Black Mold vs. Mildew: What You Need to Know from A Sandestin Mold Specialist
Did you know that just an inch of water can cause about $25,000 of damage to your property?
While it’s true the most common cause of home water damage is leaking pipes, the stormy season in Sandestin Florida is also a notorious source of water damage.
With just a little water damage, you may start experiencing untraceable mold or mildew in your home. Therefore, you may need to get in touch with a Sandestin water intrusion specialist for help.
But before you request their services, take a moment to know more about the similarities and differences of black mold vs. mildew.
Similarities Between Black Mold and Mildew
Both mold and mildew require a porous, organic material to grow. This includes wood, carpet, upholstery, food, and more.
They also thrive in humid conditions, especially in areas with a poor or non-existent light source. Their growth happens when their spores make their way into an area that’s suitable for colonies.
Whether you have suffered just a little or massive water damage, water leak detection services in Sandestin can help you contain the growth of mold and mildew.
Mildew vs Mold: Main Differences
While black mold and mildew are both unwanted types of fungi, they have some differences. Here’s how you can distinguish the two.
Appearance
Mildew usually looks gray or white and always appears flat. It also has a powdery texture. This makes it easier for a Sandestin water intrusion specialist to eliminate it with a mildew remover.
On the other hand, mold mostly appears black. But it can also be green or blue and tends to look fuzzy or slimy.
Smell
Another way to identify the difference between the two is by smell. Mildew has a milder, musty smell while mold has a stronger and more pungent smell. This is because as it matures, it produces microbial volatile organic compounds.
Health Effects
The presence of both mold and mildew comes with health risks. However, the health effects of mildew are less severe.
You may experience mild respiratory problems, headaches, and sore throats from mildew. The symptoms of black mold, on the other hand, are more severe.
Black mold symptoms include:
- Skin and eye irritation
- Congestion
- Tightening of the chest
- Coughing and wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- And more
Because of this, it’s important to contact a leak detection company in Sandestin as soon as possible so that they can identify and eliminate both mold and mildew.
Degrees of Structural Damage
Mildew is the least threatening of the two when it comes to structural damage. It’s more of an aesthetic problem. Alternatively, mold is more than unsightly.
Mold can cause serious structural damage. If you have hardwood floors, it can initiate wood rot, causing them to warp and buckle. It can also ruin your roofs, walls, and furniture.
Removing Black Mold: Hire a Sandestin Water Damage Cleaning Services
Are you a victim of water intrusion in Sandestin Florida? Barakat Restoration can help. Our qualified water intrusion specialists will help you identify and get rid of any black mold or mildew in your home before they cause further damage.
Contact us today to get a free inspection from our restoration and cleaning services.
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