Water damage is troubling on multiple levels. It can cause a resident or occupant health issues if it goes undetected for a lengthy period of time. It can also result in costly repairs to the owner. For this reason, it is important to have the ability to spot the indicators of water damage within a structure. There are several things one can look for to accurately identify water damage in a home.
How To Spot Aspergilus/Penicillium
Aspergilus is a form of mold that can occur within a structure. This is one of the more common forms of fungi. It comes in several varieties and it can grow in various places. Aspergilus is versatile in that it is capable of growing on decomposing material, sheet rock, paper and ceiling tile. Aspergilus can be yellow or greenish in color. This type of fungi occurs as a result of a water leak.
How To Spot Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mold)
Stachybotrys Chartarum or black mold is a common household problem. It is the result of water damage that is often caused leaky or damaged pipes in a structure. In some cases, the black mold can result from flooding. Black mold can appear to be black and dark green in color. The presence can be identified on ceiling, floor or wall within a location. It is capable of growing on insulation within a structure. It can also accumulate on drywall.
How To Spot Chaetomium
Chaetomium is another sign of water damage to a building. It can be identified by a smell. A musty odor emanates from the form of mold. It can easily accumulate on drywall within a structure. They grow in colonies and appear to be white in color and have a cotton-like appearance. It can cause the drywall to rapidly deteriorate under extremely moist conditions.
How To Spot Paecilomyces
Paecilomyces is a common mold problem in building structures as well. This particular mold can be visible in a matter of three days. The color changes as the mold ages. The initial appearance is white in color and subsequent coloring includes: dark yellow, brown and pink in some cases. This particular form of mold can grow within carpet. It can also grow on drywall, PVC pipes and other paper-based products as well.
How To Spot Scopulariopsis
Scopulariopsis is another form of mold that can occur in buildings. It is often present in carpet within a structure. It can grow from wallpaper that has begun to age and has been damaged by water. It causes extensive damage to a drywall. Filters and dust are also susceptible to this form of mold within a home or building.
Identify Mold Before It Is Too Late
Individuals can identify the presence of mold by becoming more observant of their surroundings. A musty smell, staining to a wall or ceiling, visible leak, buckling of the floor, discolored or swelling drywall are all signs of possible water damage within a structure. The conditions pose a significant health risk to occupants of a structure and can be costly if removal is delayed. Inhalation is a risk to individuals attempting to manually remove the mold. Professionals that specialize in mold removal may be needed in severe cases. It is often difficult to determine to what extent the mold has damaged a structure, as the origin of the mold is not often visible or accessible. In any event, mold removal is needed once any of the signs above are present within a structure.
Hello, i am John and have over ten years experience in water damage clean up, water damage restoration and water damage mold. During my career i noticed that a lot of homeowners are uninformed about water damage and it's consequences. This site provides you with how-to guides and lots of information on water damage and everything what's involved.