Finding And Identifying Mold In Knoxville

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

The sooner SERVPRO is called in to clean up mold, the better.

Locating And Classifying Mold

By far the most important step toward combating mold damage for a homeowner is the successful identification of a colony. An observant homeowner may be able to locate and confirm mold growth earlier than uninformed peers, allowing remediation services to proceed in less time and with greater ease. The sooner SERVPRO is called in to clean up mold, the better. Follow these steps to gather critical information on your mold and locate its source before calling us for help.

Odor
The smell of mold damage in Knoxville homes is often one of the most reliable and effective identifying factors in mold infestations of all sizes. Many types of mold emit a strong, foul or musty odor that grows more pungent as the colony grows. This is the best way to locate mold growth in out-of-sight places such as the space below floorboards, as the smell is strongest directly above the heaviest mold concentrations. If the smell is faint, this is a good sign: it likely means the mold has not had a chance to get out of hand. Note that this is not to say you should not call, as a weak mold case may quickly develop into a strong one without proper attention.

Water Damage
Noticed a leak? Found a patch of unusual wetness? Signs of water damage are also, in many cases, indicators of mold growth. Mold grows most commonly in places where it has ample water, and particularly when that water has had a chance to soak into materials such as wood and carpet. SERVPRO is certified to handle both mold and water at the same time, and all of our water damage restorations include preventative measures against mold growth.

Ways To Identify Dangerous Mold
Some types of mold are very dangerous and have a high chance to cause ill health effects in humans and animals nearby. This is colloquially known as black mold, which has a distinct dark green to black color. Also, this mold usually has a very pungent odor and can cause many side effects in humans. If you have found a patch of dark mold and have noticed any unusual health effects, vacate the area immediately and call us for further guidance.

SERVPRO of Rocky Hill / Sequoyah Hills / South Knoxville is a locally owned and operated provider of mold remediation and prevention services with a full set of certifications. Call us 24/7 at (865) 862-8907.