Common Mold Found In Chicago

Mold is a common concern for a lot of homeowners, particularly those that live in wetter or more humid environments. Mold can cause a number of health issues and can lead to structural problems that make a home unsafe or even completely unlivable. Dealing with a mold problem quickly is one of the best things that you can do for your home and your health, but how do you know that you have mold? 

Chicago mold inspectors can help you determine if you have a mold problem, but it can be beneficial to have an understanding of the mold issues that are plaguing your home in order to practice proper mold prevention in the future. Once you know the type of mold that you have, you can hire a Chicago mold removal company to help you take care of the problem safely. 

What Causes Mold?

First, you should consider what might have led to a mold issue in your home. There are three common types of issues that lead to mold growth, all of them related to moisture. 

Flooding

Chicago is situated at the end of beautiful Lake Michigan, which can experience rises and falls in lake elevation with heavier rains or dry spells during the year. Heavy rains and a close lake proximity make flooding a bit more common in Chicago. In addition to an excess of rain water, flooding can be caused by burst pipes, overflowing bathtubs, or sewage backups. Any flooding can lead to property damage, but mold is often an unforeseen consequence of such heavy water damage and improper water damage cleanup. 

Plumbing Issues

Leaks and overflows are not that uncommon for homeowners; they often come with the other negative things in life like unexpected bills or popped tires. A large plumbing issue can lead to flooding and a quick repair, but there could be smaller plumbing problems happening already that either aren’t being noticed or aren’t being addressed. A small leak in your pipeline might not be causing much water damage in the short term, but it could be creating a moisture rich space between the walls in which mold can take root and grow. And because of the leak in the plumbing, that mold could spread into your pipes. 

Water Intrusion

Water can penetrate door and window seals during heavy rains, particularly those in older homes. This is perhaps one of the most noticeable and easily addressed sources for mold growth found in Chicago and other parts of the midwest. 

Common Types of Mold In Chicago

Moisture in the home can lead to the growth of numerous types of mold, some of which are more likely to be found in hotter or colder weather. The most common types of mold we’ve run into in Chicago homes includes: 

Aspergillus

This type of mold appears like ground pepper in appearance, often appearing black and sometimes greenish in color. This mold is found around toilets or air ducts. Aspergillus can cause symptoms similar to an allergic reaction, including fever and mucus cough. 

Penicillium

This mold appears fuzzy and either green/blue or yellow in color. It also comes with a musty smell, which goes hand in hand with its common breeding areas like water damaged carpeting, rotten produce, or decaying plant matter. Penicillium is a respiratory irritant and is difficult to properly identify without testing. 

Alternaria

Commonly found outdoors, this black velvet textured mold can easily become airborne and make its way to warm wet places in your home. This mold clings to damp areas, harboring under sinks and along window sills, or clinging to houseplants and furniture. Alternaria can cause symptoms similar to an allergic reaction as well, like runny nose, sore throat, or skin rashes. 

Cladosporium

Another mold that is more common outside, Cladosporium can make its way into your wood or textiles in your home. It is olive or black in color and is usually found in basements, attics, or bathrooms of homes where it is more damp and warm. Itchy eyes, coughing, and cold symptoms are common when this mold is present. 

Stachybotrys

Also known as Black Mold, Stachybotrys has a greenish black appearance and can be either wet or dry. This type of mold has the most severe health risks, including causing internal bleeding and memory loss. Calling a professional mold extraction company is a must if you spot this mold. 

Call The Mold Professionals in Your Neighborhood

At Water Mold Fire Restoration of Chicago, we believe in taking a safe and comprehensive approach to mold restoration. We’re ready to help you make sure that your home is in the best condition possible with testing and remediation services available throughout Chicago! Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you alleviate mold problems or prevent them from starting in your property.