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Is Black Mold Damage Permanent?
If you have noticed dark mold spots around your home or an uptick in congestion and coughing, you may be experiencing symptoms of black mold. It’s not abnormal for people to come across black mold in their homes, but it does pose health risks. Luckily, the damage is not permanent, and there are many solutions to get your home back on track. The best thing you can do is find out what black mold is, why it grows, and what you can do about it!
What is black mold?
Typically, black mold appears as dark green or black. It is a fungus, known more formally as Stachybotrys chartarum, that grows on paper, cardboard, and drywall. This type of mold thrives in warmer temperatures with high moisture levels. Black mold is most often found in:
- Window Panes
- Showers
- Basements
- Air Conditioning Units
Identifying Black Mold in Homes
The most obvious signs of black mold are those that you can see. Black mold may appear as a dark fuzzy spot, a smear, or even something that looks and feels slimy. The next and less obvious indicator of black mold would be the smell. Mold is often identifiable due to the musty odor that can feel impossible to get rid of.
It’s common for people to start smelling mold before they find the source. Unfortunately, mold can hide within walls, silently taking over your home.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
Just like any type of mold, black mold isn’t great for your health and is considered toxic. It’s no more dangerous than other types of mold, and it is important to treat it no matter what.
Common Causes and Prevention of Black Mold
Just like the saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” we like to say, “Where there’s water, there’s mold.” Mold growth typically occurs where there are signs of a leak or other forms of water damage.
Poor ventilation and excess moisture will lead to mold growth, so the best way to prevent it is by using bathroom fans and making sure that air flows throughout your home. Wiping down any damp surfaces and being sure that you keep an eye out for condensations and pools of water in your home can help you stay ahead of mold growth.
DIY Small-Scale Mold Remediation Tactics
When it comes to tiled areas like your shower and bathroom, the damage may be small enough to take care of on your own. If you notice black mold growth around your windows or in your bathroom, the fix is simple: all you need is a little distilled white vinegar, water, and baking soda.
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with equal parts vinegar and water, spray on the area, and let it sit anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Afterward, you can saturate the area again or simply wipe it down to lift the mold. Spray the area with the mixture once more with a light hand and free yourself from the mold!
Mold Remediation for San Diego Homes
In many cases, mold spreads rapidly before people realize the damage. It can affect your drywall and other parts of your home that make up the structural integrity. In these cases, the best thing to do is reach out to a water and mold damage restoration company.
Fast Affordable Restoration provides San Diego with mold removal services that are intended to not just treat mold, but to completely remove it and prevent it from growing back again. With expert technology, we can determine affected areas and restore the health of your home in no time.
With Fast Affordable Restoration, you can count on a team of experts who coach you through each step of the process and teach you how to avoid mold growth going forward!
