You may know it as black mold, that dark green, tarry fungus that invades people’s homes following devastating floods and other natural disasters. What you may not know is that black mold, or the species Stachybotrys chartarum, can be found in virtually any household where moisture or water problems exist, and this bioorganic growth could expose your family to such serious health risks as sinus and respiratory infections, asthma, skin irritations, and in extreme cases, even liver and kidney cancers.

Using a packaged test kit or undergoing a complete mold inspection on your property are the only ways to know for certain if black mold is present in your home. But before you go out and hire a professional mold inspector, it’s a good idea to do your own thorough check of the premises, paying close attention to potential problem areas such as musty odors, rotting wood, noticeably warped walls or ceilings, visible staining, and flaking wallpaper. Any of these household indicators could signal the presence of black mold buildup.

Once you’ve detected the possibility of black mold in your living quarters, it’s important to act fast. Mold can permeate the porous surfaces of a home, and since it needs only 24 hours to germinate and grow, it can spread very quickly from place to place, infecting other areas of your household. Common building materials such as wood, drywall, carpet, and fiberboard are particularly conducive to mold growth. All it takes is the right mix of moisture, nutrients, and temperature for the reproductive cycle of mold to occur–even in the cleanest homes.

If your mold and mildew removal needs are confined to a small area, they can generally be resolved by a thorough cleaning with commercial products, such as soap and water or a bleach solution. Any absorbent or porous materials, including drywall, carpet, and ceiling tiles, as well as any cleaning products/tools that came into contact with the moldy surfaces, should be sealed in heavy-duty bags and removed from the home as soon as possible through the nearest exit.

If the area to be cleaned is larger than 10 square feet, however, you may want to contact a professional who specializes in black mold removal. Given the time-sensitive nature of mold remediation, it’s crucial to find a licensed and insured mold specialist who can work promptly to seal off the entire area, remove all traces of the toxic fungus, and take steps to prevent the mold from returning. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even dead mold can trigger allergic reactions, so it’s not enough to kill the mold; it must also be removed. To ensure a safe, chemical-free environment in your home throughout the cleanup process, look for a mold removal company that uses only non-toxic, eco-friendly products, containing zero phosphates, phenols, and chlorides.

Whether you know the name Stachybotrys chartarum or not, you need to know about black mold and the dangers it can pose for your family. So don’t wait for allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or even certain cancers to question the presence of this hazardous fungus in your household. Learn how to recognize the telltale signs of black mold in your living quarters and take immediate steps to remove it once and for all from every inch of your home. You and your family can breathe a lot easier once you know the facts.

Regular professional cleaning is an important part of keeping your home or business looking in top-notch condition over the long term. However, there are situations in which even the best cleaning will not take care of certain issues. Mold cleanup is one of these. If you have a concentrated issue such as mold growth, you need to find a mildew mold removal company that will be able to take care of that specific problem. Then, for more general and comprehensive cleaning work you can call on a professional commercial cleaning pro or household cleaning service.

While some general cleaning or janitorial service professionals may choose to offer specialized services such as mold remediation, that type of specialization is not something that you will automatically find among most cleaning professionals. That is why it will usually be in your best interest to locate a mold company that can serve your specific mold cleanup needs rather than turning to a general cleaning professional. While the latter may offer excellent services, a professional mold cleaning firm will have all of the necessary tools and equipment to both test for mold growth and comprehensively remove it if they find any. By calling on a specialized mold cleaning professional, you’ll know that any mold issue that you have will be well and truly resolved.

When you need more general cleaning help for your home or business, however, turning to a domestic or commercial cleaning serviceis a great option. These professionals will be able to provide routine maintenance cleaning or special occasion cleaning services, such as pre- or post-event cleanup, that will keep your home or business looking its best. Just as a regular cleaning service will not be as much use to you when you have a mold growth problem, mold companies are not the type of cleaning professional you need to call on when you need more standard cleaning help such as bathroom maintenance or carpet cleaning. While both types of firms provide professional cleaning services, you still need to find the one that provides the specific type of service that you require.

When you need expert cleaning services, you should make sure you find the right type of professional to meet your exact needs. Deciding whether you need a mold removal specialist or a household or commercial cleaning pro will ensure that you get precisely the type of cleaning assistance that you require.

When it comes to many property improvement projects, the need for the job is undeniable. Why put on a new roof: to keep the rain out of your home. Why put in a new furnace: to keep the house warm this winter. But when it comes to basement waterproofing, many homeowners don’t see the point. But when you really look into it, the need for a dry basement is nearly as elementary as the need for a new roof or furnace. Why waterproof basements? Because it helps keep your home strong and sound, prevents mold-related illness in your family, and turns wasted space into prime real estate. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of waterproofing your basement.

Property Preservation

Assume that every basement and crawlspace is a bit damp? Think a little water in your basement is no big deal? Think again! Water can actually lead to premature deterioration of everything from foundations to floor joists, undermining the structural stability of your home and calling for expensive repairs. Wet basements can create issues with:

• Wood rot
• Foundation cracking
• Molding building components
• And other deterioration problems

So to keep your building standing tall longer, you’ll want to address water in your basement. Options span the gamut from crawlspace waterproofing to sump pump installation and beyond, and depending on your specific situation, one solution may be better than another. To ensure a successfully waterproofed basement, your best bet is to consult with a qualified foundation contractor. He or she will be able to suggest the most effective answer for your basement leaks and moisture.

Health

Wet basements have mold. It’s as simple as that. Mold needs just three things to thrive: oxygen, a food source, and moisture. Since mold feeds on everyday materials like paper and wood, and obviously removing oxygen from your home isn’t an option, the easiest way to control mold is to control moisture levels. In most cases, mold needs a humidity level above 50% or standing water to grow, so reducing moisture in your basement will help prevent mold from flourishing.

There are many types of mold, but all can cause health issues for you and your family. Ranging from allergic reactions and asthma-like symptoms to skin and respiratory irritation, the negative health effects of mold can even include some types of cancer. To keep your family healthy and safe from the effects of mold, a dry basement is a must. Sealing your foundation walls is usually sufficient for minor moisture issues, but for serious basement leaks, a French drain system or other solution may be required. Regardless of how you opt to waterproof your basement, keeping the space dry is the key to minimizing the chance of mold growth and maximizing your home’s safety.

Usable Space

A wet basement is just dead space at the bottom of your home. But with a dry basement, the possibilities are endless. Store memorabilia and holiday decorations or finish the space as a craft room or entertainment area. When you don’t have to worry about water ruining your treasured photos and heirlooms or stress about moisture destroying your newly installed carpet and drywall, the sky’s the limit for how you can use your basement. So instead of resigning yourself to leaving your basement as wasted space, capitalize on the square footage by pursuing a basement waterproofing plan to make your water problems a thing of the past.

Ensuring vitality for the structure of your home or business means being proactive about safety and health risks. It’s one thing to attempt to fix a problem that has already presented itself, but it’s another to take preventative action to avoid the issue altogether. When it comes to the growth of mold, especially black mold, it’s hugely important to take proactive measures in order to protect yourself and your fellow building occupants. Don’t wait for the symptoms of mold to affect your health and your building’s structural integrity–instead, eradicate it at the first sign of growth.

The only way to keep your residential or commercial property as safe as possible is to inspect for mold and perform thorough mold removal before any complications arise. The question is, how do you know if you need mold remediation in your home? While nothing beats a professional inspection from an expert mold removal company, there are certain telltale signs you can look for in your building. These signs include:

• Damp spots on floor or ceiling
• Puddles
• Continuous incoming water
• Musty smells
• Visible mold spots or mildew

If you detect any of the red flags listed above, it’s imperative that you take immediate action before conditions worsen or spread. Professional companies that specialize in mold remediation will be able to come directly to your location, inspect the alleged mold growth, and offer a sensible plan for removal.

While applying topical bleach to patches of mold yourself may temporarily kill the spores, it is in no way a long-lasting solution. If you want permanent mold removal, you need to hire a professional. It may cost you a little extra, but the results more than make up for it. The professional mold cleanup process looks something like this:

1. The affected area is sealed off to prevent the mold from spreading.
2. The mold is scraped away and the affected area is cleaned thoroughly.
3. The source of moisture will be pinpointed.
4. Basement waterproofing options will be discussed to eliminate the moisture that feeds mold growth.

Some mold companies even use eco-friendly cleaning products to ensure that your home or business is free from harmful chemicals and cleaning agents. If you suspect that your wet basement may be susceptible to the dangerous growth of mold, don’t waste any time in implementing the proper course of action. The longer you wait, the more difficult the entire cleanup process will be.

Mold growth is quite common and can occur almost anywhere in a home or other building. Mold spores, which are tiny and invisible to the naked eye, can end up inside if they become airborne and then land on a wet surface. Water or moisture is essential for sustaining mold growth, so this is the first issue that must be addressed if you notice a mold problem. Once you notice mold growth in your home, it is important to act quickly to avoid any possible health problems associated with mold. However, it is equally important to understand how to prevent this issue in the future.

Moisture is the main cause of sustained mold growth, so always be sure to dry water leaks or spills immediately, as in most cases this will thwart the start of mold growth altogether. There are several common problem areas in your home that you should monitor to keep water–and mold–issues at bay. These include clogged roof gutters, the area around your foundation, air conditioner drip pans, and walls, pipes, or windows if humidity is high. The appearance of condensation on walls, etc., can be a sign of high humidity, which is a major factor for mold starting to grow on a surface in your home or business.

Since molds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes even highly toxic substances, they do have the potential to cause health problems, such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or eye and skin irritation. Therefore, if you notice mold growing on a surface in your home or office, it is very important to take immediate action, such as hiring a mold removal company.

According to most experts, if the size of the mold problem is less than about ten square feet, you can likely take care of the mold cleanup on your own. However, if you notice mold growing in a very large area, or you are simply unsure about the
severity of the contamination, you’ll definitely want to hire a professional service to do the cleanup. This is where a mold remediation company comes in.

A remediation company can send a mold specialist to identify and assess the problem and suggest a course of action for the removal of mold, complete the mold cleanup, and implement corrective action to prevent the problem from recurring in the future. Since mold growth does imply potential health hazards, be sure that the mold cleanup company is fully professional and very experienced in this field. An expert should be able to advise you on how serious or widespread the problem is, assess which affected items can be salvaged, use the appropriate tools and agents to fully remove the mold, and suggest and implement a plan to prevent future outbreaks. Preventing future mold growth can be achieved by eliminating the source of the water leak or excess
moisture in the contaminated area. Your mold remediation company should be able to assist you in remedying this.

Mold doesn’t have to ruin your home or business. Just make sure you take appropriate actions for mold removal–and preventing regrowth–to get your property clean and safe once again.

Maybe you’ve heard rumors that mold is dangerous, but you’re not convinced it matters for your family or your home. Mold isn’t just the latest trend in the news, however, fueled by marketers trying to get you to buy unnecessary goods or services. Mold is a real threat to you, your family, and your home. If there is mold in your house, you need to know the risks before you decide not to have the mold removed. These are the real costs of mold infestation in your house:

Mold and Your Health

The health dangers of mold aren’t just an old wives tale. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has documented a broad range of general negative health reactions caused by mold, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Asthma attacks
• Skin, eye, and throat/nose irritation
• Headaches
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Other, more specific health hazards have been documented or are currently being researched, such as cancer and pulmonary hemorrhages. One toxin known to be produced by molds, aflatoxin B1, is a powerful carcinogen and has been proven to cause liver cancer and may also contribute to lung cancer.

In short, if you live in a home with mold, it will make you sick. Not all cases of mold-caused illnesses are as extreme as cancer or hemorrhages, although those are very real threats. Most people who suffer from mold problems don’t realize at first that mold is the cause of their symptoms. Because allergic reactions and irritations stemming from mold exposure often mimic seasonal allergies, colds, and flu, many people write off their illnesses. However, when you have mold in your home, these symptoms will likely keep returning until the mold is cleaned up.

Mold and Your Home’s Value

If dangers to your health aren’t persuasive enough, mold can also decrease the value of your home. Mold impacts the value of your property in two ways: because it is a health hazard, and also because mold growth indicates the additional presence of water problem. In fact, if a home inspection turns up a wet basement and/or mold in your house, it may make it nearly impossible to sell. Many mortgage lenders are reluctant to approve loans on homes with health and safety concerns, and the combination of mold and a leaky foundation certainly qualifies as both.

However, having mold in your home’s basement is not an unbreakable curse. Bringing in a professional for mold removal as well as stopping any basement leaks with foundation repair and waterproofing, can restore the value of your property. In most cases, professional repairs satisfy lender requirements and enable prospective buyers to qualify for a mortgage on your property.

If you’ve been thinking that the mold in your basement isn’t a big deal, you’ll obviously want to reconsider. Affecting not only the health and well-being of your family, mold can also decrease the worth of your house and even make it extremely difficult to sell. Your solution is simple, straightforward, and surprisingly affordable, when you consider the actual costs of mold infestations: Hire a professional mold cleanup specialist to completely remove all traces of mold from your basement.

Remember, mold can only grow in spaces with excessive moisture levels, so unless you also address the water issue, the mold will be back. Foundation cracks, high hydrostatic pressure in the soil around your home, and other basement-related issues can all contribute to the incursion of water and the subsequent development of a mold problem, so consulting with a basement waterproofing contractor is typically your best bet for preventing a new mold issue from cropping up in your basement. Many foundation contractors also offer mold remediation services, so you may want to contact them for both the cleanup and continued prevention of mold in your home.

Your basement is, literally, the foundation of your home. When there’s a leak problem on that level, the repercussions will eventually travel to the rest of the building. In order to maintain a healthy home environment and to prevent unnecessary damage to your property, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the signs of basement leaks. That way, you’ll know what to look for, and you can contact an expert if necessary to make sure you get a waterproof basement to see you through the coming years.

There are some cases, of course, when a basement leak is major enough that you see both the water and the source of the leak right away. While those situations are difficult in their severity, it’s actually useful to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Not all basement leaks, however, are visible. You may simply have basement that feels perpetually damp and cold, but you might never be able to find precisely where the water is getting in. Or, there may be a pervasive musty smell or mold problem that you can’t clean up no matter what you do. If either of these situations sounds familiar, you’re probably dealing with a number of small leaks that let water into your basement often, but on a relatively small scale. In fact, in some cases, the moisture can actually be seeping straight through the concrete block of your foundation! Since it’s almost impossible to see or identify these specific places, contacting a basement waterproofing expert is your best choice if you want to have a dry basement.

If your basement leakage problem is a consistent issue that leads to frequent dampness, chilliness, or mold growth, it’s likely that you’ll fight those things for as long as you’re in your home unless you contact a basement contractor for help. Regardless of how accomplished you are at home repairs, waterproofing your basement is something that demands professional assistance in order for the work to last. Basement experts will be able to assess your space and then design and install a comprehensive drainage system so that you never have to deal with a wet basement ever again. These professionals are able to drain water from the perimeter walls of your home and can even lower the water table below the basement floor so there’s no longer any water there to even try to get in. With their help, you’ll have a comfortable, dry basement for years to come.

If your basement is always cold, damp, or moldy smelling, you probably have a widespread leak problem. In order to eradicate those issues once and for all, contact a basement waterproofing expert to drain away the water surrounding your home and to install the proper drainage systems in your basement so that your home can rest on the most solid foundation possible.