Mold and mildew are like fungus siblings: they can look a lot alike, and both prefer areas that are warm and moist. Even though there are important differences between the two, there are also distinctions that both you and your tenants need to know to keep your Plano rental properties sanitary and protected. By educating yourself on how to spot the difference between toxic mold and mildew, you can then prevent a little problem from growing into an expensive nightmare.
There are various kinds of mold and mildew, most of which are not considered toxic or poisonous. Your tenant probably doesn’t recognize mold or mildew, what it appears like, or what to do if they locate it. Mildew, for example, is a common surface fungus that usually looks gray or white. It is mostly flat and powdery, constantly collecting in bathrooms or other areas that are frequently damp. It can create a bad smell, particularly if the tenants let it germinate for a long time. Mildew can usually be removed quite easily by the tenant using a bleach solution and a scrub brush.
Mold, on the other hand, is normally more invasive and a lot harder to get rid of. It fancies hiding in walls and ceilings, particularly 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 signal that there is mold is the color. Molds can spread in an assortment 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 bloom. This sort of mold commonly develops after substantial water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding. Nevertheless, not everyone will get sick from toxic mold, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that some people may suffer physical illness once they’re exposed to this strain of mold, counting respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, infections, and even asthma.
The minute that this type of mold has developed, it can be difficult and expensive to get rid of. Robust exteriors can easily 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 approach to remain on top of the mold is to help your tenant understand what they can do to mitigate mildew and mold growth.
Lamentably, mold is tricky and you may not notice the early signs of trouble. This is why every rental home’s routine maintenance should include regular checks for evidence of water damage and mold. If any concerns with water leaks, condensation, or flooding are identified, they should be corrected immediately to curtail the growth of mold. If mold is identified in your rental home, the property evidently has a significant problem with water or moisture that needs to be addressed. Merely cleaning the property may not be sufficient if the surrounding areas that allowed the mold to develop at the beginning have not been fixed.
When you hire Real Property Management One Source, 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 alliance of specialists can support you in preventing the spread of mold and mildew in your Plano rental homes, as well as establish that you are informed of the risks and remedies involved. Curious in a free assessment? Contact us online or call us quickly at 214-721-0727
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