Mold Myths and Facts...Is it in Your Cuyahoga Heights Home?

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold, there are many misconceptions that leave homeowners confused and misinformed. Just by mentioning the word “mold”, causes panic in the general population. Although mold can be a very serious problem and should always be handled with proper precautions, it is critical to have all the correct facts, so you can make informed decisions when necessary.

Let’s take a look at some common misconceptions about mold:

• “Bleach kills mold” 

Bleach is able to kill certain types of mold on nonporous surfaces, but it is uncertain whether or not it can kill all types of mold on every surface of your South Euclid home. Most of the retail products out there only discolor the mold and are not suggested for porous surfaces for example, drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles, and wood, all of which are common materials affected by mold.

• “Mold is only found in homes with water damage”

It is true that mold generally forms in any areas that have problems of water seepage or flooding but unfortunately all homes could potentially wind up with a mold problem. Molds and mildews are present both indoors and outdoors, and when mold spores land on a surface that contains moisture, that mold can begin to grow.

• “You don’t have to remove mold if you kill it”

Even if you are able to kill the mold, there are allergens that live in mold that are still active. These allergens can even become airborne even if the mold is dead. Mold can also go dormant until conditions in the environment are optimal for regrowth. To protect yourself and your Brooklyn Heights home, it is necessary to remove the affected area and remove the items that contain mold. You need to be cautious not to spread the mold spores to unaffected areas. SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast are professionals and are properly trained to handle mold allergens without further contaminating your Garfield Heights home.

• “A small amount of visible mold is nothing to worry about”

While there is always some mold everywhere, sometimes small amounts of visible mold in your home may just be the tip of the iceberg. Chances are it has been growing for some time now and requires a knowledgeable mold professional to further assess the situation.

• “Mold Remediation is easy to do on your own”

That is not always the case. When it comes to very small areas affected by mold, sometimes it can be handled easily. But when the problem becomes pervasive, it is best to call the professionals to ensure it is truly resolved and does not continue to affect your home and family’s health.

For more information about mold, check out this link from the Center for Disease Control.

If you think there might be mold in your home, give SERVPRO of Beachwood and Cleveland Northeast a call at 216-464-4498. Here to help!