Does My Tampa Home Need Microbial Contamination Cleaning?

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

What is mold?

Mold growing in your North Tampa home is a form of microbial contamination. Other types of microorganisms that affect a building are bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

Do I have mold in my home?

Mold growth can spread rapidly through a seed or spore. Mold spores come in many varieties, spread quickly, and can be invisible. This makes sense, because the word “microbial” refers to microbes, or microorganisms too small for the naked eye to see. So while mold can manifest itself in visible ways, some of it cannot be seen until many days after its initial contamination.

Mold spores can become an issue, regardless of geographical location, because microbial contamination may come from:

• outside rain water
• a flood
• a sewer disaster
• bat or bird fecal matter
• decaying animals
• plumbing failures
• a roof leak, etc.

Still, microbial growth is especially prone to areas with high humidity which happens because mold is living, relying on moisture to spread. When a mold spore lands on a piece of damp organic matter, it absorbs the matter and grows. Microbes can grow on dust in carpets, inside walls, on wood, on paper, in foods or insulation.

What to do if I notice mold?

In some cases of mold contamination, it may be necessary to remove structures (drywall, ceiling tiles, flooring) in order to allow access to the source. If toxic mold spreads, SERVPRO has many practical solutions for mold remediation. 

If you suspect microbial contamination, contact SERVPRO of North Tampa / Magdalene at (813) 694-9082 for 24/7 service.