FAQs

Understanding Mold with East Coast Mold Remediation

Have you found mold in your basement or attic? Perhaps you think your home has mold growth, but you aren’t quite sure. It’s time to call the professionals at East Coast Mold Remediation. We understand that you don’t have time to do all the research and become a mold expert, so we’re dedicated to doing the heavy lifting for you. Our knowledgeable team will make sure your questions are answered, then we’ll get to work remediating mold from your Baltimore, MD home. Browse our frequently asked questions below or get in touch with our team to address your specific concerns.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist areas. Once mold spores take hold, mold can multiply and spread throughout your home. Because mold travels through the air, you’re exposed to mold in some way every day. While in small amounts airborne mold can have minimal impact, when mold takes hold in your home it can quickly damage your belongings and pose a threat to your health.

What Causes Mold?

Mold is commonly caused by excess moisture in a particular area of the home. This could be the result of leaking pipes or a recent storm. While moisture is the leading cause of mold, lack of sunlight can amplify the problem. This is why your basement and attic are most susceptible to mold—these dark areas are prone to becoming wet, which makes them prime ground for mold growth.

How Can I Identify Signs of Mold in My Home?

If the mold growth is significant, you may experience adverse health effects. Many homeowners notice coughing, sneezing, headaches, difficulty breathing, and irritated eyes and skin. If you already have a respiratory condition, mold can cause these symptoms to worsen. Non-health related ways to identify mold include:

• Musty Smell – Musty odors can be associated with mold growth. This may be centralized in one room or may spread throughout your home.
• Water Damage – Water damage can become a breeding ground for harmful mold. If you notice the excess moisture in your walls or floors, repair the issue and contact a mold remediation company like East Coast Mold Remediation.
• Water Leaks – While leaks aren’t a direct sign of mold, the excess moisture can lead to mold growth in the future.
• Visible Mold – Sometimes mold is visible to the naked eye. It might be gray, brown, green, black, or white and typically appears in spots and splotches.

Are There Different Types of Mold?

Various types of mold can grow inside your home. Some types of mold may be more harmful than others, while certain varieties might be easy to clean up with the proper equipment. Our team is trained to handle the following types of mold and much more:

• Stachybotrys – This type of mold is known to cause allergic reactions and difficulty breathing. It’s often found in areas with especially high humidity and tends to grow on wood, cardboard, and paper.
• Penicillin – You can quickly identify penicillin by its blue-green color. Without proper mold removal services, penicillin often causes or worsens respiratory conditions.
• Cladosporium – Another allergenic mold, Cladosporium grows in warm and cold environments and thrives on fabric. This type of mold usually appears dark green or brown in color.
• Chaetomium – Chaetomium is common in water damaged buildings and often manifests as a cotton-like substance. This mold may start out white but turns black over time.
• Aspergillus – One of the most common household molds, aspergillus comes in nearly 200 different species. Prolonged exposure to aspergillus can lead to worsening asthma attacks and respiratory inflammation.

What Is Black Mold?

Contrary to what many believe, the term “black mold” doesn’t refer to any one type of mold. Instead, black mold is a collection of molds including Stachybotrys. It is commonly believed that black mold is more harmful to your health than other varieties. While black mold can certainly cause side effects, the effects of this category of mold typically are not worse than those you’d experience from any other type of mold. This does not imply that you should not seek prompt mold remediation when you notice black mold growth in your home. We are here to help with quick, thorough black mold removal in Baltimore, MD.