Catalyst Mold Solutions

Mold affects more homes and businesses than you might think, especially in the hot, humid climate of Southwest Florida. Mold can be harmful to your health and your home. Since mold is not uncommon, we feel everyone should have some basic knowledge of this fungus. Keep reading to learn some mold facts from the best mold remediation company in Cape Coral . Interesting Facts About Home Mold  1. Contrary to popular belief, bleach does not kill mold. Mold will typically grow back within weeks of being sprayed with bleach. If you have a mold problem, you should call a professional mold company in Southwest Florida to come address the issue. 2. Exposure to mold has been linked to everyday sickness and symptoms such as sinus infections, cold/flu like symptoms, headache and memory loss. 3. Dead mold spores can still cause health problems. 4. Long-term exposure to mold has been linked to a variety of health issues including: pregnancy miscarriages, Multiple Sclerosis, asthma, a...

Technology advances have changed the way our homes operate. From voice activated lights to smart-phone controlled thermostats, we've taken being comfortable in our homes to a whole new level. One big advance is in more energy-efficient homes. While they're great for cutting down on your electric bill, there are some disadvantages. Unfortunately, these energy efficient homes don't help with mold prevention in Southwest Florida. Energy-Efficient Homes  Who doesn't want to conserve more energy? It lowers your utility bills and makes it easier to keep your home at your desired temperature level. These "energy-efficient" homes are very well-insulated to help keep the heat or cold from escaping outside. The only problem is that sometimes that insulation does it's job too well. Having better insulation comes with the price of poor ventilation. Moisture Control  In a regular home, air circulation allows for any accumulated moisture to dry pretty quickl...

One common question that people ask about mold is if the mold that grows on your food is the same as the mold that grows in your home. The answer isn't quite a simple yes or no. There are over 100,000 different species of mold. Not all food mold is the same type of mold, and neither is the mold growing in buildings. Keep reading to learn about the similarities and differences between food mold and household mold. Food Mold  You see something green and fuzzy on your food and your first instinct is to throw it away. Mold on food is rarely a good thing. Mold spores are in the air all the time, and when one falls on a piece of food, it searches for water and nutrients to feed off of. As the spore takes root, it begins to multiply and spread quickly on the surface. Food mold feeds itself by releasing chemicals that break down the food, making it rot. In some cases, mold can form in a matter of 12-24 hours. Other times it can take weeks. Not all food mold is the same type of mold ...

Improper air ventilation in your home can lead to a variety of problems, including mold growth. Ventilation is key to controlling the humidity in your home, and the humidity levels are directly related to mold growth, as mold need moisture to thrive. Keep reading to learn more about proper air ventilation in your home from the best mold remediation company in Cape Coral . Ventilation and Moisture  Well-ventilated homes ensure that the air is constantly moving. The vents also push the air outdoors. This allows the air to escape rather than building up in the home. If the air can't escape, the moisture in the air can condense on surfaces, creating a moisture-filled environment perfect for mold to grow in. Moisture control is the most important thing you can do to prevent mold from taking up residence in your home. Signs of Improper Ventilation  Understanding how your home is ventilated is key for preventing mold growth in your home. Some signs you can watch for that ...

The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season is upon us, and that means properties across Southwest Florida are at high risk for flooding. It doesn't take much water to cause flood damage in your home, and flood damaged homes are prone to mold growth. Keep reading to learn more about hurricanes and flooding from your local Southwest Florida mold company .  Hurricanes in Southwest Florida The destruction that Hurricane Irma caused is still fresh in our minds. In fact, some people are still repairing damages caused by this major hurricane. However, it doesn't take a full force hurricane to cause damage to our homes here in Southwest Florida. Tropical storms and even just heavy rain showers, which we experience a lot of this time of year, can cause flooding. When those flood waters get into our homes, even if it's just an inch of water, damage can occur and mold can develop.  Flood Zones in Florida While flood insurance is only required for homes in certain flood zon...

Of all the places in your home that mold can grow, your basement is one of the most common. It's dark and damp down there, making it the perfect place for mold to start growing. The best way to prevent mold in your basement is to control the humidity and moisture down there. This can be something you don't really think about if you don't spend much time in your basement. Ways to Prevent Mold in Your Basement  Catalyst Mold  is here to help by providing you with a list of things you can do to prevent mold growth in your basement. 1. Use a Dehumidifier in the Basement.  High humidity levels create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Be sure to monitor the humidity level in your basement, and consider using a dehumidifier to keep high humidity levels under control. Keeping your basement's humidity levels in check is one of the best things you can do to prevent mold in your home. 2. Reduce Basement Clutter and Congestion.  Often times the basement be...

You likely don't give mold much thought other than getting rid of it. Mold is actually much more complex and interesting than it may seem. Today's blog from Southwest Florida's best mold company offers some fun facts about mold that you may not know! Mold Fun Facts  How many of these mold facts have you heard before? Mold is just one in 200,000 fungal species, and there are more than 100,000 individual species of mold.  Only 5 of the 100,000 species of mold are found indoors.  Outdoors, mold exists nearly everywhere!  Mold has to have moisture to thrive.  Mold can start growing in less than two days in the right conditions.  While mold and mildew are related, they are not the same thing. Mildew only grows on surfaces, and is easier to eliminate than mold.  Mold is very colorful, and while we see a lot of black mold, it can be white, orange or green as well.  Mold constantly multiplies to live and that drive allows the fungus to...

From the black spots on your shower curtain to the fuzzy white patches on your basement floor, indoor mold can come in a variety of forms. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also make you sick. Some people experience symptoms worse than others, especially if they have allergies or asthma. However, some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Keep reading to learn more about how mold in your home could be making you sick. Mold Exposure Symptoms Mold often goes undetected, as it can easily grow behind walls or in dark, damp basements that aren't used much. Whether you're allergic to mold or not, it can cause irritation to your eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and can't figure out the cause, you might consider having a Southwest Florida mold test conducted. Mold could be the reason for your sickness. Mold Sensitivities and Allergies  For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause ...

When you have a mold problem in your home, it's important to address the problem immediately. You want to keep the mold from spreading throughout the structure of your home and you also want to protect your family from the health issues associated with mold. When it comes to Florida mold removal , you want a professional you can trust. Today's blog offers some tips for choosing the best mold remediation contractor in Florida for the job. Be sure to ask these questions before hiring a contractor. 1. Is the Company Licensed?  One of the first things you'll want to make sure of before you hire someone for mold remediation is that they have a license to do so. Ask for proof of licensing and make sure the company you're working with is legitimate.  Catalyst Mold Solutions is your state certified mold remediator and assessor servings the state of Florida. Our state license numbers are: MRSR 1536, MRSA 2136. 2. Is the Company Insured?  Every business needs to c...

While the bathroom might be the most common place for moisture to lead to mold growth, the kitchen is also an area to keep an eye on. From the kitchen sink to the refrigerator and dishwasher, there's a lot of water in your kitchen. Keep reading to learn about some of the ways you can prevent mold growth in your kitchen. Fixing Water Leaks  In your kitchen, there are several places where a leak can form. The pipes under your sink are a common place for leaks to occur. You could also experience a leak in the hoses that connect your water source to your refrigerator or dishwasher. To prevent water leaks in your kitchen, its important to regularly inspect these areas for signs of leaks. If you notice a leak, you'll want to address the moisture problem immediately. If your refrigerator or dishwasher needs maintenance or repairs, don't delay. Mold needs moisture in order to thrive. Get rid of the moisture to get rid of the mold threat. Addressing Poor Ventilation Wh...

The rainy season is quickly approaching, and along with it comes increased flood risks across Florida. Now's the time for homeowners to prepare for the possibility of flooding. Mitigation plans that are put in place now can protect your home from not only water damage, but also mold. Floods are one of the most common causes of mold in homes, since mold thrives in wet environments. When a home floods and that water is not immediately addressed, mold can easily develop.  Preventing Mold After a Flood  If your home has been affected by flooding, it's important that you take the time to thoroughly clean and dry out the area so that problems don't arise later that can affect your home and your health. Mold can become a problem in your home if there's enough moisture available to allow mold spores to thrive and multiply. Dampness in basements, walls, carpet and wood after a flood provides an environment for mold to flourish.  Mold can start to grow aft...

You've got mold in your home. You called a professional mold company in Cape Coral . Now what? When it comes to removing mold from your home, there are several different steps that a Florida mold remediation company will take. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during the mold remediation process. 1. Assess the Situation.  The first step in the mold remediation process is to assess the situation. Where is the mold located? How big of an area has it affected? Once your mold professional has seen the area, a plan can be made for how to proceed. Depending on how large the affected area is, a different approach to remediation will be used. In some major cases, the family may need to relocate while the project is being completed. 2. Remove the Mold.  Any wet or mold-damaged porous material will need to be removed. If mold has taken up residence on a piece of drywall or sheet rock, that material will need to be removed. Sometimes the mold is contained to a s...

Mold is something that no one wants to have growing in their home. In most cases, mold is hidden from plain sight, so how do you know when you might have a problem? Today's blog from Catalyst Mold Solutions offers some signs that indicate you might want to hire someone to conduct a Florida mold inspection in your home. 1. Is That Mold?  If you think you see mold in your home, but aren't quite sure if it's actually mold or not, consider a mold inspection. A professional mold company in Florida will be able to determine if mold is your problem, and if it is, they will be able to get rid of it for you. 2. What's that Smell?  If you smell a musty odor, it could possibly be mold. If you don't see any visible mold, it could be hiding behind the walls, under the carpet, etc. Mold testing can identify if mold really is the issue causing that musty smell in your home. 3. Why Do I Feel Sick? One common issue with mold is that people experience allergy sym...

Have you heard the term "toxic black mold"? Ooh...scary, right? Unfortunately, this is one of the most common myths revolving around mold. There's actually no scientific evidence to the term "toxic black mold." It's just a term made up by the media to exaggerate the reality of mold growth. (Not that it's good by any means.) The truth is, that while there is "black mold", 20,000 different species in fact, Stachybotrys, the “toxic black mold” of most concern, is not always toxic. Keep reading to learn more about this mold myth from Catalyst Mold Solutions . Toxic Black Mold  Scientifically, there's no mold genera or species that is called "black mold" or "toxic black mold." As mentioned before, there are approximately 20,000 species of mold that are black in color. Stachybotrys, the species of "black mold" of most concern, is not always toxic. Most species of mold actually appear green, brown, orange, whit...

With all the rain and tropical storms we experience here in Florida, mold is a common issue among homes in this area. Unfortunately, mold removal is not any easy task and should be done by a professional. Depending on the severity of the mold problem, this can be an expensive process. Does your insurance cover Florida mold remediation ? Now's the time to find out! Homeowners Insurance Not all homeowners insurance policies are alike. Therefore, it's important that you don't just assume you're covered, only to find out your not when an issue arises. Mold is a tricky subject when it comes to insurance, but there are some instances where it could be covered. Generally, when the cause of mold is due to an incident that is covered by your homeowners policy, the mold removal will be covered as well. For example, if mold growth is the result of a burst pipe, your homeowners policy will likely cover all damages associated with that incident. However, if mold has grow...

One common place for mold to develop is in the carpet. Carpet mold can be difficult to detect, as it can easily thrive underneath the surface. Keep reading to learn about some of the signs of carpet mold that you can look for. 1. A Musty Smell.  Often times you'll be able to smell mold before you ever see it. A musty odor coming from your carpet is definitely a sign you should check your carpet for mold. While you might not notice a musty smell because you're in your home all the time, outside visitors might. If anyone comments that they smell a musty odor when at your home, you might check for mold. It could be growing underneath the carpet where you can't see it. 2. Increased Allergies.  One of the first signs of mold can be an increase in allergy symptoms. Carpet mold can lead to a variety of health problems such as breathing trouble, asthma and bronchitis. If you notice higher incidences of these conditions among your family members, you could have a carpet m...