Why Mold and Mildew in Your Home Can Be Dangerous and Why Professional Remediation is Necessary

It’s every homeowner’s nightmare. You notice furry growth, black stains, or specks of black, white, orange, green, or brown on your ceiling. Or a damp, musty odor is wafting from your floors or walls.

All of these things can be signs of mold or mildew. Both are unwelcome visitors in any Connecticut home, including Fairfield, Greenwich, Weston, Westport, New Canaan, and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, both are very common. The worst thing about both common types of fungi is that they can pose dangerous health risks or cause other major structural problems down the road if left untreated.

Before understanding how to address mold and mildew, it is useful to understand exactly what each is and how they are different.

Mold vs. mildew: How to tell the difference

Mold includes all species of fungi that grow and thrive on organic matter, and on the ceilings, walls, and floors of homes with moisture management problems. Mildew is an early-stage type of mold.

Mold is usually raised and can even become fuzzy, while mildew is usually flat. Mold is more often black or deep green whereas mildew can begin as white and then darken.

How humid Connecticut summer weather can lead to mold

Mold and mildew tend to proliferate in damp, moist environments, especially those with over 50% humidity. Among some of the more common causes of excessive interior humidity are:

• Damp basements
• Flooding
• Broken pipes
• Overflowing washing machines
• Damp clothing
• Roof and foundation leaks
• Leaky windows
• HVAC system condensation problems
• Poorly ventilated bathrooms
• Water in your home’s foundation

Here in Connecticut, the hot, muggy summers and chilly, snowy winters are prime conditions for mold and mildew. “Mold season” in Connecticut is from early spring to late fall. Unfortunately, mold “hibernates” or grows dormant but doesn’t die during our coldest months.

What happens if I don’t correct mold problems?

Mold is incredibly insidious. If left unchecked, it can damage your home or cause severe health problems for you and your family. When it comes to your home’s structure, mold can degrade the foundation, disintegrate drywall, decimate insulation, destroy your carpet, and rot floorboards.

Adverse health effects can include:

• Chronic sinus problems
• Dry cough
• Congestion
• Eye irritation
• Hives or other skin problems
• Memory loss
• Headaches
• Body aches and pains
• Nose bleeds

For pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised, have other health conditions, or preexisting respiratory conditions, the consequences can be even more grave. The most serious health troubles result from prolonged exposure to what is known as toxic black mold, which is greenish-black, slimy, and resembles tar or black paint.

Although mildew isn’t as dangerous to your health or as destructive to your home as other types of mold can be, you still need to have it remediated.

Leave mold cleanup to the professionals

There are numerous reasons why you should never try to DIY mold or mildew removal. For starters, you may not be as thorough as a professional. All mold is not immediately visible! Some lurk in air vents or other hidden areas. Professional moisture remediation companies have specialized tools and even technology, such as advanced infrared imaging, that ensures they won’t miss any of this hazardous fungus.

In addition, when you attempt to remove mold yourself, some of the spores might get into the air, resulting in a mold infestation. Professionals have containment equipment and protective gear so you don’t unwittingly expose yourself or your family members.

Riverside Restoration - Professional mold and mildew remediation in Westport and surrounding areas

Having the right help (right away!) is incredibly important if you are dealing with mold and mildew in your home. It will protect your health, and help you recover quickly with accurate coverage from your insurance company for your losses. Contact the professionals for help with these critical situations:

• Water damage restoration
• Mold-mildew remediation
• Smoke and fire remediation and restoration