When water damage happens without warning, One Call Services arrives within sixty minutes at homes and businesses throughout Alameda County and the surrounding area to begin the water damage restoration process as soon as possible. The technicians handle all of Alameda County’s water removal, water extraction, and restoration needs. One Call Services has over ten years of experience in water damage restoration and mold remediation, and customers receive free visual inspections and estimates. The dedicated team is committed to ensuring the satisfaction of every customer.
Taking care of a water damage disaster as quickly as possible helps prevent advanced secondary water damage, including a mold or mildew infestation. Understanding the difference between mold and mildew drives home the importance of remediating any mold and mildew issues as soon as they arise.
Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that thrive in moist, dark, warm environments and feed upon organic matter such as wood, clothing, and furniture. If left unchecked, the harmful microorganisms can quickly spread over large areas of a home or business and cause health problems and structural damage. Though similar in many regards, mold and mildew present different risks and respond to different treatments. Understanding the difference between mold and mildew will help implement an efficient cleaning strategy and ensure the safety of a home or business.
Mold and Mildew: Similar and Different
Mildew is a specific type of mold. Mold, a type of fungus, grows in black or green patches that penetrate into the affected material. Mildew has flat growth that remains on the surface and can be easily removed. Mold usually grows on food or inside permanent structures, such as a crawl space or wall. Mildew lives on damp surfaces, fabrics, paper, and various organic materials.
How to Tell the Difference Between Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are different in appearance and have different properties that provide clues to distinguish between the two.
Differences in Appearance
Mold is slimy or fuzzy in appearance. Its irregularly shaped spots can be black, green, blue, brown, yellow, white, or gray. Mold can also lead to rot.
Mildew is white or gray and usually grows in a flat pattern. It appears either fluffy or powdery and turns black or brown over time.
Differences in the Effects of Mold and Mildew
Both mold and mildew need to be taken care of quickly and efficiently since they can cause a lot of trouble over time. Though mildew usually grows on plants, when it does show up indoors, its spores can cause headaches, a sore throat, coughing, and respiratory issues. Mold can cause serious structural damage when left untreated. Prolonged exposure can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, skin and eye irritations, nasal congestion, and throat irritation.
Asthma, pneumonia, and coughing can be induced by prolonged exposure to mold. Mold can cause migraines, heart problems, dizziness, intestinal issues, joint pain and inflammation, depression, and extreme fatigue. Mycotoxins from black mold may produce severe long-term health effects, especially in younger children and persons with weak immune systems.
Testing for Mold and Mildew
Homeowners can purchase DIY mold testing kits in stores or on the internet. Professional testing is the best course of action. Contact a trustworthy mold removal company such as One Call Services for inspection, testing, evaluation, and mold removal services.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew Infestation
1. Keep all areas dry and moisture-free.
2. Keep humidity levels at about 40-50% inside the house. This may require the use of a dehumidifier.
3. Have a professional inspect the HVAC system at least once a year.
4. Keep air ducts clean and in good working condition.
5. Ensure adequate air circulation inside the home.
6. Repair any leaks in the bathroom, kitchen, or other areas.
7. Remove any mildew-affected plants and weeds in the house or yard.
How to Clean Mold and Mildew
Mildew, a fungus that grows on the surface, cleans up well with an appropriate cleaner and a scrub brush. During the cleanup process, ventilation should be adequate. Wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection to prevent ingesting the mildew spores and to prevent irritation from the strong cleaner.
Mold, on the other hand, attaches to the affected materials with microscopic fibers called filaments that penetrate beneath the surface. The mold spores spread quickly and can survive in harsh conditions. The musty smell is evident before the mold can be seen. Because mold can cause serious health issues, DIY mitigation is not recommended. DIY efforts rarely work because the mold often grows where access and treatment are difficult.
The safest and most efficient remedy for a mold problem is to call a mold remediation company. An experienced professional will come to the home or business to inspect the situation. Next, an action plan will be presented to remove the harmful fungi and prevent its return. Enlisting the services of experts will assure the safety of the affected area and provide peace of mind.
One Call Services aims to provide customers with the highest quality damage restoration services, including water damage, mold damage, sewage damage, and more. The job is complete only when the customer has a healthy indoor environment, and the damage has been restored and repaired. A fast response time and excellent customer service are core principles at One Call Services.
For more information about water damage restoration in Alameda County, CA, contact the office by phone at (510) 394-1606.
