Mold can be found all around us, both inside and out.  It is important to not only know and understand how spot mold but knowing some of the common trouble spots to ensure extra caution is taken to prevent mold growth from happening.  

Common Trouble Areas

• Poor construction
• Roof leaks
• Basement leaks
• Plumbing leaks
• Gutter leaks
• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Indoor Hot tub/Pool Areas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages

If you spot mold growth in your home or business, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes. 712-262-4379

Mold is present nearly everywhere inside and outside of a home or business.  In order for mold to begin growing it needs both an organic host and moisture.  At times prolonged exposure to moisture will allow mold to grow behind materials which makes it difficult to see and treat. 

Mold can grow on any of the following materials...

• Wood
• Paper
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Natural fibers
• Plants, potting soil
• Paints
• Starch in wallpaper paste
• Caulk

When you spot mold in your home make sure you call the professionals at SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes to properly dispose of the affected areas and prevent any future growth from happening.  

Stachybotrys chartarum is often referred to as “black mold” due to its slimy black appearance. It’s sometimes referred to as “toxic mold,” although the mold itself is not toxic; it produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins, which cause health problems when people come in contact with them.  Stachybotrys chartarum has a characteristic musty odor and usually grows in places that stay damp all the time, like in air conditioning ducts where there is a lot of condensation or around leaky pipes. 

Aspergillus is a type of mold frequently found indoors. It can cause health problems. 

Penicillium is often found growing on materials that have been damaged by water, including carpeting, wallpaper, insulation, and furnishings like mattresses. It’s one of the mold types that spread quickly and easily from one part of the home to another. Exposure to penicillium can cause allergic reactions, chronic sinus infections, and inflammation of the lungs. Usually appears as a blue mold and/or a green mold.

Cladosporium is a type of mold often found growing inside homes. While most types of mold prefer warm climates, cladosporium can grow in cool areas, too. It often grows on fabrics, like carpets, and on wood surfaces, like cabinets and floorboards. It can cause a variety of respiratory problems.

Learn about our mold removal process here. 

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.