After a major or even minor flooding, a great deal of damage can occur. However, the biggest threat after water damage is mold growth. Treating mold is one of the major concerns after flooding and most water damage restoration companies will focus on this first. Keep in mind, there is a number of mold species that can develop after a flooding. American Hometown Services will share more about the common types of mold that develop after water damage or flooding.

How Do I Know what Kind of Mold is in My House?

Alternaria – Alternaria is a common type of mold found growing indoors and is found in damp places. Most often, it is found in bathrooms, underneath sinks, and around leaking pipes. Alternaria is a type of mold that can spread quickly and is known to cause respiratory problems such as asthma attacks and allergies. Alternaria can be found in both homes and commercial buildings.
Aspergillus – Aspergillus is one of the more harmful types of mold that cause allergies and respiratory infections. One known respiratory infection that Aspergillus is known to cause is a health condition called pneumonitis, which is inflammation of the lungs. Aspergillus appears black in color. It forms in multiple spots and spreads very quickly.
Aureobasidium – Aureobasidium is a type of mold that typically grows and thrives in outdoor environments but will occasionally develop indoors. Aureobasidium is found growing on wooden surfaces as well as on wallpaper and paint. It’ll grow around window sills and along caulking glues. Aureobasidium is more commonly pink in color but it can also appear black. When Aureobasidium develops inside the home, it is in hot humid areas such as laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Botrytis – Botrytis is a type of mold that develops in hot humid places like bathrooms and laundry rooms with bad ventilation. Botrytis is also known to cause allergic reactions and asthma.
Chaetomium – Chaetomium is one of the most common types of mold found on drywall, in carpets, and around window frames after water exposure. Chaetomium is easily discovered with its strong musty smell.
Cladosporium – Cladosporium is the mold that appears most in homes. Cladosporium develops in warm humid environments as well as cool. Cladosporium will grow in fabrics, carpet, and wooden surfaces. Cladosporium can cause serious health problems that may require medical attention.
Penicillium – Penicillium develops indoors when there was a lot of water damage or exposure. Penicillium will grow on any surface after water damage such as furniture, carpet, beds, drywall, wood, insulation and tile. Over exposure to Penicillium cause several different kinds of medical problems such as allergies, chronic sinus infections, inflammation of the lungs and can also trigger asthma attacks. Penicillium has a green or blue coloring.
Stachybotrys Chartarum – Stachybotrys Chartarum or better known as Black Mold has a black slimy appearance and produces a musty odor. Stachybotrys Chartarum produces spores that are a toxic compound which becomes a serious threat. These spores can cause chronic sinus infections, allergic reactions, breathing problems, asthma attacks, fatigue and even depression in humans.

Mold Remediation & More in Quincy, Macomb, Hamilton, Warsaw & East Alton Illinois | Hannibal, Missouri

When water damage or flooding occurs, it is important to seek professional treatment to not only repair the water damage but insure that possible threat of mold is prevented. If you have experienced a flooding or water damage in your home, contact American Hometown Services.