It is no secret that mold is a dangerous substance. Inhaling spores can cause a host of problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even death in severe cases.
Mold is also responsible for a great deal of property damage each year, as it can quickly spread through residential and commercial spaces – causing extensive structural damage. This makes having a mold removal near me Weddington, NC service on hand to deal with any mold issues extremely vital to the safety of your loved ones and the preservation of your property.
Mold Is A Silent Danger In Your Home
In North Carolina alone, mold is responsible for over $1 billion in property damage each year and causes various health problems, some of which can be fatal. Mold doesn’t discriminate – it can affect any type of home, no matter how old or well-maintained. It loves to thrive in damp, dark places – with basements and crawl spaces being among its favorites. Even the cleanest homes can develop mold if there is a water leak or flooding, as it only needs 24 hours to grow.
Other than physical health, your mental health could be at risk too. Prolonged exposure can develop anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to the mycotoxins that mold produces. Mycotoxins are poisonous substances that can affect the human brain and nervous system.
So, if you have mold in your home, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. But mold removal is not a do-it-yourself job – it’s something that should only be handled by a professional mold removal near me Weddington, NC.
Have You Been Exposed to Mold?
Mold doesn’t need to be visible to trigger symptoms, so it can be hard to tell if you have it. However, there are some common symptoms to look out for, including:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Respiratory problems (coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath)
- Skin irritation (redness, itching, rash)
- Eye irritation (redness, watery eyes, burning sensation)
- Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, irritability)
These symptoms can be mistaken for other health problems, so we advise getting assistance from a medical professional if you think you have been exposed to mold. They can run tests to confirm mold exposure and determine the best course of treatment.
Other than these common symptoms, you should also watch out for telltale signs of mold presence in your home, such as:
- Musty or Moldy Smell
Mold spores produce a musty or moldy smell because they contain a natural chemical known as an organic compound, which gives mold its distinctive smell.
One particular organic compound found in high concentrations in mold spores is 2-hexanone. This molecule has a strong, unpleasant odor that is reminiscent of paint or turpentine. The presence of this molecule and other related compounds gives mold its characteristic smell.
- Visible Mold Growth
The growth of mold is a response to an environment that is too wet for the mold’s spores to stay dormant. Mold grows in three dimensions, so it needs more moisture content in the air to produce than what is required for bacteria to grow.
As mentioned earlier, mold grows best in warm, humid environments and will often appear on surfaces where water has been leaking or where there are high humidity levels. It can also be found outdoors near water sources like rivers and lakes, besides damp basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Water Stains or Leaks
Mold is a very sneaky creature. It can hide behind walls, under floors, and in other unseen places. And if you have water stains or leaks, it will find a way to make its presence known. But several other things can also contribute to mold growth. For example, if your home is poorly ventilated, this can create an environment conducive to mold growth.
Additionally, if you have any paper products or food items that are constantly moist (think coffee cups filled with half-drunken coffee or plates with leftover food), these can also create an ideal condition for mold to flourish.
Be sure to dry up water leaks or stains as soon as possible and keep an eye out for any other potential sources of moisture. With a little watchfulness and assistance from mold removal near me Weddington, NC, you can prevent mold from taking over your home.
- Condensation on Windows or Other Surfaces
There’s a common misconception that mold always forms in humid or wet conditions. But it can also thrive in dry environments if there’s enough dust or other organic material to feed on. That’s why you often see mold growth on windowsills or other surfaces that tend to collect dust.
While condensation alone doesn’t necessarily mean that mold is present, it can indicate that the conditions are ripe for mold growth. Clean your window sills or other surfaces on a regular basis once you notice condensation and/or take steps to improve air circulation so that mold doesn’t have a chance to take hold.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
Mold loves to feast on organic materials like paper and wallpaper, so it’s not surprising that one of the most common signs of mold is peeling paint or wallpaper. You should have a mold removal near me Weddington, NC company conduct an inspection on your property.
In the meantime, you can do a simple test by placing a small piece of mold-resistant tape over an area of peeling paint or wallpaper. The tape will turn black within 24-48 hours if there is a presence of mold.
- Swelling or Warping of Wood
Mold doesn’t just feast on organic materials; it can also damage inorganic materials like wood, metal, and plastic. As mold grows, it produces enzymes that break down the bonds between cells, causing the material to swell, warp, or crumble.
However, keep in mind that not all swollen or warped wood is necessarily caused by mold. Several other factors can cause wood to deform, including humidity, insects, and the wood’s age.
To check for mold, look for any visible growth on the surface of the wood. If there is no visible mold, but you still suspect it may be present, you can use a moisture meter to test the wood’s moisture content. If the moisture content is higher than 20%, that’s an indicator that mold may be present.
Mold Removal Services Are Your Best Defense Against Mold
No one likes dealing with mold, but it is a natural part of the environment. Getting rid of it completely is next to impossible. However, mold removal services can help you eliminate the growth in your home and prevent it from returning.
Mold removal near me Weddington, NC is all about taking proactive measures to prevent this pesky creature from taking hold in the first place. It includes fixing any water leaks or other moisture sources, regularly cleaning mold-prone areas, and improving air circulation.
In case the mold has already taken hold, mold removal services can help you get rid of it in a quick and efficient manner. The first step is to identify the source of mold and remove it. Mold removal experts will use high-powered vacuums and air scrubbers to eliminate mold spores from the air. For the final process, they will treat the area with antimicrobial solutions to prevent it from putting your indoor environment in a peril state.
Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation
The terms “mold removal” and “mold remediation” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different processes.
Mold removal is the process of physically removing mold from an area. It can be done through a number of methods, including scrubbing, sanding, using a vacuum, or using chemicals. It makes mold inaccessible to mold spores, which can then no longer feed on the mold and cause it to grow.
Mold remediation, on the other hand, is the process of cleaning mold-affected areas and taking measures to discourage mold from taking control over. In addition to mold removal, the method may also involve fixing the source of mold, such as a water leak. It also typically includes taking measures to improve air circulation and preventing mold-prone areas from getting moist.
Given the health risks associated with mold, it is always best to consult with mold removal near me Weddington, NC expert to see what mold removal services are ideal for your situation.
Mold Problem? CrawlSpace Xperts Has You Covered!
At the end of the day, mold is a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with it for the rest of your life. Keep your indoor environment in pristine condition by removing mold as soon as it pops up.
CrawlSpace Xperts is a mold removal near me Weddington, NC company that specializes in mold removal and remediation. We also offer a wide range of other services, including mold testing, mold inspection, and mold prevention.
To learn more about our mold removal services or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (803) 592-2403. Let us mold your indoor environment into a clean and healthy space!
