Catalyst Mold Solutions

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...

One of the most common places for mold to form in your home is the bathroom. Due to the high levels of moisture in bathrooms, it's an ideal place for mold to take up residence. Today's blog from Catalyst Mold Solutions discusses a few tips that can help you keep your bathroom mold free! 1. Ensure Your Bathroom is Properly Ventilated.  Bathrooms that lack proper ventilation are especially prone to mold problems. Ideally, a bathroom should have ventilation from a window and a fan. Every time you take a bath or shower, you'll want to turn on a ventilation fan. Be sure to keep it on for at least 30 minutes after your shower or bath to ensure the excess moisture is removed. You might also consider using a dehumidifier in all areas of your home to ensure humidity levels stay low throughout your home.  2. Routinely Clean and Dry Your Bathroom.  Mold can grow on any and all surfaces in your bathroom. Common places include the sink and counters, inside the showe...

Mold likes to breed in moist areas of your home because it needs that moisture to get established, grow and reproduce. Longstanding moisture or high humidity conditions go hand in hand with mold. In order to prevent mold from growing in your home, you have to prevent that buildup of moisture. Today's blog focuses on some of the common breeding grounds for mold, those areas of your home that typically see quite a bit of moisture. 1. Improperly Flashed or Caulked Windows Windows often experience condensation, and when those windows aren't properly flashed or caulked, moisture can seep into the surrounding wood, drywall and insulation. 2. The Attic Near Air-Conditioning Duct Joints Air-conditioning ducts, especially those running through a hot attic, can create a moist environment perfect for mold growth. If those duct joints start leaking, that moisture build up in your attic can lead to mold. In the tropical environment of Florida, this is a common issue because air ...