What You Need to Know About Mold
How to Identify It, Prevent It, and Safely Remove It

  Mold isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s a living organism that grows quietly in damp spaces and can cause serious damage to your property and your health. It’s more common than most people realize, especially after water leaks or in poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.

  Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, understanding mold and how to deal with it is key to maintaining a safe and livable space.

​

1. What Causes Mold?

Mold thrives in moist, warm environments. It often appears after:
 

• Leaking pipes or roof damage

 

• Flooding or poor drainage

 

• High humidity and poor ventilation

 

• Wet building materials left untreated

  Even small, slow leaks can create enough moisture behind walls or under flooring to allow mold to grow, often undetected for weeks or months.

​

2. Signs You Might Have Mold

  Some signs are obvious, like black or green growth on walls, ceilings, or furniture. Others are more subtle:

 

• Musty odors, especially in enclosed areas

 

• Warping or staining on walls or floors

 

• Worsening allergies or respiratory symptoms indoors

 

• Peeling paint or bubbling drywall

  Mold isn’t always visible. It can grow inside walls, behind cabinets, or in HVAC systems, where it spreads spores into the air.

​

3. Why Mold Is a Problem

  Besides damaging building materials, mold can affect indoor air quality and health, especially for people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems. Mold exposure can cause:
 

• Sneezing, coughing, and skin irritation

 

• Headaches and fatigue

 

• Chronic respiratory issues in severe cases

  Mold can also reduce property value and complicate real estate transactions if not properly treated and documented.

​

4. How Mold Remediation Works

  Professional mold remediation involves more than just cleaning surfaces with bleach. A typical process includes:
 

• Inspection & Moisture Detection – Identify the source of the mold and map out affected areas using thermal cameras or moisture meters.

 

• Containment – Seal off affected spaces with plastic sheeting and negative air machines to prevent spores from spreading.

 

• Removal – Use HEPA vacuums, antimicrobial treatments, and manual removal of damaged materials when needed.

 

• Air Filtration – Clean the air using industrial scrubbers and dehumidifiers.

 

• Clearance Testing – Optional but recommended, especially for property sales or rentals, to confirm the area is mold-free.

  At Mulliner, we handle the entire process and can provide documentation for insurance, property management records, or escrow.

​

5. Can You Prevent Mold?

  Yes. Prevention is easier and cheaper than remediation. Key steps include:
 

• Fix leaks quickly

 

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens

 

• Install dehumidifiers in damp basements

 

• Clean gutters and direct water away from the foundation

 

• Schedule regular property inspections, especially after storms or water events​

 

Final Thoughts

  Mold is manageable, but it needs to be addressed quickly and properly. Ignoring it or handling it the wrong way can lead to recurring issues and bigger problems later. If you suspect mold or just want peace of mind, reach out to schedule an inspection.