Mold and mildew are like fungus siblings: they look a lot alike, and both prefer areas that are warm and moist. Yet there are important differences between the two, contrasts that both you and your tenants need to know to keep your Jamaica Plain rental properties spotless and shielded from harm. Through educating yourself on how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can additionally prevent a little problem from growing into an expensive nightmare.
There are lots of kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And the probability is high that your occupant doesn’t know much about mold or mildew, what it appears like, or what to do if they encounter it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is normally flat and powdery, frequently collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It may contain a bad smell, mostly if allowed to mature for a long time. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the renter with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Mold, however, is frequently more invasive and a lot harder to get rid of. It loves to hide in walls and ceilings, mainly those with high humidity levels or water damage. This can make mold hard to spot. Normally, the first clue that you have a mold problem is the smell. Mold smells musty, a foul odor that doesn’t vanish. Another sign of mold is the color. Molds can grow in a wide 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 sort of mold generally follows after considerable water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation or flooding. Though not everyone will get sick from toxic mold, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some people may feel physical indications right after exposure to this strain of mold, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
Immediately after this type of mold has taken effect, it can be difficult and expensive to get rid of. Firm surfaces can normally be disinfected using a bleach solution, though carpets, wallboard, cabinets, and furniture with mold growing on them must be completely replaced.
This means catching any potential problems early on extremely important. When it comes to mold problems, your first line of defense is your tenant. The best practice to remain on top of the mold is to help your tenant understand what they can do to mitigate mildew and mold growth.
Regrettably, 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. Should there be difficulties with water leaks, condensation or flooding, they should be corrected immediately to diminish the growth of mold. If mold is discovered in your rental home, the building undeniably has a significant problem with water or moisture that needs to be addressed. Just cleaning the property may not be sufficient if the circumstances that stimulated the mold to grow have not been fixed.
When you hire Real Property Management Boston, 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 catastrophic. Our crew of experts can assist you to prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Jamaica Plain rental homes, as well as guarantee that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Eager in a free assessment? Contact us online or call us promptly at 617-996-0708.
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