6 Common Types of Mold in Your Home

10sep 2020
Learn the types of molds that can be found in your home. ServiceMaster of the Upstate offers mold remediation services in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC; call now at (864) 310-7891.
Types of Mold & How They are Affecting Your Home

Mold is present all around us. Some forms pose no threat to humans, while others like the dreaded black mold can cause serious health effects like chronic fatigue or coughing. It’s essential to always be on the lookout for mold to protect the health of you and your family, as well as to avoid costly mold removal. Always check for mold in your bathrooms, cellars and other moist places, and make sure your home is well-ventilated with controlled humidity levels. 

Mold Remediation Company in South Carolina 

If you think that you already have mold in your home, it may be time to contact a mold remediation expert from ServiceMaster of the Upstate, especially if you notice any that match the descriptions of the dangerous molds recorded above. Small, closed-off spaces such as attics and basements are particularly susceptible to the damp conditions that attract mold. For mold inspections or mold remediation, look up a trusted mold remediation company in  South  Carolina like ServiceMaster of the Upstate and get them tended to as soon as possible.

Types of Mold and How to Identify Them

Mold comes in a variety of colors and varieties and can be present in almost every space of your home.

Six common types of mold you may find include:

Acremonium: 
  • Acremonium mold is a toxigenic mold type that evolves in its appearance over time.
  •  It first starts out as a small moist mold that turns into a fine powdery substance. 
  • Acremonium mold is often pink, grey, orange, or white in color. 
  • Acremonium typically grows in household systems and areas such as condensation from humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants.
Aspergillus: 

  • With a black or green ground pepper-like appearance, you can often find aspergillus around toilets, painted surfaces, or around air ducts. 
  • If inhaled, Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions that cause asthma attacks, fever, and a mucus cough. 
  • These commonly found molds should be checked frequently.  

Aureobasidium

  • Aureobasidium is an allergenic mold that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces. 
  • Aureobasidium usually develops in pink, brown, or black color. As it ages, aureobasidium typically turns a darker brown color.
  • The primary health risk of aureobasidium is its ability to cause infections of eye, skin, and nails. Because of its potential to cause dermatitis (skin rash), it should never be touched directly with bare skin.
 
Alternaria: 

  • Alternaria is black with a velvet-like texture. Although it is a common type of outdoor mold, it is easily airborne, traveling for a warm, wet place to multiply. This is when it will cause an issue for your home. 
  • It will cling to plants, furniture, and in damp areas like under sinks, showers, or window frames. 
  • The health risks of this mold include a runny nose, sore throat, hives, and rashes on the skin. Babies and those with asthma should be especially careful around this mold.

 
Cladosporium: 

  • Cladosporium is an olive or black color and found in wood and textiles. This is another mold that is more commonly seen outside, although it can also find its way into your home. 
  • Attaching itself to damp areas of the home like the basement, attic, and bathrooms. Similar to other molds, it can cause allergic reactions like watery or itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, and other common cold symptoms



Trichoderma

  • This green and white mold can feel almost wool-like and thrives in a variety of environments. These can include wood, paint, carpet, and filters. 
  • Its adaptability is due to its strong metabolism, so almost anywhere can be a potential living space.
  • Potential Health Risks: Most Trichoderma species aren’t amongst highly dangerous forms of mold, but it can trigger allergies as well as asthma.
Harmful Effects of Mold

Some mold types can produce minor health effects like allergy symptoms, while others are highly toxic to humans, which can cause:

  • Chronic coughing and fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rashes
  • Internal bleeding in the lungs
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Brain damage like memory loss and tremors

Implementing consistent home checks in places like the bathroom, attic, and basement can help to catch the growth of mold before a loved one begins to feel these symptoms. Have a professional mold expert, like ServiceMaster of the Upstate, come into your home when an outbreak of mold is found. An expert will know how to tackle the issue so it does not return.

What do when you have mold in your home? 

Water penetration can occur anywhere in your home. In addition to the bathroom and basement, to avoid extensive damages and mold growth, it’s important always to be looking at the following areas for the signs of water damage:
  • Ceilings and Walls: In the ceiling, water damage can either be the result of water leaking in through the roof or, if there’s a bathroom on the floor above, from a leaking pipe in the bathroom. For walls, you’ll want to check for the same sources of water damage, as well as areas around doors and windows.
  • Floors: Many things can be the cause of water damaged floors, including overflowing sinks and tubs or leaky appliances.
  • Exterior Walls: Improper drainage or gutters that don’t whisk water away from your house are common causes of exterior wall damage. 
  • Attic: Stains, mold, and swollen insulation are the common signs your attic has damages.
  • Appliances: Check under or behind your refrigerator, washer and dryer, water heater and toilets and sinks for signs of pooling or leaks. 

The Mold Damage Experts at ServiceMaster of  the Upstate

At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we pride ourselves on offering fast and friendly mold removal and water cleanup services to all of the residents of the Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Lawrence area. We’ve been trusted to help homeowners clean their homes and remove mold and pride ourselves on doing your job right the first time. We also offer emergency 24-hour services, so you’re not displaced for too long. For your cleanup needs, give us a call today at (864) 310-7891 or complete our online contact form.

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