Any commercial or residential property can quickly become mold-infested with the gradual formation of an ideal environment due to long-term, overlooked water damage, such as a roof or plumbing leak. In as little as 48-72 hours, the infestation can spread throughout the property and contaminate every surface it touches, including walls, clothes, floors, books, and even toys, turning them into musty relics that need to be thrown away.

So, whether you’re dealing with white or black mold, both pose a threat to your structure’s integrity, prized possessions, and your health as well since they release allergens and irritants.

In this post, we’ll share the difference between white & black mold so you can call a home restoration service in Colorado Springs for timely mold remediation. 

What is Mold?

Molds are fungi that grow both indoors and outdoors. They’re destructive as they digest the surfaces/materials they grow on, such as wood, glass, fabric, paper, and plastic. Furthermore, they produce spores that can spread through the air and cause several health complications, including throat and eye irritation, cough, asthma, and nasal stuffiness. These fungi thrive in damp and warm environments that often develop in residential or commercial properties through a neglected water source, such as open windows, doorways, ventilation systems, wet apparel, and concealed plumbing lines.

What is White Mold?

White mold is a common powdery fungus that can grow in different colors, including green or grey, depending on the species. They’re typically found in high-moisture spaces in commercial or residential properties, such as restrooms, drains, crawl spaces, and basements. They only penetrate the surface of porous materials like wood and drywall, especially after long-term water damage. Long-term exposure to white mold can also cause more serious health issues, such as anxiety, dementia, and depression. The only good news is that it’s not as toxic as the black mold.

What is Black Mold?

Black molds or toxic molds commonly belong to the species Stachybotrys chartarum and can also be green in color. Unlike white mold, these fungi penetrate every surface they grow on and can cause more serious health risks, such as asthma, chronic sinus infections, and skin irritations, due to the neurotoxins present in them. However, they require a more stable, high-moisture environment, such as leaky pipes and sewage lines, to grow.

Difference Between White & Black Mold

All mold species share common characteristics, but they cause different risks to your health and your property’s structural integrity. Here are the key differences:

1.    Growth

White mold typically grows on damp organic material, such as wood, paper, and fabrics. This mold remains on the surface it grows on, and therefore, can be removed easily. In contrast, black mold can penetrate and spread beyond any surface they grow on, including walls, hardwood floors, glass, and plastic.

2.    Appearance

Black molds appear either black or greenish with a spread-out, irregular growth pattern. White mold typically appears white but can also be off-white, yellowish, and grey, depending on the species and conditions. Due to their flat growth, they form a more recognizable pattern.

3.    Health Effects

White molds produce spores that cause minor health complications, such as throat irritation and cough. However, long-term exposure can cause sore throat, headaches, and asthma. Black mold is neurotoxic and can cause issues, such as anxiety, seizures, aggression, brain fog, reduced cognitive functions, and even pulmonary edema.

4.    Removal/Remediation

White mold is typically a surface fungus, making its removal comparatively easier as it involves using commercially available cleaning chemicals. However, black mold remediation is a more extensive process that requires more caution and, preferably, professional intervention by a certified home restoration expert.

The Mold Remediation Process – A Brief Overview

Whether you’re dealing with white or black mold, here is how a team of home restoration experts in Colorado Springs identifies and eliminates the problem:

• Locate the contamination source, find the root cause, e.g., a pipe leak, and take measures to dry and repair the water damage.
• Assessing the mold damage for insurance coverage report.
• Separating and containing the mold to halt its growth through antifungal/antimicrobial treatments or negative air pressure.
• Capturing, filtering, and scrubbing aerial mold particles using an industrial scrubber.
• Gathering and disposing of all mold-infested materials.
• Deep cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing the property and possessions.

Renowned Mold Remediation Services – 911 Restoration of Colorado Springs

At 911 Restoration of Colorado Springs, we aim to create a safe and healthy environment for property owners by eliminating all real estate hazards. Mold, black or white, is a serious problem that threatens you, your family, valued possessions, and property. Therefore, you need a team of experienced remediation professionals that knows how to identify and eliminate mold at its source. We have the tools and equipment to assess your property and employ different strategies to eliminate the threat using EPA-registered projects.

Feel free to call us for more information regarding our mold remediation and water damage repair services.