Tips On Where Mold Hides And What to Look For

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

At one time or another, virtually every property in the RGV area will have mold. Thankfully there are steps that you can take for mold prevention,  however, in the event of an infestation, it is vital that you understand the causes of mold, and the risks if left unremedied. For mold removal in Mission and Edinburg, SERVPRO is available when you need us. Our professional team is experienced in mold remediation and restoration, cleaning up after a fire, flood, and other disasters.

Mold develops and grows in areas of the home that are warm and humid. While bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, attics, sunrooms, and mud rooms may be on your watch list for mold, here are some other not-so-common areas to watch.

First, in bathrooms, look for mold growth around the tub and shower as this is often the first place for it to develop. It may appear dark green or black in color, and appear first in the caulking and around ceiling and wall joints. However, don’t stop looking there. Under the sink, in the linen closet, and on the walls and ceiling around the exhaust are other areas that are common to develop mold. If there is any mildew-type odor in the air, there is a good chance mold is near. Keep looking, or call in a professional mold testing team for evaluation.

Second, take a look under your kitchen sink, behind the refrigerator, and in the pantry. Kitchens, like bathrooms, are ideal places for mold to grow; they are typically warmer and more humid than other areas of the home. If your refrigerator or dishwasher leaks, or has in the past, the drywall or flooring adjacent to them may be affected by mold. Left unchecked, the drywall, floors, and structural integrity may be compromised. Your local East Mission and South Edinburg SERVPRO knows where to look for mold, and how to remove it.

Third, look for any signs of mold in bedroom closets. These are areas in which there is little air movement; the  moisture from the environment as well as from freshly washed clothing can collect and cause mold to develop. Lessen the likelihood of mold growth in your bedrooms, and closets by leaving a window open, at least once per week. In the summer months, run your air conditioning and a dehumidifier to help maintain safe humidity levels.

Lastly, examine any other areas where there has been previous water or flood damage in your home. If you’ve had a leaky roof, flood, broken water pipe, or fire, and your home was not properly restored, those areas should be on the top of your list for quarterly self-inspection. The first sign of mold on walls or ceilings in these areas may appear like spatters or water droplets. They may be soft yellow in color, but will darken and multiply with time. In the early stages, a bleach-based cleanser can remove the mold; however, it is important to understand that if there are other areas of mold in the home, or humidity levels are high, the mold may reappear quickly.

If you or your family are experiencing persistent symptoms similar to seasonal allergies, your home may have mold. For a professional mold removal, call SERVPRO today! We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.