Mold and mildew are like fungus siblings: they can look a lot alike, and both prefer areas that are warm and moist. Although there are important differences between the two, there are significant variations that you and your tenants need to know to be certain that your Gallatin County rental properties are kept in good condition and safe. Through educating yourself on the ways to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can better prevent a little problem from growing into an expensive nightmare.
There are several various kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. And expectations are that your tenant doesn’t understand much concerning mold or mildew, what its appearance is, or what to expect if they see it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is typically flat and powdery, always collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can exude a bad smell, mainly if left to thrive for a prolonged time. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the tenant with a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Mold, in comparison, is usually more hostile and a lot harder to get rid of. It chooses to hide in walls and ceilings, particularly those with high humidity levels or water damage. This can cause mold hard to spot. Ordinarily, the first clue that you have a mold problem is the smell. Mold smells musty, a foul odor that doesn’t go away. The other sign of mold is the color. Molds can appear 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 thrive. This sort of mold regularly ensues after substantial 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 some people may endure physical symptoms following exposure to this strain of mold, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
The instant this type of mold has started to develop, it can be quite difficult and expensive to get rid of. Tough surfaces can usually be cleaned with a bleach solution, although 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 most practical strategy to stay on top of the mold is to help your tenant understand what they can do to mitigate mildew and mold growth.
The truth is, mold is difficult, and you may not notice the early signs of a dilemma. This is why every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. The minute issues with water leaks, condensation, or flooding are determined, they should be corrected immediately to lessen the growth of mold. If mold is discovered in your rental home, the property undoubtedly has a significant problem with water or moisture that needs to be addressed. Just cleaning the property may not be sufficient if the environment that stimulated the mold to grow in the first place has not been fixed.
When you hire Real Property Management Bozeman, 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 team of experts can help you prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your Gallatin County rental homes, as well as ensure that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Are you excited to learn more and want a free assessment? Contact us online or call us directly at 406-586-2226.
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