Types of Mold and How We Remove It

Mold is common throughout the world. In Florida, the humid, warm climate creates the perfect environment for it to thrive. There are simple ways to make sure you don’t have a mold problem. However, during extreme weather, flooding or in a poorly ventilated building, it can become a problem.

What Is Mold?

This type of fungi grows both indoors and outside. It requires moisture, nutrients, and warmth to grow. It is an important part of the ecosystem because it breaks down organic matter, soil, and foods. Of the hundreds of thousands of types, only a few are commonly found indoors, primarily Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Some, including Stachybotrys, produce mycotoxins that can make people sick.

These contaminants may appear as white, grey, green, black or yellow patches. You may notice fuzzy growth on leather, wood or cardboard or black spots on wallboard, ceilings, upholstery or clothing. Since it thrives in moisture, leaky pipes, standing water, shower tiles, and kitchens are common places that it grows.

Mold Removal and Remediation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests ways to eliminate mildew and other types of growth. Regularly washing surfaces with vinegar, soap, and water keeps it from growing. Most importantly, keep indoor humidity below 50%. Repair leaking pipes, and make sure your home is well-ventilated.

Although small areas of contamination can be removed by a homeowner, areas larger than 10 square feet in size should be tackled by professionals. The experts at ServiceMaster Professional Services have the experience and equipment to decontaminate areas that are difficult to deal with, including the building shell, carpets, upholstery, heating, and air conditioning ducts, ceilings and floors.

We inspect your home to look for areas of contamination. We contain and disinfect the area so that spores do not spread. We clean belongings that can be restored and remove items that are contaminated.

If you need remediation services in your Florida home or commercial building, call ServiceMaster Professional Services at (386) 267-5806 to evaluate the problem. We also offer 24-hour emergency services.