If you own a house, chances are that you have had a run-in with mold at some point. Because mold can grow just about anywhere, it can be a common problem in many houses.
Any mold can be a nuisance to remediate, but things can turn serious if that mold is black. Black mold can cause grave health issues if it goes untreated or unnoticed.
Keep reading to learn about three black mold warning signs to look for in your house.
What Is Black Mold?
Although many people think black mold is one type of mold, many different molds can be black. Stachybotrys Chartarum is the mold people talk about when they reference black mold. This is just one of more than 60 types of black mold.
Black mold can produce toxins that attach to mold spores and release into the air when disturbed. If you inhale these spores, you can end up with health problems.
This type of mold thrives in humid environments and is quick to spread. Knowing what to look for can help you remedy your mold problem as fast as you can.
Signs of Black Mold
If you have asthma, lung problems, or a compromised immune system, you want to make sure that you don’t have black mold anywhere in your house. This mold can make itself known in several different ways.
1. Black Mold Spots
The most obvious way to locate black mold is to know what it looks like and where it likes to make its home. You can identify this mold by black or greenish color. The spores are usually tightly grouped and found clustered together.
Black mold grows best on damp paper, cardboard, or cellulose surfaces. Many places that are subject to moisture can be places black mold can grow. Checking grout, window sills, bathrooms, or any spot that has had a leak for black mold is a smart idea.
2. Musty Smell
This type of mold typically starts growing inside walls, so you’ll need to use your smell to help you locate it. Black mold has a powerful musty odor. If your nose picks up an earthy smell like rotting leaves, you may have a black mold problem.
3. Black Mold Texture
If you see mold on your walls, the texture could help you figure out if it is black mold or not.
Many household molds are fuzzy. If your mold is thick and slimy, there’s a chance it could be black mold. If your black mold problem is in its early stages, it could have a powdery feel.
Don’t try to touch the black mold with your bare hands! Using rubber gloves, a respirator, and checking the mold using a paper towel will keep you safe.
Get Rid of Your Black Mold Today!
Although you can now identify black mold, removing it can be tricky. If your house has signs of mold, it is best to call a professional to get rid of it.
For the best mold remediation Tampa has to offer, call Big Easy Restoration! Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help assist you with any mold in your house.
Contact us today to get your house or business free from mold!