Following leaks, floods, or plumbing emergencies, mold and mildew can become silent invaders in our homes. In fact, mold usually begins to form in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. One of the best ways to prevent mold is to catch the early signs of water damage. Here, we’ll help you spot the red flags that indicate mold, even in hidden areas of a home, like under carpets or behind baseboards.
If you suspect your property’s been affected by mold damage, it’s well worth calling a mold removal specialist or a professional restoration company. Paul Davis Restoration of North County San Diego offers expert mold remediation services to remove mold and its effects from North San Diego County homes.
How Does Mold Grow in a Home?
Here’s the main takeaway: Where there’s moisture, there’s a higher potential for mold growth.
The effects of water damage are far from cosmetic, and mold or mildew are just a couple of byproducts that can harm your home’s health and structural integrity. Certain types of molds, like Cladosporium and Aspergillus, thrive in environments with high moisture levels. These strains can grow in often overlooked places, i.e., areas where water damage goes unresolved.
While Southern California is no stranger to droughts, heavy bouts of rain can cause water damage in homes and businesses, especially in lowlands or flood-prone areas. If left untreated, this water damage creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow.
Identifying Different Types of Mold
Homeowners often spot the obvious signs of mold: musty odors, lingering moisture, stained carpets, warped paint, or increased allergy symptoms. These are all strong indicators of mold growth, but identifying the specific type of mold requires a professional evaluation. Mold remediation providers use air and dust samples to detect more insidious strains that may be hidden from plain sight.
Here are some common types of molds that develop from leaks or water damage in North San Diego:
- Aspergillus: Found in damp indoor areas like basements and bathrooms, it appears as a powdery, fuzzy patch in green, yellow, or white.
- Cladosporium: This bacterium often grows on fabrics, carpets, and wood exposed to moisture. It appears green or black with a velvety texture.
- Stachybotrys chartarum: Commonly called “black mold,” this strain typically grows on water-damaged materials like drywall and wood, appearing black or dark green with a slimy texture.
- Alternaria: Alternaria thrives in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It appears dark green or brown and has a velvety texture.
Each mold type requires different remediation methods, so identifying a particular strain is crucial for effective removal.
Problems Mold Causes to Your Home & Safety
Mold may seem minor, but it can significantly affect your home and health. Homeowners or property managers dealing with mold often face:
- Worsening allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes, sore throat, congestion, and headaches.
- Damage to personal items like clothing, furniture, and essential documents.
- Extensive harm to drywall, cabinetry, pipes, and HVAC systems.
- Unpleasant, musty odors that make your living space uncomfortable.
- Costly repairs to home infrastructure.
If your property has recently been flooded, pay close attention to porous surfaces like plywood, drywall, and fiberglass insulation. These materials retain moisture, creating ideal conditions for mold growth.
Let Paul Davis Help Remediate Your Mold Issue
Our experienced technicians are ready to address mold and its harmful impact on homes and businesses throughout North San Diego County and surrounding areas.
As mold and water damage restoration experts, we use advanced techniques to remove mold and prevent its regrowth after flooding, storms, or water damage. Since 1966, our Restoration Experts have delivered an experience of extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need, helping home and business owners overcome mold damage with lasting results.
Speak to a Paul Davis professional to learn more about our mold remediation and removal services in Oceanside, Carlsbad, and North San Diego, CA.
