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What mold looks like on walls, and what to do about it

Mildew and mold are similar problems found in homes, though mildew is purely a surface fungus while mold can lurk behind your drywall and deep within porous surfaces. There are several ways to check for mold before removing it from your walls. Symptoms of mold include an increase in allergies or illnesses, and a constant musty smell. In this article, you’ll learn what mold looks like on walls.

Mold – painting your walls like a rainbow

Mold comes in a variety of colors. The most common are green, orange/red, and green/black. If you notice white mold, you’re in luck (kind of). White mold is very young growth, and much more easily removed.

The least harmful mold is the orange or red mold. This is most commonly found outside of the home, on decayed plants or wet wood.

Green/black mold looks a little like pepper. You’ll find it mostly on air ducts and painted surfaces. It’s non-toxic, though can trigger some allergic reactions including sore throats, skin rashes, and watering eyes.

Black mold – a dark problem in the home

Black mold is the one that must be dealt with most carefully. It causes a variety of health issues, including allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Its proper name is Stachybotrys chartarum.

Black (which often looks very dark green) mold can sometimes have a whitish edge, and look slimy – especially in bathrooms. It spreads incredibly fast, and if you don’t deal with it quickly a whole wall can be infested within days. If it starts spreading rapidly, the chances are that the infestation is growing inside your walls, and into your air ducts. If this happens, the infestation could spread throughout your home just as rapidly.

In other places in the home, an infestation of Stachybotrys chartarum can look quite different.

On white surfaces, black mold is easily spotted, but on darker walls and ceilings it can be much more difficult to see.

Wherever black mold is found, it often starts at the corner of a wall. You may notice the musty smell before you notice the growth itself.

Black mold grows in a circular pattern, and you’ll find it first where the wall holds the most moisture.

On wooden walls, black mold is often overlooked as part of the pattern of the wood. Look closely, and you’ll find it’s darker than the natural wood pattern.

On drywall, black mold appears patchy and in random configurations before spreading to provide a complete covering.

What to do when you’ve discovered black mold

Early detection of black mold is key to reducing its possible harmful health effects. Mold is easier to remove at an early stage of growth. If you do spot black mold, your best course of action may be to call a mold remediation specialist. In NYC or New Jersey, call Porter’s Cleaning. One of our specialists will be able to:

  • Give a positive identification of the type of mold your home is suffering from
  • Undertake a full inspection to properly assess the growth, including inside walls and air ducts
  • Provide advice on how to remove the mold infestation

If you don’t want to tackle the problem yourself, we’ll give you a free, no obligation quote to do the job for you, and then provide advice on how to keep the mold from returning.

If you suspect your home is suffering with mold, especially black mold, then don’t hesitate to contact Porter’s Cleaning. The earlier you do, the easier any removal will be and the less likely it is to cause health issues to you and your family.

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