No one wants mold in their home so learning as much as possible about the fungi can help you remove and prevent them from your house. Here are just eight lesser known facts about mold to help you keep it at bay.
- Mold is everywhere
Mold exists everywhere, having the very important role of helping organic matter decompose. Tiny mold spores are everywhere, also, such as in your home. Many molds are harmless, but the difficulty arises when the spores begin growing in moist areas of your property.
- There are over 100,000 different types of mold
There are over 100,000 known species of mold, most of which exist outside the house. Not all types of mold can cause you to be sick and a few are even used in medicine. However, the mold species found in homes can be harmful. Common mold kinds found in buildings include Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, and Alternaria.
- Mold can grow on many surfaces
Mold thrives in moisture-prone locations, such as the bathroom or basement, but also concealed areas like behind walls. Mold prefers organic or porous surfaces to grow on. While mold can’t grow on non-organic surfaces such as concrete, it may grow on dirt or dust layers on these surfaces.
- Mold begins growing in 24 to 48 hours
In ideal conditions, mold can grow in as fast as 24-48 hours following a water damage event. The perfect conditions for mold growth are a food source (organic substance like drywall), moisture, and also a perfect temperature of 77 °F — 88 °F. Therefore, water damage remediation is critical to preventing mold growth after a flood.
- Painting over mold doesn’t eliminate it
It is never a great idea to paint over a mold-infested surface. Mold will eat through the paint and reappear on the walls. Before applying a new coat of paint, you have to completely remove the mold. Pick a mold-resistant type of paint.
- Mold can grow on Christmas trees
Mold can also “decorate” your own Christmas tree, developing under garlands and lights. All vegetation, such as live Christmas trees has mold spores on them. The warmth inside the house and moisture onto the tree can trigger mold growth on its branches.
To avoid Christmas tree mold in your home, use artificial trees and decorations. If you would rather live trees, then hose down them before bringing them indoors to eliminate mold spores. Don’t maintain the tree in your home for too long to prevent mold from growing.
- Bleach does not kill mold
Many people use bleach to eliminate mold in their homes. The simple truth is that bleach kills live mold, but not mold spores. What’s more, removing mold with water and bleach can make mold regrow even quicker. To remove a small-scale (less than 10 square feet) mold infestation, then use a mixture of household water and detergent.
- Insurance policies often do not cover mold
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover mold damage just in some specific situations. If mold arises after accidents such as fire, lightning, or sudden water difficulties, then mold remediation is coated. However, you may not have coverage in the event the source of moisture that caused mold was due to neglected maintenance of their property.
For more information about mold elimination and prevention, check out 5 myths concerning mold spores and how to tell whether you’ve got a mold problem in your home. For mold removal and water damage restoration solutions, contact your regional PuroClean office. Click this link to find out more.