Where Does Mold Grow In The Home?

Almost all of us have been exposed to mold at one point or another, whether we know it or not. More than 100,000 different types of mold exist, ranging from black slime in the shower to green fuzz on an old loaf of bread.

Mold can grow almost anywhere moisture is present – indoors or out. While it plays a key role in nature, it's not something that you want to find inside your home. Mold spreads and grows by reproducing microscopic spores. When we come in contact with these spores, they can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, headaches, fever, and nausea. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems such as respiratory infections.

Besides health concerns, mold can also damage the structural integrity of your home. Mold feeds on and breaks down organic manner, so when it grows on the wood support beams in your home, you could have a serious problem on your hands.

The key to minimizing the damaging effects of mold is to know the warning signs. These include discoloration or water stains in your walls and ceilings, musty odors, and most obviously, visible mold growth. You should also know where to check for these signs, which is why the experts at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration have compiled this list of common areas mold is known to grow. They include:

• Bathroom – especially on the walls and in the shower
• Basements with high humidity levels
• Unfinished crawl spaces and attics
• Underneath carpeting
• In your roof, ceiling tiles, and walls – especially if there is an exterior leak or burst pipe
• Window, washing machine, and dishwasher seals
• Refrigerator drip pans
• In your HVAC ductwork

If you suspect that mold is growing in any of these places, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Proper mold mitigation requires special tools and techniques, and it can be dangerous to your health. For these reasons, you should contact a professional service if you spot it growing on your property.

Long Island homes and businesses can count on GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for thorough and effective residential and commercial mold removal. We serve all of Nassau and Suffolk counties, and all of our products and procedures are proven to be environmentally-friendly. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at (631) 940-8100.