How to Proceed with Suspected Mold Growth

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Musty smell? Discolored drywall? Do you suspect you could have mold? Knowing the warning signs that can indicate microbial growth — like high humidity or neglected water damage — and determining the cause of contamination in your building can be understandably difficult. If you have questions about how to remedy this issue here is some basic information about effects of mold, which is oftentimes a gray area for many.

Mold and mold spores are ever-present entities. Mold spores are anywhere you go, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, and typically they’re not harmful but simply part of our atmosphere. The real issue comes when the mold finds perfect breeding grounds in high-moisture areas and begins to quickly grow out of control.

If you fear mold growth is present in your building or home, close off the area, turn the HVAC system off and call for professional help. Since mold spores are airborne, they can be spread through the airflow coming from your HVAC system. If you’re worried that one area of your property might be contaminated, turning off the building’s airflow keeps spores from spreading outward to other rooms or levels. This quick action also benefits a mold remediation team when they arrive to contain and clean up the mess.

Never let water issues go untreated. Mold development is triggered by moisture, so neglecting any water maintenance problems such as leaky pipes, poorly insulated windows or flood damage can lead to trouble. Contacting restoration specialists is the best move for finding the true source of water leaks and stopping further damage.

Once you acknowledge these common facts about mold, you’ll be more readily prepared to spot any potential warning signs in your building or home. Knowing that you should treat water damage or high humidity immediately makes preventing mold growth a far easier concept.

If you are concerned about air quality we can connect you to an Industrial Hygienist who specialize in mold testing. SERVPRO of Lynnwood works hand in hand with industrial hygienists to perform mold cleanings based off their written scopes and recommendations. Call our team at 425-774-1148 if you have any questions.