Although both are a type of fungus that love warm, damp areas, many don’t know the differences between mold and mildew. They do have one striking quality in common however: homeowners don’t want to see either in their home. So, what sets mold and mildew apart from each other?
Mold
If you find mold in your home, there could be more damage than you think. Because mold burrows into the surface of where it is growing, it is harder to get rid of. It particularly loves organic materials like cotton clothing or bedding, leather, wood, and paper. Mold in your home will appear raised and fuzzy, like it is growing out of the surface. It can also come in many colors including green, red, blue, or even black. Because of the way it grows, mold will have a pungent smell.
Mildew
Unlike mold, mildew is a surface fungus. This means it isn’t permeating whatever surface it is growing on. Mildew is often gray or white in its early stages and will have a powdery, dry appearance. It will also look flat instead of standing out from the surface of wherever it is growing. Mildew will also have a different smell than mold. It will have a milder musty smell that some compare to damp socks. Mildew also thrives in humidity more so than mold.
What to do if you find them in your home
Because mildew only grows on the surface, it is relatively easy to get rid of. There are a variety of cleaning products you can get from your local hardware store that are specifically for getting rid of mildew. Simply clean the surface where the mildew has grown with the cleaner and a scrub brush. To make sure mildew doesn’t grow again, you’ll need to fix the source of excess moisture, whether this is a leaky pipe or a poorly ventilated bathroom.
If you find mold in your home, this can be a sign of a much larger issue. If you home recently experienced water damage of any kind, for example a burst pipe or flooded basement, there is a chance mold is already growing in your walls or behind appliances. If you find mold in your home, your first step is to call in the professionals. You may think you can remove the mold yourself, but because mold permeates the surface it grows on, it can be much more difficult to remove than mildew.
If you’ve experienced water damage or think you’ve been exposed to mold in your home, Thomas’ Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services can get your house back to being a home! Call us now or request help online!
When it comes time to buy a home, there’s many factors you need to consider. Some of these are personal factors, but some are things that you should be asking your real estate agent or seller about perspective homes. How much can you put down for a down payment? What are the schools like in the area? Has the house suffered any water damage? Here’s what you need to know when buying a home with water damage.
Ask Questions
Although asking if the house has suffered any water damage is a great first question, it’s just one of many you should be asking. Other questions you should ask include but aren’t limited to:
- When did the water damage occur?
- What caused it? Burst pipe? Flooding? Leaky roof?
- Has the cause been fixed, or steps taken to prevent further flooding?
- How long was the water sitting in the home and how much damage did it do?
- Was the home stripped down or were only the walls washed or bleached?
- Was mold allowed to grow?
- Has wiring in the walls been checked?
Get the Home Inspected
If the sellers or real estate agents are unsure the extent of the damage caused by water damage, get the home inspected. This is an important step of buying any home, but especially important when buying one with water damage. Not only could there be damage from water, but there could be underlying damages from any repairs that were attempted. Make sure to higher a reputable home inspector and have them carefully check the home for any existing damage- water or otherwise. Water damaged homes can have a lot of issues. Because of this, it may be a good idea to get a second home inspection. This way, you can make sure nothing was missed.
Determine the Cost of the Home
Because it may cost you to fix any water damage once you’ve bought the home, you can include this in your offer. You should find a contractor that will help you estimate the cost of repairs. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could be thousands of dollars. Once you have an estimate, you can make an offer on the home that accounts for these costs.
If You Buy the Home
If you buy the home and invest in its repairs, make sure you also invest in flood insurance. It is likely that if the home flooded once before, it will flood again. Certain areas are more prone to flooding than others, and sometimes it cannot be stopped. It is important to have flood insurance if this is the case in the area where you plan to buy a home. Make sure to check with your insurance company about coverage for ground water. Most floods from outside your home are not covered without special flood insurance!
Water Damage and Mold
If the home you plan to buy- or even the home you live in now- has suffered from water damage or even mold, it’s time to call in the professionals. Water damage restoration and mold removal are just two of the many services offered by Thomas’ Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services. You can even submit a service request today!
A homeowner’s worst nightmare: a fire. You may have as little as two minutes to escape in the event a fire starts in your home. But did you know that most home fires are preventable? Here are a few ways you can stop a nightmare from becoming a reality.
Space Heaters
It’s in the name: space. Give space heaters space. Make sure they are at least three feet from anything that could catch fire and burn. When you can’t keep an eye on them- like when you leave the house or go to sleep- it’s best to turn them off.
Cooking
Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Whether you’re frying, grilling, or broiling, unattended food has the potential to overcook and catch fire. Even if you only have to leave the room for a few minutes, it is safer to turn off the stove.
Matches and Lighters
Make sure matches and lighters are out of reach of children. You can either store them up high, or in a cabinet with a child-proof lock.
Candles
Although they can make your home smell great, candles can be one of the most hazardous things found in a home. Make sure you keep lit candles at least one foot from anything that could burn. Additionally, do not leave them burning when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Smoking
If you or anyone visiting your home smokes, ask them to do so outside. Additionally, have a sturdy ashtray available so that ashes and the end of the cigarette can be disposed of properly without the chance of starting a fire.
Fire Escape Plan
In case of fire, you should have a home fire escape plan. Sit down with your family and make sure everyone has at least two unobstructed exits- including windows- from every room. You should practice your escape plan twice a year and have a meeting place outside.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are your best early warning system. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and outside sleeping areas. Don’t forget two replace the batteries once a year or whenever the alarm “chirps” indicating a low battery.
If your home has suffered fire or smoke damage, call in the professionals. They will be able to assess the damage and get your house feeling like home again. Fill out a service request form from Thomas’ Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services today!