Mold 101: The Different Types of Mold You Might Find in Your Home

Mold tends to be present in most houses, regardless of whether or not it’s visible to the naked eye. Some types of mold can even grow and spread with limited human contact, so it’s important to stay on top of mold removal Toronto if you want your home to be safe and healthy. Here are some common types of mold you might find in your house, along with information on how they form and how to deal with them properly.

Aspergillus:

Aspergillus is one of the most common types of mold found in homes. Inhalation and skin contact can lead to lung problems, allergic reactions, asthma attacks and some infections. Aspergillus is often found indoors, growing on foods like cereals and dried fruits, or on damp surfaces like carpets or walls. It thrives in damp or humid conditions for long periods of time.

Cladosporium:

The Cladosporium mold is one of the most common types, often found growing on damp surfaces. It can be black or green, and it's usually fuzzy or furry. Cladosporium spores are usually airborne and can cause respiratory problems if inhaled. This type is commonly found in homes with water leaks, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.  If the mold does not go away after fixing the leak then contact an expert for mold removal Toronto.

Stachybotrys Chartarum:

The most dangerous type of mold, Stachybotrys Chartarum is also known as black mold. It produces a powerful toxin called mycotoxins that can cause adverse health effects including respiratory illness, allergic reactions and flu-like symptoms. Not only does it emit toxic fumes when disturbed, but it's also known to grow quickly and without limit. When this mold is found in homes, it needs to be eradicated immediately.

Chaetomium:

The Chaetomium is a type of mold you might find in your home. Like Aspergillus, it’s common to see this type of mold on food, because it can grow on any type of surface that has been moistened. It's often found outdoors and is commonly associated with hay or straw. When indoors, it can be found behind wallpaper or where moisture has accumulated such as bathroom walls or floors. Be sure to get the mould removal Toronto done sooner.

Alternaria:

Alternaria is found in the soil, on plants and other surfaces. It can also grow inside your home as a result of damage to damp materials, leaks or condensation. Alternaria grows slowly and doesn't produce spores, making it difficult to detect. This means that you won't always know if this type of mold is growing until there are visible symptoms like discoloration, musty odors or mildew spots.

Mold isn’t something most people want to deal with, and the first time you come across it in your house, it can be downright frightening. Luckily, there are expert mold remediation services that can help homeowners to eliminate the problem. If you notice any signs of mold, talk to the experts of mould remediation Toronto today.

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Paint Over Mold

When you have mold in your home, it can be tempting to paint over it rather than to remove the mold and repair the surface. This is because paint makes it look like the mold has gone away and that your home looks good as new again; however, painting over mold can be extremely dangerous and cause more problems in the future. Here are four reasons why you shouldn't paint over mold rather than mold removal Toronto.

The Paint Does Not Adhere Perfectly to the Surface:

The paint will not be able to adhere well to the surface of the wall, and it may peel off in chunks. This can be a problem if you try to paint over it again. That's because the new layer will have nothing to grab onto; this is especially true for oil-based paints, which are less flexible than water-based paints. Another issue is that the old mold spores will continue to exist below the new layer of paint unless you scrape them out.

The Mold Won't Stop Growing Beneath the Paint:

Mold can grow beneath layers of paint, because it's a living organism and doesn't care about the surface it's growing on. Once it gains an entry point, mold will continue to grow until the moisture source is gone. If you're in a situation where you're unable to remove the moisture source (i.e. pipe leak), then be sure not to cover over any mold with more paint. Therefore, the only way to go about mold removal Toronto is by removing the source, which means tearing out any drywall that has been infected.

Peeling and Bubbling of Paint:

Paint that has been applied over mold can begin to peel and bubble. This can create an even bigger problem as the mold continues to grow underneath. It is important to get rid of the mold first, then paint over it for a long-lasting solution. The longer you wait, the more likely your new coat will peel off or have discoloration due to the mold. If you don't know how to get rid of it yourself, it’s always ideal to contact professionals of mould remediation Toronto for help.

Health Problems from Mold Exposure:

When mold spores are released into the air, they can trigger allergic reactions such as red eyes and runny noses. Some people who come into contact with mold spores may develop more serious health problems like asthma or an infection of the lungs.

While mold can look unsightly, what many people don’t realize is that it can also be harmful to your health and the health of your loved ones. Mold often spreads very easily and quickly, so if you see signs of mold in your home or business, contact the professionals offering mould removal Toronto today.