​​Why Getting Rid of Black Mold is Worth the Investment

Exterior of a green home with a well maintained front yard.

Getting Rid of Black Mold is Crucial

Mold spores are everywhere. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, starts in the soil that surrounds your home. When spores get inside and find a moist, warm environment, they sprout. Is getting rid of black mold a worthwhile investment for the homeowner?

How Could Black Mold Affect You?

Look for the telltale black spread of the fungus after water damage. It prefers materials that contain cellulose. Examples include drywall and wallpaper. While all types of mold can trigger allergic reactions, black mold has the dubious distinction of releasing mycotoxins that could cause illnesses. Symptoms may include itching, sores, gastrointestinal upset, difficulty breathing, and fevers. Some people may also complain of headaches and general fatigue.

What Does Stachybotrys Chartarum Do to Your Home’s Value?

If you are thinking of selling the home, the buyer will most likely ask for an appraisal. If s/he does not, the mortgage lender will. Generally, appraisers have to note the presence of mold. When the professional believes that s/he is dealing with black mold or that the fungal growth is extensive, there is a good chance that it will detract from the home’s value. In many cases, a buyer may ask you to undertake black mold remediation before going through with a purchase.

The Difference between DIY Mold Removal and Professional Mold Remediation?

The typical do-it-yourself move is to spray the mold with bleach, scrub the area, and then repeat the process. Doing so will remove some of the infestations. However, it is unlikely that it gets to the areas from where the visible parts of the fungus originate. Therefore, the mold comes back. Moreover, this process will likely spread spores throughout the structure, which can worsen the problem.

Professional mold removal localizes the problem. Technicians shield the home to prevent spore spread. Next, they root out the source of the mold growth and remove the affected material. From there, it is possible to remove the remaining visible signs of the fungal infestation. Because these experts get right to where black mold originated, they can tell you what likely contributed to its growth. Fixing that problem can prevent a recurrence.

Why Do Some People Say Mold Remediation Is a Scam?

Black mold is a real problem. It typically happens after a home undergoes water damage. However, there are also other types of molds that can grow in a house. In the past, some unscrupulous contractors have tried to scare homeowners into paying top dollar for mold remediation that was not necessary. For this reason, Healthy Air USA always recommends doing a mold assessment.

Technicians use spore traps to collect particulate matter that is in the air you breathe at home. They then send it to a laboratory for testing. You receive a report that identifies the types of fungal spores you have in the house. This process lets you make an educated decision on whether getting rid of black mold is the right option for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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