Many homeowners have spent the spring and summer trying to keep their homes clean and protected from pests but there is one problem that can sneak up and become even more of a nuisance than most pests; mold. Mold almost always forms as a result of flooding, water damage, or high humidity and it can be a major problem because it causes property damage as well as negative health effects. The longer someone is exposed to mold, the more likely they are to have an allergic reaction or infection which is why it is important to call for mold removal services as soon as you discover it.

There are several different mold types that can be found growing in a home or building that vary slightly in appearance and potential health risks. Homeowners should be able to identify each of these common mold types so that they can call for mold remediation services before it causes major health problems.

Black Mold

Black mold, or Stachybotrys Chartarum, grows in areas with consistent moisture and it is the most dangerous type of mold in terms of health effects. It can often be found growing on bathroom tiles and near pipes, drains, and sinks in the kitchen or bathroom.

Mold Types and the Importance of Mold Removal

Black mold is easily identified by its black color, slimy texture, and musty smell that it gives off when there is a large amount.

More mold related health problems are caused by black mold than the other mold types and the symptoms can include minor allergic reactions such as runny noses, congestion, sneezing, coughing, and sinus pressure as well as asthma attacks and sinus infections. Call a mold remediation professional immediately for black mold removal if it is growing in your home.

Alternaria

Alternaria is an outdoor mold that also grows indoors and it can survive in environments with limited moisture. It can be found anywhere throughout a home, forming in moist areas around pipes and plumbing fixtures to more difficult areas such as upholstery and duct work. Alternaria is a dark colored mold with a woolly texture and it generally causes minor allergic reactions and asthma.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a mold type that grows on plants and finds its way inside through open doors and windows. It forms colonies in rooms with poor ventilation and can be found growing on surfaces that include wood, carpeting, insulation, wall paper, and others. Cladosporium can vary in color from olive green to black and it is commonly associated with minor allergic reactions and respiratory problems. If you come into direct contact with the mold, it could also cause problems with your skin or nails.

Penicillium

Penicillium is one of the most common mold types and it tends to grow on food and soft surfaces such as upholstery, mattresses, insulation, carpet, and wallpaper. It can also spread very quickly from surface to surface which is why a mold removal service should be contacted as soon as it is discovered. Penicillium has a green or blue appearance and it can cause cold-like symptoms, sinus infections, and lung inflammation.

Mold Remediation Cost

Each type of household mold included here can be destructive to the surfaces in your home and contribute to a range of health problems. A mold removal and remediation service should be contacted to help eliminate the mold growth but the mold removal cost may vary depending on the amount of mold, where it is located, and whether the surface can be repaired or should be replaced. If the mold is only a surface issue, it can be resolved for anywhere between $500 and $2000; removing mold from crawl spaces, walls, and attics can cost between $2000 and $6000; and severe structural damage from mold can cost as much as $20,000 to $30,000 dollars. It is better to call for mold remediation services immediately to have it removed before it spreads and causes more costly damage.

As you continue to keep your home clean this summer, make sure you can identify these common mold types and contact a mold removal service before it causes widespread damage or health problems in your home. Mold remediation professionals can safely remove all mold types to make your home a cleaner, healthier environment.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.