Mold and mildew are like fungus siblings: they can look a lot alike, and both prefer areas that are warm and moist. Nevertheless, there are important differences between the two, dissimilarities wherein it’s a must that you and your tenants understand in order to maintain your Bangor rental properties and make sure they’re hygienic and secure. By educating yourself on how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can further prevent a little problem from growing into an expensive nightmare.
There are a lot of diverse kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And there’s a likelihood that your tenant doesn’t understand much about mold or mildew, what it seems like, or what to do if they discover it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is commonly flat and powdery, usually collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can possess a bad smell, particularly if permitted to develop for a long period of time. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the occupant through a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Mold, contrastingly, is usually more invasive and a lot harder to get rid of. It enjoys hiding in walls and ceilings, particularly those with high humidity levels or water damage. This can cause mold hard to spot. Often, the first clue that you have a mold problem is the smell. Mold smells musty, a foul odor that doesn’t disappear. The second warning of mold is the color. Molds can sprout in a variety of blacks, greens, and even reds, and may look fuzzy or sometimes slimy.
Toxic mold or Stachybotrys chartarum (also called Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that often grows on materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, and lint. It requires constant moisture to cultivate. This kind of mold often happens after consequential water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding. Although not everyone will get sick from toxic mold, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some a few people may undergo physical symptoms as soon as they’re exposed to this strain of mold, in addition to respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
As soon as this type of mold has taken effect, it can be difficult and expensive to get rid of. Solid surfaces can commonly be sanitized using a bleach solution, but carpets, wallboard, cabinets, and furniture with mold growing on them must be completely replaced.
This makes catching any potential problems early on extremely important. When it dealing with mold problems, your first line of defense is your tenant. The best method to remain victorious against mold is to help your tenant understand what they can do to mitigate mildew and mold growth.
Unluckily, mold is tricky and you may not notice the early signs of a problem. That is because every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If any problems with water leaks, condensation, or flooding are discovered, they must be corrected immediately to decrease the growth of mold. If mold is located in your rental home, the property has a significant problem with water or moisture that needs to be addressed. Decontaminating the property may not be adequate if the situation that began the mold to cultivate in the first place has not been rectified.
When you hire Real Property Management Lehigh Valley, you’ll be taking advantage of our many services, including regular evaluations and comprehensive checks designed to catch and identify problem areas before they become catastrophic. Our group of specialists can aid you in preventing the spread of mold and mildew in your Bangor rental homes, in addition to assuring you of the risks and remedies involved. Interested in a free assessment? Contact us online or call us immediately at 484-544-3351.
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