Mold Myth Busters

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

Microbial growth in a Jacksonville home.

Home and business owners rarely think about mold and/or microbial growth until it affects their health, homes, or businesses.  Mold spores are all around us, everywhere, and found in most every home across the world.  In the right conditions and without the right treatment, mold can quickly grow into a major problem.

When it comes to mold, misinformation is all too common and it can be costly to homeowners' health and property. That's why the experts at SERVPRO of Mandarin, one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the United States, say it's essential that homeowners know the facts about mold.

As temperatures begin to rise across the country, SERVPRO of Mandarin is alerting consumers about the most common myths that its network of trained professionals encounters when facing water or mold damage.

The thre most commonly reported mold myths are:

1. False: Bleach or other retail products can kill mold on any surface.

Fact: Most retail products simply discolor mold and are not recommended for use on porous surfaces. In porous and semi- porous materials, such as wood, carpet, ceiling tile or drywall, mold's roots may not come into contact with the cleaning product, meaning it will likely return. This is one reason why experts say removing the mold-affected items is the only way to ensure it is removed from your home.

2. False: Dead mold can't cause health issues.

 Fact: Mold goes dormant until the conditions are favorable for regrowth. Even dormant mold can release spores, allowing it to reproduce and reappear, particularly if the underlying moisture and ventilation issues have not been resolved. Trained professionals can help you identify potentially dangerous mold and ensure affected areas are properly treated.

3. False: Mold is the only problem associated with water damage.

Fact: When water is present where it should not be, it can quickly cause a host of problems, including structural and cosmetic damage, as well as promote bacterial and viral growth. In addition, mold can begin to appear within 24-48 hours, depending on the nature of the water intrusion. Calling a reputable disaster restoration professional who is skilled in dealing with water- related damages can help you avoid long-term problems and get life back in order again as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Mandarin is trained, equipped and ready to restore homes and businesses before, during and after any mold-related issues. For more expert tips and information about mold prevention and remediation, visit http://www.SERVPROmandarin.com or like us on Facebook. For immediate assistance and clean up, call SERVPRO of Mandarin at 904-636-0044