Have you recently bought a home in the Metro Detroit area? If health issues arise due to mold exposure before moving in, it’s best to check your new house for microbial growth. Homeowners can overlook mold as it tends to be hidden. But if left untreated, it can cause health problems among your household members and eventually, structural damage to your home.

The Basics of Mold and How You can Protect Yourself and Your Home

Let’s look at what mold is, how it forms, and which common areas to look out for below. We also discuss what to do after you uncover mold, such as mold remediation in Detroit.

What Is Mold/Microbial Growth?

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in food, decaying organic matter, and damp areas, given the right conditions. An area that’s always damp, like the bathroom, and a comfortable temperature between 40 and 100 degrees F can be conducive to microbial growth.

One example is the black spots you see in grout lines in the bathroom, which are a type of mold known as mildew.

 

Common Signs Mold Is Present in Your Home

Any moisture can lead to microbial growth if left untreated. The resulting mold can go unnoticed even if you’ve dealt with the water issue. Spotting the signs can be tricky. However, locating the problem with success is possible if you know where to look.

You Smell Something Musty or Rotten

Mycotoxin, a substance that can trigger allergies and asthma, is also found in some mold species. So if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regardless of the season, especially if you’re staying in certain rooms, call a mold restoration company to inspect your place:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired/fatigued

 

Your Walls Appear Distorted

Moisture can cause paint to bubble and walls to look warped. As mentioned, moisture often leads to microbial growth if not remedied. If you suspect mold issues due to water damage, check leaks from the roof, windows, etc., and any other reason for the moisture seeping through the walls.

 

The House Has a History of Water Damage

If water damage occurred before in the lowest parts of the house, through flooding, burst pipes, or similar means, ensure the water was extracted properly. Otherwise, you could be dealing with something more severe than expected.

 

How Bad Can the Mold Damage Get if Left Untreated?

While you can only see signs of microbial growth, with the source often hidden from those occupying the house, you should not take it lightly. Remove all contaminated materials after flooding. It’s also advised not to use your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Performing mold cleanup by yourself is possible but it’s not recommended for severe cases.

Mold cleanup is best conducted with the help of experts in mold remediation in such as R1 of Detroit.

 

What To Do After Mold Is Detected?

If the mold problem covers less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that you can handle the job yourself. However, if you suspect water damage caused the mold infestation, the agency advises working with a mold remediation contractor with experience in mold cleanup.

 

Contact a Certified Mold Removal Expert In Metro Detroit

Restoration 1 is a team of experts in mold remediation in Detroit. Our certified technicians and immediate responders can handle the most challenging mold cases in residential and commercial spaces. We follow standard approved practices and comply with technical regulations to ensure your new home is safe, healthy, and mold-free.

Find out how you can eliminate mold in your home by contacting Restoration 1 of Metro Detroit today to schedule a visit from our team.