Tag Archives: Mold Extermination

What Types of Molds are Seen Before Mold Treatment

Like most living organisms, mold and fungus come in a variety of different types. While they all have basic similarities, each has certain characteristics that set it apart from the others.

Here’s a look at some of the more common types of mold. Any fungus found indoors is likely to come from this group.

  • Aspergillus spores are generally present in the atmosphere. While they don’t normally cause illness, exposure can result in upper respiratory infections with symptoms such as fever, cough and breathlessness. People with existing respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems are the most susceptible.
  • Altenaria is also readily airborne with a greater presence during summer and early fall. A known allergen, altenaria is a primary source of hay fever and similar reactions. Studies have also shown a link between alternia exposure and asthma.
  • Aureobasidium is a yeast-like mildew that may be pink or black in appearance. Unlike aspergillus and alternia, these spores become airborne only through manual disruption of contaminated materials. It can often be found on damp surfaces such as shower curtains and tile grout or outdoors on siding.
  • Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold that needs a regular source of moisture such as high humidity or water leaks to grow. It feeds on paper, fiberboard and other materials rich in cellulose.

If you find mold and fungus in your home or office, it should be removed regardless of the type. Our MoldExterm system can successfully treat any type of mold safely and effectively with minimal disruption to your activities. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by one of our trained technicians.

What Makes Mold Grow?

What Makes Mold Grow?

What Makes Mold Grow?

Effective mold treatment is more than just removing the visible signs of infestation. Conditions need to be adjusted in order to make your home or building a less hospitable site for mold growth. Understanding the process helps you take steps to prevent future infestations.

Mold is a common sight outdoors in the vicinity of organic matter such as trees and foliage. They multiply via microscopic spores that are easily transmitted through the atmosphere. While they’re almost always present indoors, in most cases they don’t present a problem.

Remember the science class experiment where you grew mold in a petri dish? This activity demonstrates the three elements necessary for mold spores to multiply: moisture, warmth and food. The agar base provided the nutrients and moisture, and the sealed dishes were placed in a warm, dry place to incubate.

Once a mold spore settles on a damp spot in your home or building, it’s ready to start reproducing. The warmth and moisture found in bathrooms and kitchens makes those rooms the usual suspects. Damp, dark basements can also be easily infested. While the spores feed primarily on organic materials, they also thrive on cellulose which is found in carpeting, paper (including wallpaper) and dry wall.

Controlling moisture is the key to successful mold treatment. Our proprietary MoldExterm process does this with a two-step method. The affected surfaces are treated with an anti-microbial solution and then coated with a powerful polymer that springs into action when needed. Contact us to learn more about how MoldExterm can safely end your building’s mold problem.

The Real Problem with Mold

Mold Where It Should Be

Mold Where It Should Be

Mold suffers from a bad reputation, but it actually serves a valuable purpose outdoors. It acts as Mother Nature’s recycler, breaking down organic materials  like dead trees. The problem with mold arises when stray spores drift indoors and latch onto a damp surface.

You actually encounter mold nearly every day, although you’re not aware of it due to the microscopic size of the spores. The reason they become a problem indoors is because there’s not enough ventilation to diffuse the spores as there is outside.

Once mold becomes established indoors, you’re at risk for a wide variety of health problems. Most of them are allergic reactions affecting the upper-respiratory system, such as sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Inhaling mold can cause irritation in the nose, throat and lungs even in non-allergic individuals. Coming in contact with a mold infestation can also cause a skin rash.

Mold can be harmful to the health of your home or building as well. It can begin decomposing surfaces just as it does with outside materials. For instance, a leak in a wooden window can cause the frame to rot. Negative effects include increased energy costs and expensive window replacements.

If you suspect you have a mold problem, you may be picturing the drastic process of traditional remediation which involves physically removing any affected surfaces. Our innovative MoldExterm system safely and effectively removes mold and adds a polymer sealer to prevent future infestations. The process is usually completed with a day, causing less interruption to your daily activities. Call 888.887.8376 to schedule a free mold inspection.

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