How Can I Tell If I Have Black Mold?

Twin Home Experts have been removing inspecting & testing for Black mold for almost 32 years. When it comes to Identifying black mold, there is a lot of misconceptions and information that we would like to clarify in today’s post.

We will answer the most frequent questions we get here regarding black mold.

Starting with The number one question: HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BLACK MOLD?

Sarah A. Long Beach, CA.

Mold in general is typically black in color, this is why we get this question.

When there is black toxic mold present, active & growing, you’ll know by smell, and if your sensitive, you’ll feel symptoms like small headaches, itchy eyes, redness in the eyes, throat feels tight and lite coughing will occur.

This black mold is called Stachybotrys and it’s a genus of molds, hyphomycetes or asexually reproducing, filamentous fungi, now placed in the family Stachybotryaceae. Historically, it was considered closely related to the genus Memnoniella, because the spores are produced in slimy heads rather than in dry chains.

So one true way to determine is by air testing or direct sampling, then a mold lab will identify what it is for you. But, if you can see it, it’s very slimy in appearance.

If you want a  MOLD TESTING & REMEDIATION ESTIMATE call the Twins at (866) 544-0120.

Armen D. Glendale Ca.

The time it takes for Black mold removal, is all dependent on how severe the growth is, the location of it, what caused the mold to grow in the first place, sewer wastewater, or freshwater leak.

We have removed black mold in 4 hours for lite contamination, and up to 4 days for severe contamination.

Having the proper certified black mold removal agents makes the removal process safe and very effective.

Simon C. Burbank CA.

The investment to remove black mold removal is also dependent on the severity of it, the location, is it hidden in walls, crawl space, attic, inside HVAC & dusting system all dictate the cost for removal.

You can expect to pay a high of $9,800.00 to a low of $560.00 on an average.

Bill W. Santa Clarita CA.

You can always hire a third party mold inspector to verify. Always make sure you hire a Los Angeles black mold removal expert, you’ll see their work and they will provide you spectacular results giving you peace of mind.

They should also provide you a great warranty as well.

Jerry S. Pasadena CA.

All Molds grow in a damp wet environment, without moisture, mold cannot grow. We are big Believers here at the Twin Home Experts, to detect the moisture source always on every job if it has not been sourced yet.

If you hire a mold removal company, make sure they include that, as you don’t want to spend money on removal, then it return in days or weeks

Tara B. Thousand Oaks CA.

There are several ways to determine if you have mold inside your walls. You first need to know if there is moisture damage, or if you know there was a prior or current leak, you want to focus on those affected locations.

Some tools you Can use are an in-wall camera, or if you’re a DIYer you can make a small incision in the wall and inspect. Make sure you have a proper mask & gloves.

Here’s a quick trick using shaving cream when opening the wall, this method encapsulates any particulates, and dust fibers.

Cindy R. Altadena CA.

The cost for Inspection for mold can range on a few factors which include: The location of the areas that need to be inspected, the access to the areas, easy or difficult? Crawl space or attic? Does the inspection include testing or no testing? Does the inspection require a large report or small written report?

On average, you can expect to pay $125.00 to $450.00 * plus sampling If requested or required.

Melissa V. Los Angeles

The top 5 symptoms of black mold are :

1- Itchy red eyes

2- coughing

3- lethargic

4- bloody nose

5- wheezing

Bruce W. Woodland Hills Ca.

Living in a home with black mold is solely dependent on the severity of it, and the location. If it has migrated throughout the entire home and you have a weak or compromised immune system then absolutely not a good idea.

But, if the contamination is isolated to one or two rooms and not spread anywhere else, then there should be no reason to vacate. Just make sure you have those rooms contained and sealed so there is no risk in cross-contamination to other parts of your home.

CONCLUSION:

If you smelling a musty damp odor or feeling symptoms described in this post, and you are not seeing visible signs of mold, more than likely you have hidden mold growth.

you might be better off hiring a mold expert to get to the bottom of it for the safety of you, your family, and home.

Call the mold Twins today for more information, we’re here to help. (866) 544-0120

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