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Understanding Mold In Houston, TX: Difference Between Mildew and Mold

Mold and Mildew are often used interchangeably. Though they are in the same family (fungi), mildew and mold are not the same. However, they do have few common things such as they both thrive best in moist, warm, and poorly ventilated areas.

Mold usually appears to be more rigid and resistant when we try to remove them, whereas mildew seems to be less resistive. They both have an equal level of danger of infections and allergies to humans. Whenever spores find their way into suitable environments for colonies to mature, mold and mildew grow.

Both of them require porous, organic material to grow on (for example wood, fabric, carpet, padding, upholstery, foods, etc). Also, mold and mildew rarely grow on synthetic man-made materials (for example plastics or most metals).

About Mildew

Mildew is commonly found in bathrooms or in areas where moisture is abundant. This is because a moist environment is suitable for the fungus to grow. They can also grow on belongings, such as pieces of paper or clothes that get slightly wet and are left in one area for several days or weeks. If it is not removed on time, the mildew spreads and turns into what most people would refer to as mold.

About Mold

Depending on the variety, mold can appear to be fuzzy or slimy. But, heavy mold might appear like a plant covering the surface. The surfaces that get covered with mold begin to rot. They appear in various colors such as red, yellow, green, or black. For example, mold on a wall or ceiling appears like irregularly shaped spots of black or gray. Many times, they also look like moss or plants. Molds can reduce the cellular integrity of their host.

There are several types of mold, and some of them are completely innocuous. While others may produce toxins known as mycotoxins. The Chaetomium and Stachybotrys chartarum is considered the most dangerous type of mold. The Stachybotrys chartarum is the strain of mold that is often called black mold and grows commonly on used building materials such as drywall, insulation, or wallpaper.

Misconceptions About Mildew and Mold

People usually think that mold develops on foods while mildew develops on flowers. But the truth is that both of them can be found in food. However, molds are not very likely to develop flowers. Also, mold usually grows in moist places whereas mildew is associated with drier places.

It is important to take quick actions when you see mold or mildew in your home so that it doesn’t cause any health issues or spread its spores any further.

To Wrap It Up

Now that you have an idea about the difference between mildew and molds, it’s a good time to check your buildings for any possible infestation and take the help of an expert if you identify something. To avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. So, hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?

How Quickly Can Mold Grow?

When it comes to mold growth, one thing is for sure: they grow as quickly as they can!

Mold will thrive in any space where moisture is prevalent. So when a space has an optimal temperature and humidity level, it would take about 24 to 48 hours for these types of fungi to germinate and spread to various locations.

In layman’s terms, mold grows as quickly as it can and in no time at all.

This is why it’s extremely important to watch where these things are developing and call a mold remediation team once you’ve spotted these things lingering around your home.

One Plus Restoration is a company based in Houston, Texas, and we offer great and efficient mold remediation services around the Greater Houston Area and beyond.

We have helped countless homeowners and business owners get rid of their mold infestation problem through the years, and you could be our next success story.

Before working on your infested space, we provide our clients with an estimate for the mold remediation or removal services that they need to ensure that this infestation will not return. Plus, an environmental company needs to set up a mold assessment and protocol, which we will handle for you.

Indeed, mold isn’t something people want around their spaces, but it’s also quite inevitable. So once you spot a leakage in your homes, it’s best to have these things fixed or repaired because these are spaces where mold and mildew like to grow and thrive.

Still, prevention is key.

Here at One Plus Restoration, we’re passionate about helping others get rid of the mold problems that they have around their personal and commercial spaces. Our team of world-class and well-trained technicians will do their jobs in the most efficient manner to ensure that these mold infestations won’t return.

We offer our services to clients around Houston, Texas, and its neighboring cities.

So reach out to us today at One Plus Restoration to schedule an inspection!

Common Types of Mold: Indoor and Outdoor In Houston, TX

It can be an unpleasant experience to find mold in moist areas of your home. If any mold is present in your house, it will mean that water is accumulated behind a wall or on a surface and it was never dried out properly.

Hence, this is the reason why it is necessary to have proper air circulation channels in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas, or any other places where lots of water is being used every day.

However, not every mold is toxic to humans. But other molds that are harmful to humans should be dealt with by a professional, especially if the mold has spread. Having said that, let’s look at the common types of blog:

Molds Promptly Found Growing Indoors

  • Aspergillus: these molds are commonly found growing on food or in air conditioning systems. These can be allergic to people’s daily msg resulting in symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, and respiratory infections.
  • Cladosporium: Cladosporium grows on the backs of toilets, on painted surfaces, and carpets and insulation. They appear spotted and pepper-like and are usually non-toxic to humans. But still, they cause mild allergic reactions such as itchy throats and eyes.
  • Botrytis: areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms with inadequate ventilation usually get Botrytis. This type of mold can cause severe respiratory problems.
  • Fusarium: this type of mold is found on carpets and other fabrics that are damaged due to water. Fusarium can often spread to nearby areas if not taken action against it. They may cause respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and asthma to people coming in contact with it.
  • Stachybotrys Charta rum: commonly known as black mold usually grows in places that stay wet all the time, like air conditioning ducts, or anywhere else where there’s a lot of condensation. It has a slimy black appearance. Also, there is another mold Trichoderma that grows on damp carpet and wallpaper.
  • Penicillium: Penicillium is commonly found on materials damaged by water, such as carpets, wallpaper, and mattresses. This type of mold spreads quickly and easily to other parts of your home. so you should seek out a professional to eradicate it quickly.
  • Ulocladium: this type of mold grows frequently in areas with extensive water damage. It is commonly found in flooded, especially wet, damp drywall homes.

Molds Found Growing Outdoors

Molds that grow outdoors can be pink, red, or orange and appear slim. They often grow on decaying plants and wood. Usually, outdoor mold is not toxic to humans. However, you can remove them for aesthetic purposes. Common types include:

  • Alternaria: primarily found on plants or in potting soil.
  • Aureobasidium: found on plants, wood, or foundations.
  • Serpula lacrymans: A yellow mold that commonly grows on wood and causes dry rot.

Outdoor mold occurs due to humid weather. Humid weather can cause high concentrations of mold spores in the air.

To Wrap It Up

Now that you have an idea about the types of molds, it’s a good time to check your buildings for any possible infestation and take the help of an expert if you identify something. To avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. So, hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?

The Process of Mold Remediation and Removal in Houston, Texas

When it comes to removing unwanted mold in your home, this isn’t an easy task that should be handled in a DIY manner.

There are things that each homeowner or business owner has to think about before they even touch the mold that’s lingering in their home. Not only that, but it’s always better to seek the help of an expert mold remediation team to successfully eliminate all mold sources around your personal or commercial space.

One Plus Restoration is a company based in Houston, Texas, and we offer both mold remediation and mold removal services in the Greater Houston Area. We are a company with a trusted reputation in the area, and we are also licensed by the State of Texas for Mold Remediation.

Here at One Plus Restoration, we provide various services to ensure that each mold source will be eliminated in your spaces. We also offer our clients an estimate for the services that have to be done after a mold assessment and protocol. This is to ensure that each service is catered towards a specific client’s needs.

We offer one of the best mold remediation and mold removal services in Houston, and while these two are quite popular, it’s still often interchanged with one another.

So what’s the difference between mold remediation and mold removal services?

  • Mold Remediation Services

When it comes to our mold remediation services, we provide a complete range of other services to remove, clean up, and repair the damages caused by the mold and water in your personal or commercial spaces. This is a service handled by our well-trained specialists, and they will only work within the mold assessment and protocol set by an environmental company.

  • Mold Removal Services

When it comes to our mold removal process, this is a method in where our professional technicians will clean up the mold and repair your property to your satisfaction. We follow a well-planned and systematic mold abatement and remediation process for our mold removal services.

Mold isn’t something that should be seen lingering around your homes. Not only that, but once you realize that there’s an infestation in your personal or commercial space, it’s best to call us at One Plus Restoration for quick and easy mold remediation and removal services.

One Plus Restoration offers our services to clients around Houston, Texas, and beyond.

So reach out to us today at One Plus Restoration for more information!

5 Facts You Must Know About Molds in Houston, TX

Molds are very dangerous and can not be allowed to fester anywhere near you or your family. It causes various health problems and has the potential to cause lung damage in the longer run. As a homeowner, you should always be aware and prevent any such molds from causing havoc inside your home.

We have curated a list of facts you probably need to know about molds as it will not only help you keep safe but will also give you an insight on how to handle molds.

So, let us begin!

  • Molds Do Not Have An Odor

Most people are of the belief that molds have a smell or an odor. This, however, is not true. One can not really find out molds just by how it smells as it is not traceable by your nose. Molds contain a compound called MVOC, which helps them multiply without emitting any odor.

Also, molds are really toxic if they are in your close vicinity as they can cause serious health hazards. Some of the common types of molds are Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Black Mold. Only an expert can tackle these as they have ample training to handle them.

  • Even Died Out Molds Are Dangerous

There is a common misconception that dead molds do not have the capability to harm you. This statement, too, is false. We are sorry to bust your myth, but molds, even when dead, can cause harm to you.

Furthermore, dead molds are no less harmful than live ones. These molds can enter your respiratory tract through your nostrils and cause a plethora of breathing problems such as sneezing and sinusitis. There is no other option but to get rid of them, as merely killing them will solve nothing.

  • Molds Are Resolute

Most people, when they encounter molds, tend to try and take them out by using substances such as bleach. They get it wrong from the get-go as molds can not be terminated easily.

By using bleach, you just temporarily do away with them as they again begin to surface very quickly. If you want to totally terminate them, then you will need to seek professional help. Experts tend to first find out the source of moisture causing the molds and then fix it.

  • Molds Are Omnipresent

Another very interesting fact about molds is that they are practically everywhere. As molds are so tiny in size, they have become a part of most of the homes in the US. More than 50% of houses have a mold issue. The issue lies in the fact that molds have a tendency to grow, and this is when they become really harmful to us.

  • You Don’t Need Testing For Molds.

Some also think that they need to test a mold when they see one in order to discern if it’s really what they think it is. This, again, is untrue. A mold is a mold, and it does not require any sort of testing to know one. The central idea is to immediately eliminate it with the help of experts as it has the potential to grow very fast, leading to causing respiratory problems.

To Wrap It Up

To avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. So, hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?

How To Accurately Detect Mold If Your Home In Houston, TX is Infested With Mold?

People think that molds can only fester in places where there is dirt, humidity or seepage. This misconception leads to lack of awareness as people then take molds lightly – as something which is not harmful. But, this is really far from the truth.

Molds are highly toxic and have the potential to cause serious respiratory problems. Another thing is that molds grow when there is a lot of moisture around the walls of your home or office. People mistake them for something else, and later when they start having respiratory issues then they take notice of it. In order to educate people, we have curated a list of key tests to determine if your house really has mold.

They are as follows –

  • Odor

This is one of the easiest and quickest ways to find out if you have molds in your home. If you know what molds smell like, then you can easily ascertain and be sure about the fact that your house has been infected by molds. Otherwise, molds have a very distinctive stale odor, and if you can trace it to a damp surface, then there lies your answer.

  • Growth

Molds have the tendency to grow really fast. If you spot a small spot somewhere in your home, then make sure that you give it attention, as molds can grow twice in size in just 24-48 hours. Also, it is advisable that you always look for the source causing it, as without sealing off the source, it is impossible to do away with molds.

  • Breathing Issues

There is another misconception that all molds cause health issues. This is not true. Not all molds have the potential to cause issues arising due to respiratory problems. Black mold is one such mold that is known to be dangerous for the respiratory tract and can cause infection if inhaled for a longer duration of time. Also, it can cause immune issues and can lead to skin problems as well. There is nothing you can yourself do to get rid of toxic molds, and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional to handle it.

  • Leakage

If you are able to detect any sort of water leak inside your home, then make sure that you dig deeper as molds flourish in damp environments. The chances are that they are formed as a result of seepage. Also, there are high chances of mold formation due to seepage, and one should call a plumber to fix the seepage and then only get the molds removed. Even if you get rid of molds, if there is seepage, they will grow again.

Conclusion

Detecting mold is not very difficult. All you need to do is look for the above symptoms in your home, and you will be able to ascertain if your house is bugged with molds. We are sure that if you have read the above pointers, then you can also educate others about it and also save yourself from the harmful toxins released from these molds.

To avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. So, hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?

Tips and Tricks To Control Mold And Mildew Odor In Your Home In Houston, TX

Most people are able to detect mold in their homes by detecting its odor around them. If you are a homeowner, then we suggest you never ignore the smell. It will only make things worse for you as mold does not take a lot of time to multiply and can quickly get out of control. You should immediately get in touch with professionals who offer services in eliminating mold.

However, if you want to get rid of the smell while the professionals show up then, we have made a list of things you can do to reduce the stale odor of the mold.

Here we go!

  • Using A Dehumidifier

Mold forms as a result of seepage in the walls of your home. As long as there is moisture, mold will only grow. Also, moisture in the air leads to even faster growth of mold. Hence, we recommend using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can be used to get rid of the excess moisture in the air and your surroundings. When the moisture is reduced then, it automatically leads to a reduction in the smell associated with the mold. Using a dehumidifier will also make sure that the air you breathe is clean and does not contain any impurities. However, if your mold situation is out of control then you should get in touch with professionals who will provide you with commercial humidifiers that make use of heat to make the air dry.

  • Using Chemicals

For people who can visibly see the mold in their walls, using chemicals that eliminate mold is the best way to go forward. Using chemicals such as bleach can lead to even more serious problems in the future as bleach can dissolve in the air, making it hazardous. Hence, we recommend you to use mold-killing chemicals such as fungicide, which will eliminate mold as soon as it comes in contact with it. Also, if the mold is too much, then seeking professional help is always the right way to go.

  • Using Products Which Absorb Water

In order to use a dehumidifier, you will need to make use of electricity. Many people face the issue of power outages and cannot make use of the same to get rid of toxic mold. But, they don’t need to worry. Now we also have products that do not require electricity to run and have the capability to absorb moisture and remove the water content from the air. They are almost the same when it comes to moisture reduction and will also help get rid of the odor.

  • Hiring Professionals

If you are not able to get rid of the foul odor generated by the mold with the above-mentioned methods, then you have no other alternative but to seek the help of professionals. Professionals are trained and have heavy equipment that is enough to get rid of any amount of mold. Professionals also make use of industrial humidifiers to eliminate huge amounts of moisture in the air. It will also eliminate the fungus on the surface of your walls and will make sure that your home is safe from toxic mold.

To Wrap It Up

To avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. So, hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?

How Experts Conduct Mold Remediation in Houston, TX?

The process of cleaning up and getting rid of mold infestation in a home is referred to as Mold Remediation. It involves cleaning up mold with the help of EPA-approved biocide, HEPA vacuum and air scrubber. When it comes to the time required for remediation of mold, it solely depends on how far the mold infestation has already spread.

Certain criteria must be followed in terms of selecting the best service providers for mold remediation. Following are the steps and measures followed by Mold Remediation companies like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX:

STEP 1: Mold Inspection

The company you have hired for cleaning up mold from your home or business premises will follow a step-by-step process. It starts with inspecting the affected areas to determine the kind of mold and how far it has already spread.

STEP 2: Mold Containment

Now that the thorough inspection is completed, it is time to contain the mold infestation and stop it before it spreads any further.

STEP 3: Treatment of Mold Infestation

This step will decide the outcome of the mold remediation process. The company you have hired will use treatment methods and tools that have proven reliable in the past. The end goal is not just removing the mold, but also implementing preventive measures to stop the birth of new mold infestation.

STEP 4: Post Mold Remediation Inspection

This step involves inspecting the entire household with the end goal of positive feedback. The most important part is to check if some area was missed or if there is a chance of another outbreak.

In Conclusion

Therefore, to avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. So, hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?

Mold Allergies vs Seasonal Allergies: How Can You Tell The Difference?

Everyone is quite familiar with a runny nose, sore throat, and congestion caused by seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are also known as hay fever, but if it lingers on even after taking medication or preventive measures, you need to delve deep into the cause behind it. Since the root cause could be mold which leads to allergic reactions, it’s mandatory that you know the reason to get the proper treatments.

Although the majority of symptoms of both allergies sometimes overlap. There are ways to distinguish between a seasonal allergy and mold infestations causing allergic reactions to your body.

How to Differentiate Between Seasonal and Mold Allergies?

Seasonal allergies occur during late summer and mid-fall. On the other hand, Mold related allergies can hamper your health during any time of the year.

Following mentioned are some important facts related to mold allergies that tell you that these aren’t just normal seasonal allergies.

  • The fact is that mold grows at a rapid speed in high humidity areas. If there is moisture anywhere inside or outside your home, the chances of mold infestations become higher. And it further leads to allergic reactions depending on your immune system.
  • A mold allergy can easily trigger asthma, while on the other hand, the effect of seasonal allergies is not that severe.
  • Outdoor mold causes allergies during summer till mid-fall. While indoor mold infestation can cause year-round allergic symptoms.
  • Simply due to moisture, the majority of homes have some levels of mold spores within the air. People with vulnerable immune systems can witness allergic symptoms pretty often.

In conclusion

One of the vital factors that help differentiate between both allergies is that seasonal allergies are caused by pollen, and mold allergies can be caused by inhaling the fungi spores directly into your lungs.

Although, the treatment for mold and seasonal allergies involves nearly the same medication like decongestants, nasal spray, etc, the most common way to determine if it is a seasonal or mold-related allergy is to consult a doctor.

And if it indeed is because of mold infestation, it is time to call the experts. Therefore, to avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. Hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?

The Ideal Mold Removal Protocol To Follow For Your Home In Houston, TX

Mold infestation is a major problem in any household as it doesn’t just stain the walls but also stains your health. Aside from the dark and gloomy vibe it creates, mold can also cause serious allergies and respiratory issues. When it comes to mold removal, make sure to keep in mind the two key factors,

  • Mold prevention is a process to do things right in the first place and take preventive measures.
  • If you have identified mold in your house, taking care of it right away is the only way to do it.

The fact is that mold grows by releasing its reproductive spores into the atmosphere. As these spores are invisible to the eye, it is vital to keep a regular check on your household in terms of moisture-filled areas. When it comes to mold removal for your household, there’s a need for an efficient protocol for the safety of your home and your health.

STEP 1: Mold Identification

Nearly every household experiences mold infestation and the right remedy is to get rid of it before it spreads and darkens your walls and tiles. It starts with small black spots and these small spots can become a health hazard if you delay in getting rid of mold.

There are two kinds of black molds:

  1. Mildew Mold
  2. Dirt Mold

The easy way to identify them is to pour home bleach over it and the one that gets removed easily is the mildew mold. If it is still there, make sure to get your safety clothes on and it is time to call a professional before it spreads beyond recovery.

STEP 2: Put your Protection Gear On and set Safety precautions

The mold can easily become airborne and once it does that, these mold spores can easily stick to anything in your home like fans, clothes, walls, and even to parts of your body. If you have professional knowledge of mold removal techniques and tools, then it is now the time to get started with safety precautions.

STEP 3: Remedifying Mold Infestations

Now that you are ready for mold cleaning, it is time to check the moldy walls and maybe pierce the infested spots with a screwdriver. If it comes to cutting through the wall, make sure to not hesitate. Once you have removed the mold, it is time to work on what’s causing it, and getting rid of that moisture is essential to the whole process.

To Wrap It Up

In Conclusion, getting rid of mold is a complicated process and takes some time and effort. Nonetheless, if this job is out of your hands, do not hesitate to call for professional help.

Therefore, to avoid any mold-related problems, schedule an appointment with mold experts like One Plus Restoration in Houston, TX if you suspect a mold infestation. Experts should be considered much before the situation gets out of your hands.

At One Plus Restoration, our well-trained professional will come to your place and gauge the damage before proceeding with the further steps. Hurry up – you don’t want something irreversible to happen to your house now, do you?