One of the most little known facts is that homeowners can have mold growing in the house without even knowing it. The fungi can flourish under floors, air conditioning systems, ductwork, and in basements and attics. There’s a myriad of naturally occurring mold in the environment that can be brought in your home on shoes, clothes, and other items, along with you, your children, and pets.

It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your house when mold spores are deposited in favorable surroundings, it begins to multiply. Mold requires a moist, dark place to grow and can infest your home and grow for weeks or even months before it’s discovered. Some of the most common locations and ways mold spreads through your home include the following:

• Air conditioning systems
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Clothes dryer vents
• Condensation
• Damp clothes left to dry in the house
• Ductwork
• Leaks from plumbing or water heaters
• Poor outdoor drainage
• Rook leaks
• Steam from showers and spas
• Ventilation from stove hood exhausts

Mold spores are extremely small, lightweight, and are present in the air. They can be circulated through ventilation systems, by ceiling fans, and ductwork as air conditioners blow cool air through your home. The fungi can be disseminated through your home through open doors and windows. Many of the cellulose-based materials that are routinely used in homes foster mold growth. Even the soil in potted plants can be a breeding ground for the fungi.

There are dozens of ways in which mold can spread throughout your home and for people with respiratory conditions, it can even be dangerous. If you suspect mold, engage the services of a professional mold remediation company. They will identify the exact type of mold that’s present, ensure no cross-contamination takes place, and address the fungi problem throughout your entire home.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Mold is naturally occurring everywhere in the world, but no one wants it in their home or commercial spaces. Individuals should never attempt to take care of a mold infestation on their own. It can make people very sick and without the proper safety precautions, it can easily be spread throughout the environment.

Mold easily grows in damp conditions. The first step is to determine where the moisture is coming from that’s spurring its growth and eliminate it. Common causes are wet basements, leaky water heaters or pipes, and leaks around windows or roof areas. The fungi can flourish in any location, even AC filters and ductwork.

The second step in mold remediation is to determine exactly what type of mold is growing by submitting it to a laboratory and having it professionally analyzed. There are more than a dozen different common fungi that can infect homes, workspaces, and commercial enterprises. The exact treatment will depend on the type of mold.

A professional mold remediation company will ascertain the area of growth and establish a plastic barrier to contain and isolate it from the adjoining area. A variety of precautions will be taken to ensure there’s no cross-contamination during the entire removal process.

Individuals don’t typically have to leave their homes during the process and businesses won’t have to suspend operations. An exception to that would be if the infestation was especially widespread and posed a hazard to pets or people.

Anti-microbial agents and negative air machines are just some of the tools and technology available to a professional mold remediation company. They’ll treat the area and stop further mold growth, ensure the safe removal of infected materials, and prevent infection of other areas. The professionals have access to methods that aren’t readily available to others and are specially trained in all available safety precautions.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Millions of people suffer the ill effects of mold growing in their homes and they’re not even aware of its existence. The potential for mold growth increases in humid climates such as South Florida and can affect your lungs, along with your eyes, nose, throat, and even your skin.

When you breathe in mold, it typically causes the same symptoms as an allergy. It can result in watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. You may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest, along with sore throat and worsening of any existing allergies or asthma.

Mold can generate symptoms ranging from mild to severe. When mold spores are inhaled, your immune system immediately begins working overtime trying to fight it. If you have a weakened or compromised immune system, you’re at greater risk and can even develop pneumonia that produces symptoms similar to the flu.

High humidity levels can make symptoms worse. Compounding the problem is the myriad of different types of mold to which you may be exposed. There are more than 100 varieties of the fungi, with about a dozen that you may typically come into contact in a home or work environment.

Mold is a highly adaptive fungus that can multiply in dark conditions with a humidity level of 50 percent or higher. It can flourish in basements, air conditioning systems, and ductwork. It grows behind walls, in attics when there’s a roof leak, and in carpet pads and carpeting. People that work in wineries, greenhouses, farming, bakeries, and carpentry are at increased risk.

If you have mold or suspect you have, don’t try to eradicate it yourself – you could only make it worse. Hire a professional mold remediation company. They have the ability to test and identify the exact type of mold that exists and take appropriate measures. They’re also skilled in removing it without contaminating other areas of your home.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Water damage from any source is cause to immediately contact the professionals to begin the restoration process. Mold, mildew, and bacteria begin to grow within a few hours and that timeframe can be accelerated in the humid conditions found in South Florida. When addressed immediately, many furnishings, equipment, and even electronics can be saved, sanitized, and restored to their previous state.

The same processes and procedures are applicable for damage to structures. The first 24-48 hours are a critical time for addressing water damage. Time is of the essence and the success of remediation efforts will be directly impacted by how quickly they’re initiated.

A leak behind walls and moisture that seeps under flooring is a health hazard in the making. The same is true when the water comes from the fire department when extinguishing a blaze or a hurricane that causes flooding. Just because moisture isn’t immediately visible, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and isn’t causing damage.

Any type of unwanted moisture that enters a home or business has the potential to damage the structural integrity of the building. It’s just one of the reasons why individuals should waste no time in contacting a professional restoration company that extracts the water and dries any applicable areas on the premises.

When the drying process is completed, they’ll be able to remediate the damage. The professionals will have the experience and expertise to remove wallboard and other affected materials in a manner that minimizes the potential for spreading spores and contaminating other areas.

The success of the drying process and remediation efforts require a fast response to minimize damage. Restoration and recovery professionals are able to access technology and equipment that home and business owners can’t, but are essential for addressing damage from any type of water damage and restoring property and possessions to their previous conditions.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Complications from mold exposure include nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, skin and/or eye irritation, and upper respiratory infection. Really, anyone who comes into contact with mold can experience these symptoms. However, there are groups of people who are at higher risk of developing more serious complications from mold exposure.

High-Risk Groups

It is believed that there are three types of people who are far more susceptible to mold exposure than others. Here are these groups.

1. People with respiratory problems like asthma, allergies, sinusitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This makes sense since mold causes breathing problems; those who already struggle to breathe are going to be more impacted by mold exposure.
2.  People who have a compromised immune system. This includes those with cancer and HIV.
3.  The very old or the very young, as well as pregnant woman, can be affected by exposure to mold spores. In young children their immune systems are still developing, so exposure to mold will have a greater impact on these immune systems. In older people their immune system is run down and likely already stressed by other things having to do with their age. This makes them much more susceptible to the symptoms that come with mold exposure.

These issues are not only limited to these groups of people, though. Anyone who comes into contact with mold can be harmfully affected.

If you are unsure if you are affected by allergies to mold, one sure-fire way is seeing if your symptoms subside when you leave the home or area where you experience these symptoms. It’s possible you could have an undetected mold problem that you’ll want to have addressed.

If you fall into any of the above risk groups and have been experiencing any symptoms of mold exposure, then contact your physician. It’s important to keep the areas that you are aware have mold clean and dry. Bathrooms and basements are often breeding grounds for mold, so make sure you address these areas of your home by creating better ventilation and removing the moisture from these areas. Clean and dust free are going to be your first steps in combating mold problems and the spores that might be negatively affecting you.

Those sensitive to the effects of mold should avoid things such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Indoors controlling humidity in the home will help to keep the mold at bay. Removing the mold that you can see from hard surfaces can be done with soap and water or with bleach mixed with water. If you use bleach, be sure that you are in a well-ventilated area and never mix bleach and ammonia.

Being proactive with the exposure to mold is what’s going to be the best defense against any mold complications you experience. Knowing that you’ll have to be more diligent if you or someone you know falls into the above risk categories is going to go a long way to keeping everyone breathing normally and healthy. So do what you can to limit your exposure to mold, even if you are not a part of the high-risk group for mold exposure.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Mold can be found anywhere. It will sometimes hide in the most unexpected places. Having said that, mold can only grow in areas where there’s moisture. Here is a list of places to look if you suspect that you may have mold in your home.

1. Chimneys – The spaces between the bricks collect water and dirt. This makes it a great place for mold to hide out. To remove the mold, replace any rusted caps and call a chimney sweep. They will be able to get the mold out of the chimney and they’ll also get any dangerous creosote. This will help your chimney to work properly.
2. Refrigerator Drip Pans – Underneath your fridge you’ll get a lot of moisture from spills and from condensation. This makes it a prime place for mold to collect and grow. To remove the mold, spray the pan with hydrogen peroxide. Then, wipe the pan clean with white vinegar. For best results, clean the floor underneath the refrigerator too.
3. Front Loading Washing Machines – The door of a front loading washing machine will get wet when in use. When it’s not in use and the door is closed, mold can and will collect on the door. To remove the mold, wipe the door and gasket before closing. If you see mold collecting, run some warm water with chlorine bleach. The mixture should kill any mold that has collected.
4. Window Seals – Condensation collects there and with the mixture of water and dirt, the windows are a great place for mold to multiply and grow. To remove, open the window after a heavy rain. Wipe the moisture from the windows. If the seals between the windows are failing, replace them. Cleaning your window on a regular basis will prevent the growth of mold.
5. Dishes – When you stack dishes that are still wet, it provides the perfect environment for mold to grow. To remove the mold, place the dishes in a dishwasher. You will want to wipe the cabinets with some vinegar to kill any mold that may be collecting there too. When done washing the dishes, dry them completely before putting away.
6. Air Conditioners – When running, these trap dirt and dust and then collect moisture from the air. This provides food and moisture for mold to grow. To remove the mold from your AC, remove the front plate and use a HEPA vacuum to get rid of the mold. Then, clean the drain pan with bleach and water.
7. Bathroom Tub – After taking a shower or bath, moisture has collected on the sides of the tub. This makes it a perfect place for mold to collect and grow. To remove, mix bleach and water in a spray bottle and spray it onto the affected area. Wipe off after a couple minutes.

If you think you have smelled mold in your home or if you suspect it may be in your home, these are good places to look. Mold can hide anywhere, which makes it hard to find. But just remember that mold can only grow where there is moisture for it to grow. If mold is found, remove it as soon as possible.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Did you know that some molds can be more poisonous to you and your body than pesticides? It has been shown that a large number of homes have mold in them; up to 25%. Everyone is at risk for mold poisoning. It doesn’t matter your age, gender, or the climate you live in – mold can be there.

Mold causes a bunch of different health issues. It can even be deadly, despite what some people say. Some people aren’t as sensitive to mold as others are, but mold does cause health issues. Some of these include:

• Rash – Some people are allergic to mold which can then cause a rash to appear on their body. In severe cases, mold can cause inflammation in your throat. It is not rare for mold to make rashes and hives appear.
• Cough – Mold spores are very light and travel by air. It is very easy for mold spores to be inhaled. When they are inhaled, it creates irritation in the lining of your throat, causing you to cough.
• Sore Throat – If you are allergic to mold, a sore throat is your body’s way of defending itself from the allergen. Your immune system sees the mold as a threat and your throat can inflame in response. Inhaling the mold spores can also cause a sore throat. The mold spores can cause irritation in your throat, lungs, and airways.
• Asthma – Mold doesn’t necessarily cause asthma, but mold can bring on asthma attacks in people with asthma. When exposed to mold, the person’s symptoms will get worse. You may experience more asthma attacks, a very tight chest, and the attacks will seem longer than usual.
• Fatigue – Exposure to mold can make it hard to breathe for people who have pneumonia or other respiratory problems. The difficulty in breathing can make you feel tired.

Some of these symptoms are very common if you’ve been exposed to mold. Others are more rare. Most people who have experienced an exposure to mold get a rash, cough, or a sore throat. It is very common for people with asthma to have an increase in asthma attacks. It’s not as common though for you to feel tired.

If you’ve been exposed to mold and are experiencing any persistent symptoms, or even if any of your symptoms are not listed here, you should go see a doctor. You will need immediate treatment and the quick eradication of the mold. It is very important that you listen to what your doctor tells you to do. People have died from too much exposure to mold.

Mold allergies vary in every person. Some people may not be affected at all. Others may experience year-round symptoms caused by mold, or they may only experience discomfort during certain times of the year. Usually those symptoms will occur in the wetter months.

In conclusion, mold can be dangerous to people of all ages. If you suspect that any of your symptoms are caused by mold you’ve come in contact with, alert your doctor.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Mold spores exist in every environment imaginable. The fungi usually only becomes a problem when it begins to multiply quickly and expansively. However, those with allergies and respiratory conditions may respond to it long before it becomes an obvious problem. The need to move out of a home will largely depend on the type of mold that’s infesting your home, personal preferences, and health considerations.

There are more than a dozen types of mold that can grow in homes. The vast majority aren’t dangerous unless someone has an underlying health issue or are especially sensitive. A mold remediation company will begin by determining the extent of the mold, taking a sample and having it identified in a lab, which will determine the specific treatment required.

A company specializing in mold detection, removal, and remediation will erect a plastic barrier to contain the area of mold to isolate it from the rest of the home. Special precautions will be taken during the treatment and removal process to ensure there’s no cross contamination to other areas. You typically don’t need to temporarily vacate your home while the work is being conducted.

Mold requires dampness to grow and can appear on window casings, pipes, in air conditioning filters, ductwork, and areas affected by roof leaks. It can live on paper products, in upholstery, carpet and drapes, and grows especially well in common home construction materials that includes wood, ceiling tiles, drywall, and insulation. Anyone that’s experienced home flooding will also find mold.

Your mold removal and remediation service will be able to completely and safely address any type of mold problem. Negative air machines and anti-microbial agents will be utilized to stop mold growth, remove existing infestations, and ensure other areas of the home aren’t contaminated.

With the equipment, techniques, and precautions that a professional remediation company has at its disposal, there’s no need to move out of your home while the problem is being addressed. The exception would be if the mold growth was so widespread that it wouldn’t be feasible to remain in the house while the professionals work.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

Mold grows in dark, moist and humid conditions. The spores are found indoors, outdoors, and some release mycotoxins that can make people sick and can even be deadly. The following are common molds and where they’re likely to be found.

Acremonium – Begins moist and turns into a fine powder that can be white, grey, orange or pink, found around window sealants, cooling coils, humidifiers, and drain pans

Alternaria – Dark gray-green on top and black underneath, found around sinks, showers, and outdoors where there’s little light

Aspergillus – Gray or blue-green on top and tan or white underneath, found in decaying vegetation, soil, compost piles, potted plants, air conditioner filters

Aureobasidium – Black or pink, found on siding, wood furniture, painted walls, and around windows and caulking

Chaetomium – Young colonies look white and cottony, with the mature color of olive or gray on top and red, tan, black or brown on the underside, found in basements, drywall with water damage, animal feces, and plant debris

Chladosporium – Can be gray-green, brown, or blackish-brown on top and black, blue-black or dark green on the bottom, found in older fabrics, carpeting, wooden cabinets and wood floors

Fusarium – Colors are bright and can appear white, yellow, brown, reddish or pink and found in fabrics, carpeted areas, and soil

Penicillium – Has a blue, green or yellow look and is found in carpeting, insulation, furnishings, water damaged furniture, compost piles and soil

Stachybotrys Chartarum – Toxic mold that can be black or greenish black, found in water-damaged gypsum board wallboard, paper, ductwork, attics, and air conditioning pipes

Serpula Lacrymans – Yellowish in color, grows only on wooden surfaces inside and outdoors

Trichoderma – White with scattered patches of yellow-green or blue-green, found in damp wallpaper, carpeting, rotting wood, soil, and in/around plants

Ulocladium – Black in color and found in buildings that have been water damaged, around windows, bathrooms, basements, kitchens

Some species of mold contain over 100 different varieties and it’s easy to confuse the different types of fungi without a professional analysis. If mold is suspected, it’s essential to call a professional that knows the appropriate protocols for dealing with specific varieties.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070 

When a leak is discovered, mold has usually already started growing. It’s essential to obtain the services of a professional that has the specialized experience, knowledge and equipment to remediate a mold problem. They also work directly with insurance companies for client convenience.

Mold is a type of fungus and any type of leak or flooding in warm, dark conditions provides the potential for any of a dozen different types of common molds to grow. Even excessive humidity levels can result in an overgrowth of mold. It eats away at building materials and can cause severe health problems. If not addressed, mold can even cause buildings to collapse.

It’s essential for the source of the leak to be eliminated before mold remediation begins. Two of the most important aspects of mold remediation are containment and removing the affected material safely to prevent its spread to other areas. There are very specific ways to handle mold that should only be attempted by a professional. They have protocols designed to prevent further contamination.

The process begins by obtaining samples of the infestation and identifying what type of mold is active through a lab analysis. There are 12 common fungi that grow in structures and some have the ability to evolve and change their appearance over time. Some produce allergic symptoms, while others are extremely toxic and can even be deadly.

A professional mold remediation company will design a detailed plan for eradicating the mold and seal off the area to prevent further contamination. Vacuums are used to remove the mold and the infected surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.

It’s important to understand that mold spores are microscopic and exist naturally within indoor and outdoor environments. Even when a structure has been certified clean, it’s possible for mold to grow again. The spores are carried by insects, on shoes and clothing, even by the wind. They’re as plentiful as pollen and when mold growth becomes a problem, the services of a professional are essential for health and safety.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070