Identify & Prevent: Types of Mold in Houses
Discovering mold in your home is never a good sign. You might wonder where it came from, how long it’s been there, and whether it’s dangerous. While mold plays a role in nature, it doesn’t belong inside your home. This page explores the different types of mold and what you need to know to keep your home and family safe.
How To Identify Common Mold Types
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, certain mold types can cause health issues. But did you know it can also damage your home’s foundation?
Here are three common mold types:
- Cladosporium: This mold type is found in moisture-heavy areas, including basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. It grows on wood structures, carpets, or other damp organic materials. Cladosporium comes in various colors, including dark green, brown, gray, and black. While Cladosporium can be black, it’s not the typical “black mold” that is so dangerous.
- Penicillium: This mold type thrives in damp environments on organic materials such as wood, drywall, insulation, walls, floors, and carpets. It is typically blue-green, yellow, or white. Some Penicillium are used to make life-saving antibiotics, like penicillin.
- Alternaria: his mold type grows on damp wallpaper, canvas, textiles, and moist organic matter like wooden crawl space beams, soil, or decaying vegetation. Depending on the species and growth conditions, it is dark gray or greenish-black. Alternaria is a common cause of allergies.
Many mold species exist, and their colors may change throughout different growth stages or due to environmental conditions. Mold types also vary based on geographic location and moisture levels, and many emit musty odors.
Learn more in our printable MOLD GUIDE.
How To Identify Toxic Mold
The most dangerous type of mold found indoors is Stachybotrys chartarum, often called “black mold.” Stachybotrys chartarum is often difficult to identify because other molds are also black. Black mold is highly toxic to humans and pets, so the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends treating all molds equally with caution and proper professional remediation.
How to Protect Your Home From Mold
Different types of mold can grow undetected in basements, crawl spaces, inside walls, and beneath furniture or bathroom cabinets. The best way to prevent mold growth is by reducing moisture and addressing standing water or water-damaged materials promptly.
Ways to Reduce Moisture in Your Home:
- Implement basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation methods.
- Install a professional dehumidifier.
- Eliminate and address leaks, spills, or condensation.
- Remove carpet from moisture-prone bathrooms and unfinished basements.
- Insulate pipes, check for condensation, and regularly inspect the area for leaks.
- Clean kitchens and bathrooms and keep areas dry.
- Clear gutters and downspouts and direct them away from your home’s foundation.
- Direct sprinklers away from your home to minimize excess moisture near the foundation.
- Ensure yard and landscape grading slopes downward to direct water away from the foundation.
Proactive steps help reduce the risk of mold and protect your home from damage.
How to Remove Mold Growth Effectively
If you discover toxic mold growth in your home, address it immediately to prevent health risks and damage. We do not recommend DIY mold removal due to potential safety and health risks. Contact a local mold remediation specialist to ensure proper and thorough removal.
Mold prevention begins with addressing the moisture that caused it in the first place. Basements and crawl spaces are prone to moisture. After mold remediation, safeguard your home with waterproofing or encapsulation for long-term moisture and mold protection.
Choose Groundworks for Mold Prevention
Identifying and preventing toxic mold is essential for a healthy home. While DIY methods may remove surface mold, addressing the root cause ensures it doesn’t return.
Groundworks offers a comprehensive solution by targeting the underlying issues that allow different types of mold to thrive. Our experts provide a free, thorough inspection to identify potential problems and offer long-term results that keep your home mold-free.
Contact us today for your free inspection and take the first step towards a healthier home.
Basement Waterproofing FAQs
Unaddressed basement moisture can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and potential structural damage. A basement dehumidifier creates a dry and healthy environment, safeguarding your belongings and making your space more comfortable. Implementing one is crucial.
Any amount of water in your basement, whether it’s a few inches, a puddle, or a damp wall, is a warning sign. Water intrusion can lead to mold growth, health issues, damaged belongings, and even foundation deterioration.
We do not recommend DIY basement waterproofing. While sealing basement walls may seem like a quick fix, it is crucial to address mold and mildew issues first. Contact a professional to identify, repair, and prevent leaks rather than attempting a DIY patch-up.
