What You Need to Know About Mold

Mold grows in many different forms. Whether it's green fuzz on old food or black mold deriving from water damage, it’s important to understand it so you can remove harmful mold from your home. That’s why the experts at GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration are here to educate you.

Mold: The Basics

Mold is categorized as a fungus and thrives in damp atmospheres. It grows as multicellular filaments called hyphae. While scientists don't know the exact number of mold species out there, it is estimated that there are over 300,000.

Mold and Your Health

Microscopic mold spores are easily inhaled by humans — P.S. it's not good for your pets either. When you come in contact with mold spores, you can experience a number of health issues, including: allergies, coughing, fever, headaches, itchy eyes, runny nose, and long-term respiratory issues.

Mold Growth

Moisture + Oxygen + Nutrition = Mold Growth.

Since earth’s surface is covered by 71-percent water and is made up of 47-percent oxygen, mold has the opportunity to run rampant if not controlled. It develops in areas of your home with excess moisture. Some places to monitor include:

• Air Ducts
• Attics
• Bathrooms
• Basements
• Beneath Carpets
• Crawl Spaces
• Dishwasher Seals
• Refrigerators
• Roofs
• Washing Machines
• Windows

Mold Removal

If you discover mold growth in your home, it’s important not to try and remove it yourself. DIY mold removal can cause mold spores to spread and actually make you sick if done incorrectly.

Are you in need of a high-quality mold removal service for your Long Island home? Look no further than GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration! Our methods are environmentally safe and proven to work. We service all of Nassau and Suffolk County. Contact us today at 631-940-8100 for a FREE quote.

Things to Look Out For When House Hunting

Congratulations! You’re ready to purchase a new home, but do you know what to keep an eye out for? Just because you got your dream home inspected, doesn’t mean they’ve caught every potential problem. Educate yourself on what to look for so you don’t risk facing any expensive surprises down the road.

1. Bad Wiring: Overused and aging systems, as well as DIY additions, are the most common causes of faulty wiring. Not only is it unsafe, but it can be expensive to repair. 
2. Roofing Issues: To the untrained eye, a standard looking roof may seem like it’s not a problem, but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t need to be replaced. Repairs can be manageable, but depending on the materials a new roof can cost thousands. Find out if the roof has ever been replaced. If so, was the old roof removed or was a layer (or layers) of shingles installed over the original? If the base layer is over 20 years old, odds are you’ll need a new roof in the near future.
3. Plumbing Problems: Be on the lookout for leaky pipes and find out if the home is using any outdated plumbing systems, like polybutylene. For the most part, plumbing problems can be addressed and repaired, but every so often you’ll find the system needs to be completely replaced.
4. Poorly Maintained: Think twice before you pour your life savings into that fixer upper. If the entire home is poorly maintained, there’s a good chance you’ll have to blow your renovation budget on an unforeseen issue lurking under the surface.
5. Inadequate Insulation/Ventilation in the Attic: Don’t neglect the attic. Make sure it has proper ventilation and insulation. If not, you’ll be throwing money away every month on your utility bill.
6. Heating/Cooling System Defects: Be sure your inspector thoroughly checks both your heating and cooling systems. It’s easy to neglect one or the other depending on the time of year.
7. Mold: It’s bad for your health and bad for your home. Be sure to carefully inspect a house for mold before closing on the property. Mold digests organic material and eventually destroys it before moving on to bigger and better surfaces. It can cause permanent, irreversible damage and make your home dangerous to live in. Mold left to fester in your ceilings, crawl space, and/or support beams can cause the wood to rot, weaken, and compromise the structural integrity of your home.

If you’re searching for high-quality mold removal for your Long Island home, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. Our methods are environmentally safe and proven to work. We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, so contact us today for a free quote at 631-940-8100.

Common Myths About Mold, and the Facts Behind Them

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the health effects of household mold. Some argue that it’s perfectly harmless and has been hyped a few bad cases, while other believe it is hazardous no matter the size or type.

Hopefully, this article will help clear up your misconceptions by debunking some of the most common myths surrounding mold and mildew.

Myth: Cheese is mold and people eat that, so it can’t be harmful

Fact: There are over 300,000 types of mold, most of which are harmful
While yes, many of us eat – and love – cheese, those are just a handful of safe molds, and are completely different than the kind that grow in your home.

Myth: I have a clean home, there can’t be mold here

Fact: Even the cleanest of homes can have mold
Mold only needs three things to grow: oxygen, moisture and food (such as dust or dirt). Even the cleanest homes can unknowingly have mold growing within walls or underneath carpets.

Myth: Killing mold is enough; I don’t need to remove it

Fact: The best way to eliminate mold is to physically remove it
Despite what many think, cleaning mold with bleach is not the best nor safest way to eliminate it. Even in dead mold, there are toxins that can continue spreading throughout your home. The best way to clear your home of mold is by eliminating it. A professional service is usually the best way to go, as they know how to properly remove the mold and discard of it according to EPA regulations.

Myth: Toxic or black mold is the only bad mold

Fact: Visible household mold is unhealthy
Aside from cheese in the fridge, any mold in your home is bad mold. While some mold is worse than others, they are all harmful in some way, and if left untreated can develop into toxic mold.

Myth: Mold is natural so it can’t be that harmful

Fact: Mold can ruin your health and home
Due to the recent boom in organic and all natural foods, many people have assumed natural is synonymous with healthy, but that is not the case with mold. Mold is very dangerous if inhaled for long periods of time, and can eat away at your home or building.

Myth: I can get rid of mold myself

Fact: Certain molds require safety equipment and professional cleaning
Cleaning a small spot here and there may be fine, but tackling dangerous types of mold alone can be detrimental to your health. For serious mold infestations, you need protective gear, air purifying systems, special cleaning solutions, and much more.


If you are searching for high-quality mold removal for your Long Island home, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. Our methods are environmentally safe and proven to work. We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, so call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.