Types of Mold Commonly Found in Homes

Types of Mold Commonly Found in Homes

Types of Mold & How to Identify Them

With many different commonly found types of mold in households, identifying mold growth in your home can be difficult. Finding out you’ve been living with potentially deadly mold growth is a devastating revelation. If you notice mold growth, don’t hesitate to call CLEAR Restoration. We’ll quickly identify the source and fix it so that you and your family can return to your home without worry.

Types of Mold: Mildew vs. Mold

First and foremost, you have to consider whether the growth you’ve noticed is mildew or mold. To the untrained eye, they can appear to be the same. Mildew is a fungal growth on the surface of an object, most commonly noticed growing on sheetrock in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.

Mildew has a gray or white color and looks powdery or fluffy. Mold is more often black or green and is described as fuzzy and slimy in appearance. Since mildew is just a surface-level growth, it can be cleaned relatively easily. Make sure you wear the proper protection when cleaning mold and mildew growth. Wear a facemask, goggles, and gloves to avoid irritation or more serious issues.

[Related: The Difference Between the Mold and Mildew]

mold remediation expert taking picture of types of mold on wallCommon Types of Mold in Homes

There are numerous types of mold that grow in homes, but these are four of the most common:

  1. Alternaria – This is one of the most common types of allergenic household mold. Allergenic molds produce spores that trigger allergies and allergic reactions. Allergic reactions from mold spores include symptoms like red eyes, scratchy throat, or asthma attacks. Alternaria typically grows in warm, damp places like bathrooms, near kitchen sinks, or by unsealed windows. It can also grow as a result of water damage. Alternaria is identified by its almost velvet-like texture and dark green or brown hair-like fibers.
  2. Aspergillus – Another allergenic mold that is extremely common in homes. Aspergillus mold can become a toxic mold depending on the species, growth, and environment. There are over 185 species of aspergillus molds, and they appear in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, green, and black. It is commonly seen on walls, fabrics, and insulation. Aspergillus mold can be identified by its thick layers of growth and its layered color pattern. Common household species appear black on top with a white or yellow-tinted undertone or yellow-green with a brownish-red undertone.
  3. Cladosporium – This allergenic mold type presents issues because it grows in warm and cold conditions. It is typically found on indoor fabrics like upholsteries and carpets or wood surfaces like floorboards and inside cabinets. Cladosporium is described as olive-green or light brown and has a fabric-like texture.
  4. Stachybotrys – The most infamous type of mold, also known as black mold. This is a toxic mold and grows in damp, wet areas. Black mold can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory issues, fatigue, chronic sinus infections, and sometimes depression. Typically, it grows on materials like wood or sheetrock. Stachybotrys can easily be identified by its dark brown or black color and slimy texture.

While each type of mold has common characteristics, it is always best to contact a mold remediation company to identify and remediate mold. Companies can ensure proper identification with third-party testing and use the right methods of removal for each type of mold to prevent cross-contamination.

Treating Mold Growth

A mold infestation should not be taken lightly. If you notice growth in your home, contact CLEAR Restoration immediately to get the problem treated. Our experts are certified to find the source of the growth, fix it, and restore your home to a livable and safe place. We use a six-step process to ensure that the problem is dealt with and your family can live without worry.

cleaning professional in protective gear removing types of mold from wallOur process:

  • Mold Assessment – Our experts come to your home to examine the growth.
  • Remediation Plan – We craft a plan to remove the mold based on your exact situation.
  • Evacuation – If necessary, we may ask anyone living in the home to evacuate. This is for the safety of those living in the contaminated area.
  • Containment – We seal off the contaminated area so the mold does not continue to spread.
  • Remediation – Our team removes the mold according to IICRC & OSHA standards.
  • Post Remediation Testing – We double-check our work to ensure that the mold has been dealt with and your home remains mold-free.

If you think there’s an infestation of mold in your home, do not hesitate to get help. Mold can grow at a rapid rate and destroy your home if not treated early. Contact CLEAR Restoration at  225-245-3575 to ensure your home is safe and the mold is taken care of.

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