One of the last things you want in your home is black mold. Black mold is toxic and can cause a variety of health issues if it goes untreated. While the idea of black mold in your house may gross you out or scare you, a black mold inspection can locate it before it becomes a bigger problem.
What is Black Mold?
Black mold is a toxic fungus that can grow in dark, humid parts of your home. What makes black mold especially dangerous is the spores that are released into the air. If these spores come into contact with your skin or are inhaled, you can be subject to some serious health issues. This is especially true for those with respiratory issues. Other health issues that can stem from exposure to black mold include sneezing, coughing, or itchy throat. Higher-risk individuals can see more significant long-term effects on their health.
How Do I Know If I Have Black Mold?
If you have black mold in your home, you need to get rid of it. To do that, you need to be able to identify it. Here are a few ways you can do a black mold inspection of your home:
It Smells Musty
Have you ever walked into a part of your home and noticed a musty smell in the air, but you can’t quite figure out where it’s coming from? In this scenario, check out areas that might be exposed to water. If you’re noticing the smell in a part of your home that is usually dry, you might have a leak coming from a pipe or some kind of water damage. If you’re still not sure, bring a friend over to your house so you have a fresh pair of nostrils to make sure that what you’re smelling is actually what you’re smelling. This is because your nose will eventually adjust to the smell over time.
You Notice Colored Spots
While black mold can be black, it often originates as spots of different colors appearing in the areas where it’s starting to develop. These spots tend to be darker in color and are usually black, dark brown, or dark green. Sometimes it can even be a shade of orange and have white flecks in it. Black mold often has a furry texture to it. Larger black mold growths might appear as a black stain that can stretch across your floor, wall, or ceiling.
Water Damage Spots May Tip You Off Early
While these other two ways allow you to identify black mold after it has already developed, there’s a way to get rid of it early on. Look for water damage spots around your home. That water damage is a prime spot for black mold to start developing. If you see darker rings in your walls or ceilings, you may have water damage. Getting this water damage treated early on makes it easy to keep black mold from developing.
How Do You Get Rid of Black Mold?
Depending on the severity of the mold, you can either handle it yourself or call a professional. If you choose to handle it yourself, make sure you’re properly equipped to take on the task. This includes wearing goggles, latex gloves, a protective mask, and clothing that will cover up your entire body. After that, it’s about containing the mold in the house before scrubbing and disinfecting the problem area. However, if you don’t want to take the risk of trying to handle black mold, it’s recommended that you go with a professional instead.
If You Need Black Mold Removed From Your Home, Call PNW Restoration
PNW Restoration is IICRC certified in mold removal and remediation. We focus on the problem and eliminate it. Our company offers a free black mold inspection and estimate with the purchase of our services, which provides you with a detailed analysis of the cause of the issue and how we can fix it for you.
If you want someone to come to your home and offer you a quick and affordable solution to your black mold problem, call PNW Restoration today at (971) 247-3470. We’re available to take your calls 24/7 and offer you a 36-month guarantee that your mold will not return in that timeframe.
