We all know that mold can grow in our homes, but do we really understand just what mold can do to our homes and even our health? In order to better understand just how serious mold damage in your Chippewa Falls home is, we need to understand what exactly mold is. At TRAC Solutions, we specialize in remediation of mold damage. Here’s what you could be up against if you find mold damage in your home.

Mold Damage in Chippewa Falls

First things first, let’s go over what mold really is. Mold is a type of fungus that is naturally occurring outdoors and indoors. What makes mold so versatile is that it produces spores that spread through the air and are present in all indoor environments. These spores can lay dormant on surfaces for extended amounts of time, waiting for the water and moisture necessary to induce mold growth. There is no way to prevent mold spores, and they can be found on many different surfaces like fabric, wood, glass, and even plastic. Mold spores travel through the air, cling to surfaces, and are carried inside by shoes, clothes, and even pets. Since there really is no way to eliminate mold spores, it is important to be aware of the common types of indoor mold.

Experts estimate that there are over 300,000 different types of mold, but we are only 

going to go over the 4 most common molds found indoors. 

• Penicillium tends to grow on materials with water damage, and is one of the most obvious molds because of its blur/green color and appearance.
• Cladosporium can grow in both cool and warm areas, which makes this type of mold unique because mold usually prefers warm dam places. It is commonly found on wood surfaces and fabrics.
• Alternaria is one of the most prevalent indoor mold types because it grows in places that are continually damp like showers, tubs, and under leaky sinks.
• Aspergillus tends to grow on dust and drywall, making it a common type to be found in attics and other less-frequented areas of the home.

While these are just a few of the common mold types, all molds can take on a variety of appearances, shapes, forms, colors, and textures – ranging in colors from white to black, yellow to brown, and even blue to green. Mold is often thought of to have a fuzzy appearance, which is true, but it can also appear in streaks and spots or take on a more rough texture. If you notice any discolored areas in your home, or you see mold growing, you need to call for mold damage services right away.

If mold damage is left unresolved in your home, it can pose a serious health risk to everyone exposed to it. As mold grows and spreads, unstable organic compounds will enter the air, affecting the air quality throughout your entire home – not just where the mold is present. Allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins that are in the air can be toxic when inhaled. Some common symptoms of mold exposure are:

• Eye irritation
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Asthma
• Cough
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Allergic reactions
• Skin irritation
• Chronic respiratory issues

Don’t mess around with mold growth in your home. Call TRAC Solutions for a home inspection today, and let us remediate any mold damage that could be affecting the health of your home.