Mold and mildew are like fungus siblings: they can look a lot alike, and both prefer areas that are warm and moist. Though there are important differences between the two, there are variations that both you and your tenants need to know to make sure that your Eado rental properties are immaculate and guarded from danger. Aside from educating yourself on how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can also prevent a little problem from growing into an expensive nightmare.
There are countless assorted kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And there’s an expectation that your renter doesn’t know a lot about mold or mildew, what it appears to be, or what to do if they identify it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is naturally flat and powdery, normally collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can have a bad smell, particularly if permitted to grow for a long time. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the renter with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Mold, alternatively, is constantly more invasive and a lot harder to get rid of. It likes to hide in walls and ceilings, mostly in areas with high humidity levels or water damage. This can make mold hard to spot. Oftentimes, the first clue that you have a mold problem is the smell. Mold smells musty, a foul odor that doesn’t fade away. One more sign of mold is the color. Molds can emerge in a range of blacks, greens, and even reds, and may look fuzzy or sometimes slimy.
Toxic mold or Stachybotrys chartarum (also called Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that often grows on materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, and lint. It requires constant moisture to grow. This variety of mold frequently occurs after water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding. Even though not everyone will get sick from toxic mold, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that certain people may experience physical symptoms after exposure to this strain of mold, inclusive of respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
When this type of mold has established itself, it can be difficult and expensive to get rid of. Firm surfaces can commonly be washed with a bleach solution, but carpets, wallboard, cabinets, and furniture with mold growing on them must be completely replaced.
This makes catching any potential problems early on extremely important. When it comes to mold problems, your first line of defense is your tenant. The best course of action to keep on top of the mold is to help your tenant understand what they can do to mitigate mildew and mold growth.
Sadly, mold is tricky and you may not notice the early signs of a problem. This is why every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If any predicaments with water leaks, condensation, or flooding are encountered, they should be corrected immediately to reduce the growth of mold. If mold is encountered in your rental home, the property undoubtedly has a significant problem with water or moisture that needs to be addressed. Naturally, cleaning the property may not be sufficient if the environment that caused the mold to propagate has not yet been addressed.
When you hire Real Property Management Heritage, you’ll be taking advantage of our many services, including regular evaluations and comprehensive checks designed to catch and identify problem areas before they become problems. Our team of professionals can support you in preventing the spread of mold and mildew in your Eado rental homes, as well as make certain that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Eager for a free assessment? Contact us online or call us immediately at 832-708-8157.
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