What is mold & black mold?
Molds are fungi that occur naturally in the environment. There are thousands of different species of mold. They vary in color and form, neither of which determines their level of harmfulness. Molds are very good for our environment, but become a problem when they grow in homes and buildings.

Why does black mold grow indoors?
Organic materials and moisture provide mold with the food it needs to grow. Your property is built from many of these materials that include: wood, sheet rock, drywall paper etc. and is an excellent source of nutrition for mold. Molds reproduce by making and releasing tiny airborne spores that drift through the air to find an ideal place to grow. When organic materials become wet and there is a lack of sufficient airflow in a building, it is possible for mold growth to develop. Aside from the potential health effects that can occur as a result of mold exposure, mold will compromise the structural integrity of your building. It will rot and deteriorate the building materials and can cause extensive property damage if it is not addressed properly.

What Causes Black Mold?

The most common cause of mold damage is water intrusion.

If you have had a water leak or a flood in your home recently or in the past, the mold concerns that you have currently, may be a direct result of this incident.

How can I confirm that I have a mold problem?

We understand that it’s difficult to determine whether you have a mold issue at your property. To help you assess your concern, here are the 5 most common indicators that are associated with mold damage:

1) Odor
2) Water stains
3) Visible mold growth
4) Structural damage
5) Flooring Damage

If you have experienced any of the above, you may have mold damage that needs to be investigated by a professional promptly.

Immediate Action is recommended because:
•Conditions worsen with time. The cost of repairs will increase significantly
•The quality of the air that you’re breathing may be compromised and could cause you to experience allergy-like symptoms, such as headaches, and other health issues
•Black Mold can compromise the structural integrity of your home/facility
•Black Mold can affect the value of your property

What kinds of health effects are associated with mold exposure?

The most common symptoms associated with mold exposure are:

•Irritation
•Allergy

What are the least common and most drastic effects associated with mold exposure?
•Infection
•Toxicosis

What levels of mold exposure are harmful?
The Environmental Protection Agency has yet to issue guidelines addressing airborne mold contamination levels. This stands to be a difficult task as each individual has different tolerances.

Mold usually has the greatest affect on people whose immune systems are compromised such as individuals that are suffering from cancer, HIV, etc., the elderly, people with asthma and allergies, or people whose immune system is still developing like young children. However, if you are a property manager, builder, landlord, realtor or a homeowner, do you want to take the chance of not addressing the issue if it arises in your building?

If you have concerns about your property, AM/PM Water Damage Restoration Services’s experienced and knowledgeable remediation technicians will determine if a viable mold issue exists. Once the extent of the damage is identified, we will provide you with an estimate to remove the mold. Once approved, we will remove the mold, facilitate air quality testing, and restore your property to its original condition. You will receive all of the necessary documentation to prove that the work was performed according to IICRC Industry Standards, and that the air quality inside your property has been restored.

We look forward to talking with you and addressing your concerns. Restore your piece of mind by filling out the form to the right or calling our 24-Hr. support line. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by dialing 602-862-9307.