Carpeting is the number one floor covering in most homes because it’s inexpensive, low maintenance, and provides comfort underfoot. Unfortunately, carpet can also harbor unwanted particles like dust and other allergens, including mold. This is a major problem for the greater Chicago area because of the high humidity in the region. Most homes in northern Illinois have basements (which are very prone to high moisture), and many are carpeted. This makes them a literal breeding ground for mold.
If you find mold growing in your carpet, it’s important to take care of it right away because it spreads over time, causing more problems and costing you more money to repair the damage or replace the carpet. Mold can also cause severe health issues if left unaddressed. Here is some more information to help you understand the problem of mold in carpet and what you can do to prevent or fix it.
How Does Mold Grow Under Carpet?
Mold is ubiquitous in the environment–even in your home–but you cannot see it when it’s in the air. Mold spores are so tiny that they are invisible to the naked eye. When these spores land on wet surfaces, they only require two other things to begin growing quickly, an organic food source and oxygen, both of which are found in carpeting.
When carpet gets wet from a flood or small leak, it attracts mold spores, and growth can occur quickly. Only a small amount of dampness is needed for mold spores to start spreading. If not handled properly and promptly, the mold will simply keep returning and multiplying underneath your carpeting.
Signs of a Moldy Carpet
If your carpet becomes wet and does not completely dry within 48 hours, carpet mold may already be a problem. If you notice any discoloration on your carpet or catch a musty whiff coming from it, it’s likely a sign of mold. There are many different types of mold, so its appearance greatly varies. Its color ranges from black and velvety in texture to white and fuzzy.
Keep in mind that just because you can’t see the mold, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Spotting mold in your carpeting isn’t as easy as seeing it on surfaces such as bathroom walls. Carpeting makes a good hiding place for mold. And while you may believe the carpet is unaffected, the padding beneath it could be. It’s hard to tell without professional help.
Moldy Carpet Prevention and Remediation
If a leak or flooding occurs in your home (regardless of your floor type, but especially for carpeted areas), your first action should be to hire a professional to properly remove standing water and dry out the affected area. If you do it yourself, you may not dry the carpet properly. You could leave moisture lingering underneath the surface and creating an environment perfect for mold growth.
Professionals are trained and equipped to dry out the carpeting with dehumidifiers and large fans. They can also discern if the moldy carpeting is salvageable or if it needs to be replaced to avoid the risk of mold growth.
Professional Mold Remediation Services
At McMahon Services, our mold remediation team is well-trained in removing mold from water damage. Our technicians are licensed, insured, bonded, and available 24/7 to address emergency repairs. They are experienced troubleshooters who can locate the source of the water, quickly make necessary repairs, and then begin the process of water removal and mold remediation.
The process of mold remediation starts with assessing the extent of the contamination. The technicians will then begin containing the mold by using machines called air scrubbers. They also use HEPA filters to help with extracting mold spores from the air. The crew will then use special chemicals to clean and remove mold from all surfaces, including the carpet. Lastly, McMahon Services will rebuild any structurally damaged components of your home that may have also been affected by mold.
If you discover mold in your home or business, you may think it’s easy to remove it yourself. However, it’s not worth the risk involved. To ensure you completely remove the mold and prevent it from coming back, contact the experts at McMahon Services. Let our professionals identify and repair the root cause and effectively clear your home or business of mold. We serve Chicago and the surrounding areas, including Arlington Heights, Berwyn, Des Plaines, Evanston, Mount Prospect, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Oak Park, Palatine, Wheaton, Naperville, Waukegan, Schaumburg, and Skokie. If you suspect mold, contact us for an estimate today.