Identifying Mold

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you need mold remediation call SERVPRO of Lake Mary/ Heathrow.

Identifying Mold

If you see mold or mildew in your Lake Mary, FL home, it's important that you identify it correctly. Mold can look very similar to mildew and the two types of fungus may be difficult to tell apart. But knowing what each looks like will help you decide whether or not you need to call in a professional remediation team.

Appearance of Mold

Mold can be white, black, green, yellow or any other color. It also comes in powdery and slimy forms. However, mold is typically a white or gray color, and it can be found in the same places as mildew. However, there are some key differences between these two organisms. The main difference is that mildew is usually powdery and can be found in whites, blues, grays, or greens. People who are allergic to mold may also experience an allergic reaction from mildew spores.

Mildew has many different names because of its appearance and ability to grow on different types of materials; "sugar fungus" is one common name for this organism because it grows on sugary substances such as bread or fruit juice.

Signs of Mold vs. Mildew

This is one way to tell them apart. Mold stains are usually black or brown, while mildew stains are usually white or gray. If you're not sure what kind of stain your house has, take out some colored permanent markers and test them on an inconspicuous place (not the ceiling). If it's mold, the color will turn dark almost immediately; if it's mildew, it will remain light after several minutes.

The problem with this method is that sometimes mold won't leave any noticeable stains; in those cases, we look for other signs. 

Where Mold Grows

Mold may be present in and on walls, soft surface items like couches or mattresses, hard surfaces like wood or tile, and outside of the home on vinyl siding or window frames. It can also grow on hard surfaces like wood or tile. Mold can even be present outside of your Lake Mary, FL home on items such as vinyl siding or window frames that aren’t properly maintained.

Drying out a room after mildew growth to prevent further growth should be relatively easy. However, mold growth needs to be professionally cleaned up based on the type of mold and the material affected by it. Mold grows in many different places, making it difficult to identify. Mold can be visible or hidden, and its growth needs to be professionally cleaned up based on the type of mold and material affected by it.

Call the Professionals

If you suspect a mold problem, the first step is to determine what type of fungus you have. Fungi can be identified by sight and smell. For example, if you see discoloration on a surface or smell an earthy odor in your home, chances are that there's some kind of fungus growing there. But what kind?

However, it's important to note that mold and mildew aren't the same things: while both cause similar symptoms (such as black spots), they're caused by different types of fungi. Knowing which kind is growing in your home will help you figure out how serious the issue may be and whether or not it requires professional remediation services from a licensed company like us at All Pro Restoration Services!

If you have mold in your Lake Mary, FL home and need help identifying it, SERVPRO of Lake Mary/Heathrow our team is here to help.