Mold Remediation

If you have moisture in your basement or if there’s been actual water seepage and pooling, chances are you have mold or mildew growth. Interstate Services Group takes care of all waterproofing needs, including mold remediation NJ and removal. If you’ve noticed mold on any surface in your basement, the time to contact an Interstate mold remediation specialist is now. Mold spores spread quickly in the air and once they land on a moist surface, begin to grow. Left untreated, mold and mildew growth is detrimental to your health and the health of your home, leading to respiratory issues and structural damage. Children, pregnant women, seniors and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to mold’s detrimental health effects.

The most common causes of mold growth are:

• high humidity
• water leaks
• condensation
• darkness
• warmth – temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit
• moisture

This makes your basement the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew growth. The source of mold growth may be a leaky pipe or water seepage from the foundation or wall cracks. Let one of our professionals come and assess your property to determine the source of your mold problem and the best course of action.

The Most Common Types of Household Mold:

Acremonium – typically grows in dehumidifiers, drain pans, cooling coils and window sealants. Its color is often white, pink, grey, or orange. Exposure is very dangerous and can lead to disease of bone marrow, organs and immune system. It can impair brain function because it is a carcinogen

Alternaria – most common type of mold that grows in showers, bathtubs, and surfaces below leaky pipes. It’s dark green or brown with a velvety texture. It spreads quickly, so it’s important to rid of it quickly. Exposure can cause asthma-like symptoms, as well as allergy symptoms of the eyes, nose and throat

Aspergillus – a common mold found in homes. Its color varies and causes allergy symptoms. It grows thickly on surfaces. It is capable of becoming toxic depending on conditions. Lung and respiratory infections, as well as asthma attacks can occur and certain strains of aspergillus produce aflatoxins, which are carcinogens

Aureobasidium – a mold that is typically found growing behind wallpaper or on wooden or painted surfaces. It’s usually pink, brown or black in color. Health effects include dermatitis, and infection to the skin, eyes and nails

Chaetomium – typically found in water damaged basements. It’s color changes from white to grey, then brown and eventually black. It causes allergy symptoms and can become toxic. Because it grows in places that are constantly wet, it is important to find the source of moisture and fix it to keep the mold from coming back

Cladosporium – can grow in warm and cool conditions. It grows on many different surfaces, such as carpets. It’s olive green or brown and has a suede-like texture. It grows under floorboards and in cupboards, too. Exposure causes allergy symptoms of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as skin rash, asthma attack, or sinus infection

Fusarium – this mold can grow in colder temperatures. It grows on many different types of surfaces, such as carpets and walls. It’s color is pink, white or orange. It is commonly found in water damaged homes and causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, watery eyes, and sore throat. It can be toxic and prolonged exposure can cause severe reactions like internal bleeding and brain abscesses. It also spreads quickly so if you see it, get it taken care of right away

Mucor – grows in thick patches and is grey or white. It grows in HVAC systems and air conditioners, as well as old, damp carpets due to moisture. Exposure causes asthma symptoms to worsen, shortness of breath and flu-like symptoms. Long term exposure can cause a fungal infection that can spread throughout the body called murcormycosis

Penicillin – green or blue in color, with a velvety texture, it is often found in water-damaged homes. It can form on soft surfaces such as carpets and floors. Exposure to this mold can result in pulmonary inflammation and asthma, as well as sinus infections. This is another type of mold that is typically found in perpetually damp/wet areas

Stachybotrys – commonly known as black mold. It’s dark green or black in color and has a slimy texture, and thrives in water damaged and chronically wet, humid basements and homes. It grows on wooden walls, paper and cardboard, too. It is toxic and causes adverse allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, sinus infection, persistent cough, fever, headaches, fatigue and depression. It is particularly harmful to children and infants
 

Trichoderma – an allergy type mold that is white with green patches. It is wooly in appearance and grows in clusters on wet or damp carpets, wallpaper, and upholstery. It also grows in air conditioners and HVAC systems. Some types of this mold have been linked to lung and liver infections. Trichoderma is extremely damaging to building material and if left untreated, will rot and crumble. It needs to be taken care of right away to prevent this destruction from happening

Ulocladium – thrives in wet/damp places, especially basements, and water damaged homes and buildings. It’s black in color and usually grows with other types of molds. It produces allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and difficulty breathing

Mold remediation is important because if left to continue to grow, the health consequences of mold exposure over time are detrimental. Respiratory and allergic reactions to mold include: Coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, sore throat, watery or dry eyes, headaches, and skin irritation. More toxic types of mold produce mycotoxins. They can be absorbed through the skin, airways or intestinal lining. Exposure to these toxins has been linked to pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary bleeding, cancer, immune and blood disorders, heart, liver, and kidney conditions, as well as pregnancy complications and neurotoxicity. Untreated mold growth on home surfaces, such as basement walls and flooring, results in major structural damage as well because; it eats through the surfaces where it grows.

To clean and remove mold from an area, our highly skilled and trained Interstate mold remediation specialists use special tools and equipment for this process. Because mold has so many health complications linked to it, it is important to use a professional. Protect the health of your greatest assets: your family and your home. Let an Interstate mold remediation specialist take care of all your mold remediation and removal needs today.

All Interstate services are carried out by expert crews with extensive experience. Interstate uses sustainable, eco-friendly materials and technologies for all maintenance and repair tasks. Our team is committed to exceeding client expectations by matching competitive pricing with unparalleled skill, premium materials and careful attention to detail. To schedule your free consultation, contact an Interstate representative at 908.756.8200!