We all love the cozy feeling of home. It’s our sanctuary, the place where we unwind after a long day, raise our families, and make memories. But what if a silent, unseen intruder was slowly taking over, jeopardizing your health and the very structure of your relaxing space? We’re talking about mold.
Now, you might think, “A little mold? What’s the big deal?” Maybe you’ve seen a bit of mildew in the bathroom and shrugged it off. Perhaps there’s a faint, musty odor you’ve grown accustomed to. But trust us, ignoring these early warning signs is like ignoring a tiny crack in a dam – eventually, it can lead to a catastrophic flood.
Here are the top hidden dangers of mold (and why taking care of it should be your #1 priority).
Hidden Dangers for Your Health
Persistent Allergies: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes that just won’t go away? Mold could be the culprit.
Asthma Aggravation: For those with asthma, mold spores can trigger severe attacks and make breathing difficult.
Respiratory Issues: Coughing, wheezing, and even more serious lung problems can be linked to mold exposure.
Unexplained Symptoms: Headaches, constant fatigue, and skin irritation can also be silent signals that mold is present in your home.
Hidden Dangers for Your Home
The dangers of mold go beyond your family’s health. Mold is a relentless force of nature when it finds a food source. It feeds on organic materials commonly found in our homes, such as:
Drywall: The very walls that provide structure and privacy.
Wood: Framing, flooring, and other essential structural components.
Insulation: Compromising your home’s energy efficiency and potentially creating more hidden growth areas.
Left unchecked, mold can literally eat away at these materials, weakening the structural integrity of your home and leading to significant and costly repairs down the road. Imagine having to replace entire sections of walls or deal with foundation issues caused by prolonged moisture and mold growth.
Why Mold Remediation Needs to Be Your Top Priority
Protecting your family’s health and preserving the value of your home should be paramount. That’s why professional mold remediation isn’t just a cleanup service – it’s an essential investment. We focus on:
Identifying the Root Cause: We don’t just treat the symptoms; we find and fix the underlying moisture problem to prevent future mold growth.
Safe and Effective Removal: Our team uses specialized equipment and techniques to safely and completely remove the mold without spreading harmful spores.
Prevention Strategies: We’ll provide you with expert advice and solutions to ensure mold doesn’t return to your home.
Contact RestoPros for Mold Remediation Services in the North Dallas Area
At RestoPros, we’re more than just a mold removal company. We’re your neighbors, dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our community. We have the expertise and the commitment to provide thorough and effective mold remediation services. So, don’t let the silent intruder take hold in your North Dallas, TX home. If you suspect a mold problem, even a small one, please take it seriously. It’s an investment in your family’s well-being and the long-term security of your property. Reach out for a professional assessment today – let us help you breathe easier and enjoy a truly healthy and safe home.
Mold is fairly easy to spot in common spaces, and usually, where there’s water damage, there’s also mold. However, mold can also hide inside the walls, in the attic, and places that aren’t immediately accessible. Even still they can have a big impact on your day-to-day life, specifically when it comes to your health. Your indoor allergy symptoms may have been your first clue that you have mold in your house. To keep you from suffering in your own home, here are some natural remedies for mold allergies.
Neti Pot
A runny nose and nasal congestion are some of the mold allergy symptoms. Wiping and blowing your nose all day can rub it raw, and antihistamines can leave you feeling groggy. Instead, you might consider flushing your nasal passage, removing the germs and debris that lead to discomfort during allergy attacks.
A Neti pot works great for this: Just follow the instructions on the packaging to set it up, then pour water from the pot into one nostril, letting the stream run out of your other nostril. Temporary discomfort can bring you a lot of relief.
Dust Masks
Even if you don’t physically touch more, the spores that float around in the air can invade your airway. Ultimately, it’s these spores, breathed in, that cause your allergies. Having the mold removed is the best way to treat your mold allergies. Until you’re able to have the mold professionally removed from your home, however, a dust mask can bring you some relief from your allergy symptoms.
House Plants
What could possibly be more natural than a plant? The most natural remedy for mold allergies is indoor plants. Not only do house plants make the air cleaner in general, but there are certain types that can even fight against mold. These are the best indoor plants for mold prevention:
English Ivy
Peace Lily
Palm Plants
Snake Plant
Take Supplements
If you don’t trust medications, vitamin supplements can be a great, natural remedy for mold allergies. Specific vitamins can be especially beneficial in fighting your allergy symptoms. When you buy supplements, make sure they include these vitamins for best results:
Bioflavonoids
Flaxseed Oil
Probiotics
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Professional Mold Remediation
The above natural remedies for mold allergies work great for treating the symptoms, but ultimately, the problem will persist until the mold is removed from your home. Because contact with mold is dangerous, you should never try to clean or remove mold yourself. Contact a mold remediation specialist at RestoPros to have your mold professionally cleaned and treated at the root to keep it from coming back.
Have questions? We’ve got answers. Call now to speak with one of our friendly representatives. They’ll put your mind at ease. From there, they’ll schedule an appointment for mold treatment at a time that works best for you. Delay any longer! Keep yourself, your family, and your home healthy by calling RestoPros now!
You know that there are different types of mold and that mold can be harmful, but you’re not sure about the range. You may have even eaten a slice of bread or cheese just to discover that there was mold on it, but nothing bad happened. What are the consequences of being around mold? Is mold harmful? Can mold kill you? The experts at RestoPros have answers to all these questions and more.
Different Types of Mold
Green Mold
Green is the most common color of mold. A range of greens
can tell you different things about the mold you have, including whether or not
it’s dangerous. Dark green molds have been known to cause sinus, eye, and skin
infections and can even cause brain infections in rare cases. Green-ish blue
molds are usually found on food and may not have any adverse effects unless you
have a mold allergy.
Blue or White Mold
This type of mold usually grows on food or on the walls of
homes. Like the green mold that grows on food, you may not have an adverse
reaction to this type of mold unless you specifically have an allergy to it.
However, breathing in spores can eventually cause respiratory illnesses. It’s
always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with mold.
Black Mold
This is the type of mold that causes the most problems. Black mold has been linked with major health conditions like lung bleeding and memory loss. If you see black mold in your home, it’s best to call a mold specialist right away. Do not try to remove it yourself.
Negative Effects of Mold
From the short list of different types of mold above, you
can see that even “harmless” mold has negative side effects. Here are some
allergy symptoms and conditions you can develop from being around mold:
Itchiness
Nasal Congestion
Runny Nose
Watery Eyes
Wheezing
Coughing
Asthmatic Reactions
Rash
Fatigue
Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Lung Bleeding
Memory Loss
Can Mold Kill You?
The short answer to this question is: probably not. However,
those who have fragile immune systems who also neglect their health (by not
visiting their primary physician regularly) may develop extreme symptoms that
lead to death. However, this is very unlikely. That’s not to say that mold
isn’t dangerous. You can see from the list above that it can cause a series of
health problems.
What to Do If You See Mold in Your Home
Call a mold remediation specialist immediately. We’ll come
out and give you an estimate. You’ll know exactly how much the treatment will
cost before we do any work. However, having black mold in your home can be very
serious. We want to work with you to make sure that you and your family members
are safe and healthy. If you feel that our prices are too high, talk to one of
our friendly representatives. Call today to have all your questions answered,
to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, and to have your mold
problem taken care of!
There are few things more exhausting to cope with than allergies. From springtime sneeze attacks to missing out on playing with your friend’s new puppy, allergies keep you from many things. However, if you suffer from mold allergies, you face daily triggers that are everywhere, and don’t disappear with springtime. Are you looking for simpler methods to ease your day-to-day symptoms? Well, the experts at RestoPros are here to help by telling you about some common mold allergies and homeopathic solutions.
Identifying Your Mold Allergies:
First of all, you must identify the type of mold that’s causing the reaction. Moreover, it’s important to identify the type of mold so you can understand the symptoms that come with exposure. Therefore, to help you navigate your own symptoms, here are some common mold allergies:
1. Alternaria Allergy
• Characteristics:
Dark green, black, or grey with long velvety hairs, Alternaria is a mold that requires very little moisture to grow.
• Where it Grows:
Because it requires minimal moisture to grow, Alternaria is commonly found on carpets, clothing, basements, windows, and doors.
• Symptoms:
If you’re suffering from exposure to this type of mold, you’ll experience symptoms similar to hay fever. In addition to the hay fever symptoms, you may also experience respiratory problems and asthma.
2. Aspergillus Allergy
• Characteristics:
Because it can be grey, brown, yellow, green, white, or black, Aspergillus is often tricky to identify from other molds. That being said, this type of mold grows very quickly once the spores are released.
• Where it Grows:
Although Aspergillus mold grows quickly, it does require more
moisture than Alternaria. As a prevalent household mold, it grows in walls,
soil, insulation, basements, and clothing.
• Exposure Symptoms:
Particularly harmful to people with weakened immune systems, such as young children and the elderly, Aspergillus can cause serious infections. Releasing aflatoxin, a chemical that can cause liver damage and cancer, Aspergillus is one of the more dangerous household molds to encounter.
3. Cladosporium Allergy
• Characteristics:
With a powdery texture and grey, brown, or black in color,
Cladosporium can have dark-pigmented conidia that occur in simple or branching
chains.
• Where it Grows:
As a mold that can grow on both dead and living matter, it is
commonly found on food, dead plants, insulation, wood, and dark, damp
environments, such as basements.
• Exposure Symptoms:
If exposed to Cladosporium, you may experience allergic reactions similar to hay fever. This can include dry skin, sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat, coughing, and watery eyes. On the more severe end, you could also suffer asthma attacks, fungal sinusitis, tightness in your chest, and difficulty breathing.
4. Memnoniella Allergy
• Characteristics:
Although very similar to Stachybotrys, Memnoniella mold is
smaller and is usually a dark green or black color.
• Where it Grows:
Growing in damp areas like bathrooms and basements,
Memnoniella can also be found on cotton, wool, canvas, walls, and ceilings.
• Exposure Symptoms:
While this mold is less common and poses a lesser health risk than others, you can experience severe symptoms. Most commonly, these symptoms include respiratory problems, coughing, and headaches.
5. Penicillium Allergy
• Characteristics:
With over 300 species, Penicillium mold is typically blue or
green. Named after the Latin word for paintbrush, the spores of Penicillium
form into what closely resembles a paintbrush.
• Where it Grows:
As a mold that has been identified world-wide, Penicillium can grow anywhere. From air and soil to leather, food, and insulation, this is a prevalent household mold.
• Exposure Symptoms:
Although Penicillium has saved countless lives, there are species of Penicillium that produce toxic compounds. If a mold-sensitive individual is exposed to the spores, they can experience congestion, eye irritation, and coughing. If food with Penicillium mold is ingested, it will also irritate the stomach.
6. Stachybotrys Allergy
• Characteristics:
More notoriously known as toxic black mold, Stachybotrys is
dark green or black in color with a slimy texture.
• Where it Grows:
Because it thrives on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, Stachybotrys is commonly found on fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Therefore, this toxic mold can grow in walls, ceilings, and floorboards as long as there is consistent moisture present.
• Exposure Symptoms:
As its commonly-known name denotes, Stachybotrys can cause severe headaches, asthma, dizziness, and joint pain. In addition to the physical symptoms, it can cause fatigue and mental impairment. Furthermore, exposure to Stachybotrys has been linked to cancer, internal organ failure, and multiple deaths infant deaths.
Homeopathic Solutions
Although general practitioner-prescribed medicines address the symptoms of mold allergies, they often miss the mark in tackling the cause. Moreover, many of these medications come with a laundry list of unwanted side effects. As a result, you may start to wonder if the mold allergies are worse than the side effects of the medication.
Rather than just address the symptoms, you can explore homeopathic solutions. As a better long-term option, homeopathic solutions tackle mold allergies from within, alleviating the stress on your immune system. To lay out some natural alternatives, here are some homeopathic solutions to explore:
1. Change Up Your Diet
For many mold allergy sufferers, the exposure doesn’t end with airborne spores. In fact, many foods contain mold spores that can wreak havoc on your immune system, if you’re mold sensitive. Consequently, simple changes in your diet can produce dramatic results in lessening your symptoms. Here are some examples of the diet changes you can make:
Remove These Foods from
Your Diet:
Mushrooms
Cheese
Pickles
Sour Cream
Vinegar
Buttermilk
Beer
Wine
High-Yeast Breads, like Pumpernickel
Sauerkraut
Soy Sauce
Pickled and Smoked Meats
Dried Fruit
Processed, Canned, and Bottled Foods
High Sugar Fruits, like pineapple,
mango, bananas, melons, oranges, and grapes
Add These Foods to Your
Diet:
Pastured and organic animal products, like beef, bison, lamb, veal, wild-caught seafood, poultry, and pastured eggs
Ginger, garlic, cayenne, and horseradish
Organic fresh fruit, like berries, apples, lemons, limes
Yeast-Free Breads, such as flatbreads and tortillas
Raw nuts and seeds, like sunflower, pumpkin, flax, and chia seeds, and low mold nuts like almonds
Extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, coconut oil, organic butter, and avocados.
Filtered water, non-fruity herbal teas, mineral water, fresh veggie juice, low-mold alcohols like vodka and gin.
2. Add Some Herbs and Supplements
Another homeopathic measure to alleviate your symptoms is adding beneficial herbs and supplements to your diet. Here are some to include:
Garlic
Pau d’arco
Oregano Oil
Tea Tree Oil
Ginger
Apple Cider Vinegar
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Turmeric
Powdered Licorice
Lemongrass Oil
Berberine
Echinacea Angustifolia (Purple Coneflower)
Grape Seed Extract
Aloe Vera
Chamomile
Tannate Plant Extracts
Flaxseed Oil
Bioflavonoids
Probiotics
Vitamin C, A, and E
Zinc
3. Explore Some Herbal Medicine
In order to relieve your symptoms with more natural methods, you can explore some herbal medicines. Here are a few to consider:
Dong Quai
This serves as an effective anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
Eyebright –
Use this medicine to reduce congestion, as well as itchy eyes and sneezing.
Gingko –
Containing bioflavonoids, this medicine is also an antihistamine and
anti-inflammatory.
Milk Thistle –
In addition to reducing allergic, inflammatory, and histaminic reactions, milk
thistle supports your liver function.
Red clover –
This medicine serves as a resistance-builder to mold.
Yarrow –
Yarrow alleviates congestion and reduces secretion.
Stinging nettles – Stinging nettles are another anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
4. Take Some Natural Remedies
If you’re looking for a way to fortify your immune system against mold, here are some natural remedies to explore:
ThyroLiver Protect
To help detoxify your liver and support the production of glutathione, take 1-2 caps, twice a day of ThyroLiver Protect. Using selenium, milk thistle extract, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, this medicine helps your liver neutralize and process mold spores.
Super Glutathione
For added support to your liver and digestive tract, take 1-2 caps, twice a day of Super Glutathione.
Coconut Charcoal
To help your digestive tract detoxify mold spores, use 1-2 caps of coconut charcoal between meals and before bed.
Allium Cepa
Use this supplement to help with discharge from your eyes and nose, and to alleviate hoarseness.
Euphrasia
To alleviate discharge from your eyes and nose, a dry cough, sneezing, and diarrhea, take Euphrasia.
Natrum Muriaticum
For discharge from your eyes, cold sores, a loss of your sense of taste and smell, and headaches, take natrum muriaticum.
Wyethia
WWith Wyethia, you can alleviate extreme itchiness in the nose and throat, a swollen throat, and blocked nasal passages.
Nux Vomica
If you have a runny nose during the day and a dry nose at night, Nux Vomica may be what you need. Additionally, it can relieve sneeze attacks and outdoor reactions to pollen.
5. Reduce Exposure
Keep Your House Clean
Most harmful indoor mold growth starts with dust, dander, and moisture. Therefore, your best bet at keeping mold at bay in is keeping a clean home. This means regularly dusting and vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum to eliminate dust and dirt. Furthermore, you should keep damp places like your bathrooms, kitchen, and basement clean and dry.
Reduce Humidity Levels
Another important way to keep your home mold-free is regulating the humidity levels. In order to best track and control indoor humidity, we recommend purchasing a hygrometer and dehumidifier. In fact, many dehumidifiers contain a built-in hygrometer, allowing you to easily measure and maintain a healthy level of humidity.
Keep Outside Spores Outside
In order to avoid bringing harmful mold spores into your home, there are plenty of simple measures you can take. Since many mold spores are found in piles of leaves, grass, and dirt, your shoes can track them into your house. Therefore, you can avoid bringing them inside by taking off and leaving your shoes by the door. Also, you should wash your clothes and shower each evening, so you’re not taking any lingering spores to bed with you.
Filter Your Air
Because mold is everywhere, it’s impossible to avoid bringing it into your home. However, you can eliminate a large portion of it from your air. With the right air filtration system, you can breathe easy with clean, mold-free air. Additionally, there are many different air purifiers on the market with HEPA filters that are very effective in providing mold-free air.
Invest in Some Houseplants
One of our favorite natural ways to remove mold spores from your home air is keeping some purifying houseplants. In many cases, certain houseplants can even help improve conditions for asthma sufferers. For some 2-in-1 natural relief, here are some plants to consider keeping:
Peace Lilies
Mums
Spider Plants
Bamboo Palm
Areca Palm
Dracaena Plants
Snake Plants
Boston Fern
Aloe Plants
Stop Mold in Its Tracks with
RestoPros
Although you
can treat your mold allergies with homeopathic solutions, there are
preventative measures you can take to keep a mold-free home. With our
knowledgeable mold removal experts, the team at RestoPros is dedicated to
helping residents of the DFW area fight back against mold. For help from mold
removal experts you can trust, call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!
Exposure to dampness or mold is the estimated cause of a quarter of all asthma cases in the United States. Even for non-asthmatic homeowners, living with a mold or mildew problem can pose serious health threats. Answering the mold vs. mildew question starts with learning what to look for. The experts at RestoPros are here to share our advice on how to spot the difference.
Mold vs. Mildew: Similarities
Environments
-Both mold and mildew are types of fungi that flourish in moist, humid conditions with scarce light.
-Both mold and mildew grow when spores or seeds find their way into environments that are conducive to colony growth.
Affected Hosts
-Neither mold nor mildew can grow on synthetic materials such as plastic and metal-based products.
Odors and Physical Symptoms
-Both mold and mildew produce a similar musty odor.
-Both mold and mildew can cause similar physical symptoms to humans who are exposed.
Mold vs. Mildew: Differences
Appearance
-Mildew can be downy or powdery. Downy mildew starts as yellow spots that become brighter and then turn brown in color. Powdery mildew is whitish in color and slowly turns yellowish brown and then black.
-Mold is black, yellow, or green with a fuzzy or slimy texture. Severe mold growth looks like moss and can cause rot in its effected host.
Growth Patterns
-Mildew is a type of mold that has flat growth patterns. Unlike mold, mildew remains on the surface of its host where is can be easily removed. Mildew is drawn to moisture and grows on damp surfaces like your kitchen, bathroom, and basement. You can find mildew growth in toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and on bathroom walls.
-Mold is a fungus that grows in patches which penetrate beneath the surface of its host. Mold grows on living sources, including food, drywall, paper, and wood. Mold can often grow on your ceilings, window sills, and walls.
Effects on the Host
–Mildew can harm the food or plants upon which it grows, but usually does not cause any lasting damage to other surfaces such as tile floors or bathroom mirrors.
–Mold can damage entire structures because it penetrates beneath the surface of its host.
Effects on Exposed Humans
–Mildew can cause similar allergic reactions to those caused by mold, such as coughing, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and respiratory problems. However, mildew is much easier to eliminate because it remains on the surface of its host.
–Mold can pose a serious threat to your health. It can trigger sinus problems, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, sore throat, migraines, itching, rashes, fatigue, and even depression. Mold is difficult to remove because it penetrates below the surface of its host.
So, now you know some signs to look for when answering your mold vs. mildew question, but what should you do about your problem? Contact the experts at RestoPros for immediate mold testing and remediation today!
Mold is the last thing you want to live with in your home, as It causes musty odors, damage to your house, and dangerous health problems. Are you are worried about mold in your home? Keep reading for some tips from the professionals at RestoPros on how to identify different types of mold.
How to Identify Different Types of Mold by Color and Physical Symptoms:
The two easiest ways to identify which type of mold is in your home is by color and correlating symptoms. Here are the color qualities and related symptoms for common types of household mold:
Yellow-green/Brown Mold:
Scientific Name: Aspergillus
Coloring: This mold is a yellow-green color on the surface with brown coloring underneath.
Where it Grows: in air conditioning systems and on starchy foods like potatoes and bread.
Potential Symptoms: allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and inflammation of the lungs.
Pink and Black Mold:
Scientific Name: Ureobasidium.
Coloring: pink and black in color
Where it Grows: in damp areas like window frames, bathroom rugs, or caulk.
Potential Symptoms: eye irritation or respiratory problems.
Black and Green Mold:
Scientific Name: Cladosporium
Coloring: This mold is black and green in color and has a pepper-like appearance.
Where it Grows: on surfaces like toilets, fiberglass ducts, fabrics, and wood.
Potential Symptoms: watery eyes, a sore throat, or respiratory problems.
Dark Green, Brown, or Black Mold:
Scientific Name: Chaetomium.
Coloring: This type of mold is dark green, brown, or black in color and produces a musty odor.
Where it Grows: in buildings that have suffered extensive water damage.
Potential Symptoms: This type of mold rarely causes health problems in humans who are exposed to it.
Blue or Green Mold:
Scientific Name: Penicillium
Coloring: blue or green, this type of mold can easily transfer from room to room
Where it Grows: on wallpaper and textiles like carpets, mattresses, or curtains.
Potential Symptoms: This mold causes allergic reactions, sinus infections, and lung inflammation.
Black Mold:
Scientific Name: Stachybotrys chartarum
Coloring: It is dark in color and produces a musty odor.
Toxic/black mold is one of most common molds associated with health problems; it produces mycotoxins.
Where it Grows: in extremely damp locations (inside air conditioning systems, near leaky pipes, and on porous surfaces like drywall.)
Potential Symptoms: Exposure to black mold can cause allergic reactions, sinus infections, asthma symptoms, fatigue, headaches, and even depression.
Green or Bright Green & White:
Scientific Name: Trichoderma
Coloring: green or bright green color with white mixed in
Where it Grows: on wallpaper, carpets, and other porous surfaces.
Trichoderma produces mycotoxins causing serious health problems.
Although you now know what to look for, it is always a good idea to have your house professionally tested if you suspect you have a mold problem. If you are looking for a professional to perform mold testing, remediation, or removal in your home, contact the experts at RestoPros! Call 855-587-3786 to make an appointment today!
We all know the ins and outs of our homes like the backs of our hands. Or, at least we think we do. Unfortunately, when it comes to mold, you won’t always know right away that it’s there, plaguing you and your family. Because of the dangers mold poses, it’s crucial to address its presence right away. Identifying mold can sometimes be tricky, especially if you don’t know what to look for exactly. We want to equip you with the right tools so that you can protect your home and your family. Here’s how to tell if you have mold:
1. There’s an unpleasant smell.
A damp, musty smell is often an indication that mold is present. Due to the nature of mold, you won’t always see it right away, but you can smell it. While diffusing essential oils might help mask the odor, it won’t get rid of the problem. The unpleasant odor is caused by microbial VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), and the side effects of exposure include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and skin irritation.
Here’s the problem with just smelling mold: if you can’t see it, you don’t know where to start in the remediation process. In this case, we recommend hiring an expert to help you locate the source, as it could very well be in an area that’s not easily accessible, such as your crawlspace, ductwork, or attic.
2. There are small specs of a dirt-like substance.
It’s possible for mold to be visible but for you not to know it. This is because mold can appear in a variety of colors and sizes. It can even be as small as specs of dirt. And, if ignored, a small patch of mold can quickly become a serious issue.
Is It Dirt or Mold? You Might Have Mold If…
The area is damp and dark.
The substance doesn’t wipe away easily.
It has a velvety appearance.
There’s a foul odor accompanying it.
3. The walls have discoloration.
Mold thrives in moist areas. Pay special attention to areas in your home with higher moisture levels, like your bathrooms, kitchen, and basement. Look for splotches and discoloration at the top of the ceiling, down close to the floor, and along baseboards.
4. You have surface damage.
If your flooring, wall paper, or paint is peeling or curling, or if there are surface stains, it could be an indication that you have mold. Check to see if the area is wet or damp.
Mold VS Mildew
While mold and mildew are both fungi, mildew isn’t as dangerous. However, both should still be addressed immediately. This grayish-white, powdery substance lives on surfaces and can be found in the corners of showers, on shower curtains, and on bathroom tiles. Unlike mold, mildew is easier to eliminate. To clean mildew, combine 1 gallon of water with ¾ cup of bleach, or if you’d prefer not to use bleach, fill a spray bottle with distilled vinegar.
How to Treat Mold & Prevent Future Growth
How you go about treating mold depends on the type and extent of the growth. If treated in the beginning stages (limited to an area of 10-square-feet) you can often clean the area using household products such as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. When the growth is extensive, we recommend calling a professional right away. At RestoPros, we use proven methods and industry-leading equipment to effectively remove mold from your home and prevent it from returning. Our comprehensive remediation process will restore your comfort, safety and peace of mind.
The professionals at RestoPros are the experts in mold removal and prevention. For high-quality service you can depend on, call (855) 587-3786 today! We proudly offer 24-Hour Emergency Service.
No one wants to see mold growing in their home. Mold is unsightly. It can damage your foundation, and it can wreak havoc on the health of your household. But for all the negative effects of mold, there are several exaggerated and even completely false beliefs that should be pointed out. The professionals at RestoPros, the most trusted mold remediation company in Dallas, have collected five of the most common myths about residential mold.
Read the facts below and educate yourself before attempting to clean or diagnose a mold outbreak in your home.
Myth 1. Black Mold Is Deadly
There are over 20,000 different species of “black mold,” which is technically not even a scientific term. Black is simply the color of certain strains – and one of the least common colors of fungal growth. Stachybotrys, which is considered to be the most toxic strain of mold, can be any color depending on the surroundings. In most cases this toxic mold is a greenish-black color, but attempting to identify it by the color is futile. Aside from testing the mold directly, the only sure test for the toxicity of a mold in your home is a direct allergic reaction.
Myth 2. Bleach Kills All Mold
Bleach is the go-to product many people use to clean a mold outbreak. While it works well enough to “clean” mold off of a non-porous surface, bleach can irritate the skin and the fumes are dangerous if inhaled. Bleach is also not an ideal cleaner for porous surfaces – and can exacerbate the situation by seeping into wood, plasterboard, wall paper and other materials. Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar are both preferred mold cleaners for mold growth on both porous and non-porous surfaces.
Myth 3. Mold Will Make You Sick
This is partly true, but not all mold will make you sick. In most cases, the person is suffering from an allergic reaction to the mold. The “toxic mold” mentioned above, which is rare, can cause all sorts of respiratory problems, chronic fatigue, eye irritation and rashes among other symptoms. Toxic mold can make you sick, while most common mold outbreaks are more likely to trigger allergy symptoms. Mold allergies can include sneezing, itching, running nose and throat irritation; basic allergy symptoms generally associated with seasonal allergies.
Myth 4. A Small Amount of Mold Is Not A Problem
If you notice mold anywhere in your home, you need to clean it immediately. Even a small amount can do damage to the surface area and will continue to spread. Sometimes mold will grow in an area that was left damp (usually places in the kitchen or bathroom). But mold on the ceiling or a wall might indicate a separate problem that also needs to be dealt with. Roof and plumbing leaks are major causes of mold – and until they are fixed, the growth with only return if cleaned.
Myth 5. Mold Remediation Is a DIY Project
If you are experiencing a serous mold outbreak, do not attempt to clean and eradicate the growth on your own. Mold that is the result of serious flooding or a major leak needs the attention of a professional remediation company. Mold can be an insidious intruder. It can ruin homes and greatly compromise the health and happiness of a household. Never attempt a DIY fix when dealing with a mold infestation. Trained experts can offer a full assessment (including diagnosing the root of the problem) and will have the latest equipment to deal with the growth. Experienced mold remediation technicians can also help file insurance claims to help cover the cost of the damages.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of these common “mold myths,” you can be better prepared to deal with an infestation. While the mere sight of mold in your home should not be cause for alarm, it is important that it is dealt with right away. If you discover widespread growth, do not hesitate to call the professionals at RestoPros. We can send someone out to assess the problem and offer solutions for all aspects of the problem. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!
It’s never a good feeling to see mold, regardless of where you come across it in your home. Whether it’s in the bathroom, pantry, garage or outdoors, spotting this fungus has a nasty habit of putting a damper in anyone’s day. And while it’s probably a good idea to have any mold you encounter removed as soon as possible, not all molds are the same.
Some molds are inherently more dangerous and harmful than others, but they’re all bad. Given the overwhelming numbers of different mold types, determining how concerned you should be about the one in your home can be tough.
Well, worry no longer! The professionals at RestoPros are familiar with the different types of molds you may stumble across, and we’ll help you figure out what it might be. We’ve put together a list of a few common colors of mold you might see at home.
There are 3 different mold colors:
1. Green Mold
There are two sides to this. One is that you’re probably going to come across green mold more than anything, so it’s probably not an exceedingly rare species. On the other hand, since it’s so common, determining which family a green mold belongs to is nearly impossible without a specialist.
To be on the safe side, go ahead and get rid of anything that has this mold on it just in case. While we can’t pinpoint the exact type without looking at it, mold of any kind isn’t welcome in your home and should be disposed of immediately.
2. Blue/Green/White
A mold that falls under one of these colors, especially one that you find in a place with food – such as a pantry – likely comes from the Penicillium genus. It’s fairly common as well, and it’s capable of causing some harsh respiratory system problems.
Again, any time you spot a mold that looks like one of these colors, do your best to remove it and call a professional!
3. Black
As a whole, black mold tends to get stuck with a bad reputation. That’s not to imply that black mold is in any way good, because it’s not. But more often than not, people will tell you that black mold is by far the worst color you could end up spotting, and that isn’t entirely the case.
Black mold that you notice outdoors on plants is probably either Alternaria or Cladosporium, and both need to be taken care of as soon as you can. Otherwise, it might be Aspergillus¸ which is a common mold we actually breathe in pretty often without knowing.
Cladosporium spores have been known to cause minor infections in places such as your eyes, sinuses and skin, but they’ve also been known to lead to significantly more serious complications like fungal meningitis in the brain.
Alternaria is also found indoors in darker areas, as well as in typical dust you see everywhere in your home. Although not as serious as Cladosporium, it’s still problematic.
All mold is annoying, and no matter how common or non-threatening it might look, it has the potential to cause a lot of damage. It needs to be properly removed as quickly as possible, especially if you have small children in your home or people who are susceptible to health problems.
That’s where RestoPros comes in. Our team is thoroughly qualified to handle all your mold-removal needs, and we’ll get it done safely and securely. Whether you’re in need of an emergency cleanup or just want to test your home for mold infestations, we’ve got you covered.
For the most reliable service in the Dallas area, give us a call at 855-587-3786!
You always want the best for your home, and sometimes that means replacing your old carpet. Regardless of how much you clean and maintain it, your carpet will eventually reach the end of its usefulness. However, with carpet, it isn’t always immediately evident when this has occurred. Sometimes an older carpet might not exhibit any signs of wear yet may be hiding years of mold growth or other contaminants underneath. While figuring out whether or not you need to retire your carpet might be difficult, the professionals at RestoPros are here to guide you!
Every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner should mindful of when their carpet needs to be replaced. There are a few common signs that signify age or damage that will help you make the best decision for your home. Below are a few that our remediation experts have complied:
Noticeable Wear and Matting
Once your carpet is noticeably damaged, it’s difficult to save it.
Examine your carpet for ripples, as this can be caused by worn padding underneath.
Padding that loses its form also has reduced cushioning and insulation.
Check every area of the carpet for tears, holes and other visual clues that might indicate a replacement is needed.
Matted carpet, or carpet that has become frayed, can be caused by heavy traffic or improper installation.
Unremovable Stains
Every carpet gets a stain occasionally, but once they start to stay, it’s time for your carpet to go.
Although most carpet designs come with stain-resistance, this often loses effectiveness with age, and stains can become prevalent.
Some lingering carpet stains can also soak through the carpet, harming the floor and potentially causing mold or mildew.
If stains are appearing out of nowhere on your carpet, then this may be mold growth. Contact RestoPros immediately for mold remediation services.
Foul Odors
A smelly carpet is a bad carpet, and the stronger the odor, the faster you should seek solutions to get rid of the smell.
Foul odors in your carpet can be caused by various things including pets, foot traffic, spills, or old age.
Foul odors from your carpet can compromise your indoor air quality and may lead to health problems including headaches and nausea.
If you have had your carpet professionally cleaned and the odors remain, you should consider replacing it.
Foul odors that persist can also be the cause of mold growth. If your carpet is damp or musty, call the experts at RestoPros for mold remediation services.
Increased Symptoms of Allergies
When you find yourself sneezing or coughing a lot when entering a room, your carpet may be the reason.
An older carpet can hold allergens and affect the health of a household.
Other symptoms of these allergens could include runny nose, hives, dizziness and headaches.
If these symptoms persist even after a professional cleaning, you should consider replacing the carpet.
Older Than 8 Years
When your carpet is old, don’t expect the same results as when you first got it.
Most carpets tend to have a lifespan of about 8 years (or less), but this lifespan can be even shorter with larger families, homes with pets, and homes with leak problems.
If your carpet is 8 – 10 years old, consider replacing it. After the fibers have become worn and frayed, it is more difficult for it to withstand stains and other damaged caused by everyday foot traffic.
Never let your carpet be the cause of an unhealthy home. If you are experiencing any of these problems, consider replacing your carpet. And if you believe that your old carpet might be harboring mold, contact RestoPros immediately. We are the most trusted mold remediation company in Dallas/Ft Worth and can help with a variety of infestation problems. For affordable mold remediation services give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment.
