Once you’ve made the call to book professional mold removal services, you’ve likely already done everything you can think of to try and treat mold in your home. 

Unfortunately, though it’s common, mold is very difficult to treat yourself. Many household cleaners are not designed to treat mold at the source. Instead, these cleaners only treat the surface of the mold. As a result, any symptoms you may be experiencing could end up lingering. 

This is why hiring a professional to conduct proper mold removal services is critical. Doing so can not only make your home safer but can also create a healthier environment. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of booking mold removal services in Portland. 

What Is Mold? Are There Different Types of Mold I Should Worry About?

Mold is a type of fungi that can either develop indoors or outside. There are tens of thousands of species of mold. However, as a Portland homeowner, you generally only have to worry about a select few. 

These include: 

• Penicillium
• Stachybotrys
• Cladosporium
• Trichoderma
• Ullocladium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus
• Chaetomium

While these are not every kind of mold, they are the most common in Portland homes. Common household molds are generally split into three categories:

• Allergenic
• Toxigenic
• Pathogenic

Allergenic molds, such as Chaetomium, are the least serious of all household molds. They develop after water damage. When exposed to Chaetomium, residents may suffer from allergy symptoms. Or, if they have asthma, they may see a worsening of their symptoms. 

This is different from Aspergillus – another common type of household mold. Aspergillus is a multifaceted mold in the sense that sometimes it’s toxic, and sometimes it’s not. Easily recognized by its white and green color, Aspergillus can produce aflatoxins. Over time and with enough exposure, these aflatoxins can lead to cancer. 

This leads us to the most dangerous type of household mold: toxigenic. Trichoderma is an example of a toxigenic mold. Though it’s typically found in damp soils, it can survive anywhere that organic matter is present. This includes but isn’t limited to algae, animal waste, and even leaves and lawn clippings. So if you cut your lawn and track in those clippings, Trichoderma may also be present. 

Why Should You Book a Mold Removal Services Appointment?

As far as why you should book a mold removal services appointment, the answer is above. Simply put, unless you’re an expert, you’re not going to know what kind of mold has infiltrated your home. 

While the majority of household molds aren’t severely dangerous, you can’t necessarily tell that by looking at them. For example, Stachybotrys (or Black Mold) is one of the most common types found in homes and commercial buildings. However, it’s listed as a toxigenic mold and requires removal by a professional. 

Each one of these molds can cause physical damage to both your home and your health. Knowing these signs can tell you when it’s time to make the call. 

Common Symptoms of Mold Allergies

Allergenic molds are likely to lead to the following physical symptoms: 

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing
• Headaches

Often, these symptoms are not dissimilar from the average seasonal cold. To discern between the two, take notice of when your symptoms flare up. Do they start when you enter your basement or attic? Do you breathe easier in your bedroom or outside the house? If you answered yes to either of these, you likely have a mold allergy instead of a cold. 

Keep in mind that these are only some of the most basic symptoms you may experience when dealing with a mold allergy. Depending on the kind, mold exposure may also lead to: 

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Skin rashes 
• Insomnia
• Increased levels of depression 
• Fatigue

If you start to notice any of these – and they aren’t common for you – seek medical attention and then make an appointment for mold removal services. 

What About the House? What Can Mold Do to My House?

These physical symptoms aren’t just going to affect you. They’re also going to affect your house. 

Over time and if left untreated, mold can lead to: 

• Damaged furniture
• Weakened ceiling tiles and floorboards
• Rot

What makes mold so dangerous is that it can thrive on almost any type of surface. This includes wallpaper, paint, wood, tile, and fabric. If you suffer water damage, letting it sit on your property can foster mold growth on these surfaces. 

For a safer and healthier home, invest in proper mold removal services. 

Keep Your Home Cleaner with the Professional Mold Removal Services from PNW Restoration

Mold is much more than a nuisance. It can be quite dangerous for you and your loved ones to breathe in. 

At PNW Restoration, we take great pride in treating mold at the source. Our experts are ready to tackle any type of mold. Contact us today to book your appointment.