Spring Mold: What’s Lurking Behind Your Walls?

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

We may live in the High Desert, but that doesn’t mean we are immune to mold. Mold is everywhere, and it has been around for millions of years. Mold has the important job of breaking down trees, leaves, and other plant matter. 

Microscopic mold spores are floating through the air in search of food. They may enter your home or commercial space through windows, doors, AC/heating systems, or hitch a ride on your clothing or family dog. These airborne fungi love cellulose - or wood products. Mold can’t distinguish between the walls in our home and the dead tree in the forest. So if the environment is right, it will grow wherever it lands - and it eats what it lands on.

The springtime is the perfect time for the spores to visit. As the warmer weather beckons us to open our windows, mold can enter our homes. Plus, mold likes temperatures between 41 degrees to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The only other thing mold needs to thrive is moisture. And while we tend to lack in the humidity department, any leaks or standing water will attract mold spores. Mold spreads very quickly, so even if you have a small mold problem today, it can become a significant problem before you know it. 

How to Identify Mold

Mold has a telltale musty odor. It also can appear as spots of many different colors. Mold may appear on your walls, window sills, sink, or on your home's siding. But mold can also hide behind your walls, in your crawl space, or under your roof. 

Act Fast.

If you find mold, it is essential to act quickly. As previously mentioned, mold virtually grows at warp speed. The sooner you respond, the more limited the damage - and the costs associated with repairing said damage. 

Address the cause of the mold. 

Mold and moisture go hand in hand. You must address the underlying cause, or the mold will return. 

Don’t try to remove mold without containing the area.

Mold spreads by releasing millions of mold spores into the air. Only remove mold by containing the area and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).  Better yet, hire a mold remediation specialist like SERVPRO of Bend and SERVPRO of N. Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties. 

Don’t cover up mold.

Never caulk or paint over mold. You can’t cover up the problem and hope it goes away. Ensure mold is properly removed and the underlying cause is fully addressed BEFORE painting or caulking the area. 

Porous materials may need to be replaced. 

Mold proliferates on porous surfaces, such as carpet, upholstery, and furniture. It will fill the empty spaces in the material (imagine a sponge with holes), making it virtually impossible to remove completely. 

Understand the difference between removal and remediation.

Since mold spores are microscopic and exist everywhere, it is impossible to eradicate mold. To correctly address a mold problem, SERVPRO of Bend will:

• Inspect and assess the mold damage
• Contain mold using physical barriers and negative air pressure
• Filter the area to prevent the spread of spores during cleanup
• Remove mold and mold-infested materials
• Clean and disinfect all contents and belongings affected by mold
• Restore the areas impacted by mold

If you identify mold or suspect you may have a mold problem, call our experts today at 541-385-7044. We are here to answer your questions or concerns 24 hours a day and seven days a week.