior Structure
A roof or area of siding that appears damp long after the last rain is a clear indication of water being trapped somewhere. Finding the source of this problem and eliminating the resulting mold growth will almost certainly require the aid of both a general contractor and a service like Mold Inspections of Houston to confirm the presence of mold.
Getting Help from Professionals
The first step in getting rid of mold is confirming its existence, which is where Mold Inspections of Houston comes in. A professional inspector will take air and surface samples and conduct foolproof testing. Once the presence of mold is verified, Mold Inspections of Houston can recommend a qualified remediation provider that will fit the property owner's needs.
Remediation services vary depending upon the type and extent of mold damage. When detected early, mold can often be killed with chemical solutions. Serious infestations can require stripping out flooring, carpet and walls. Mold Inspections of Houston maintains relationships with many of the best mold remediation providers in the Houston metro area, so customers can expect timely and professional services no matter the size of their mold problem.
About Mold Inspections of Houston
At Mold Inspections of Houston, we offer complete mold testing services for residential and commercial customers. We understand the litany of health problems mold exposure can cause, and we are committed to providing affordable mold inspections to care for your health and provide you with total peace of mind.
Contact:
Mold Inspection Houston
by: Platinum Environmental Solutions, LLC
5534 Birdwood Rd
Houston, TX 77096
Mold Consultant Lic. #1278
Asbestos Consultant Lic. #10-5781
Christopher Felan M.S.
(713) 446-9737
Email
SOURCE Mold Inspections of Houston
Share this article