Finding mold in your home is scary enough, but finding black mold can be even more terrifying. Chances are, you have heard that black mold is dangerous and you may fear for the safety of your family and pets. Here is what you need to know about home black mold:

What is Black Mold?

Some people think black mold is what results when "regular mold" gets really bad. This is actually not true. Mold does not go through different stages where it changes types or anything like that. Different types of mold spores will produce different types of mold - it is as simple as that. Black mold is a hazardous type of mold spores that can be particularly dangerous for people with compromised respiratory systems (like the elderly or those with asthma).

As you would expect, black mold is typically black in color, although it may be greenish as well. Unlike the mold that you would find on a loaf of old bread, black mold tends to be wet and slimy feeling, which is one reason people find it particularly gross.

Black mold in a home grows more slowly than other types of mold, but that does not mean that it is any less urgent to address. Black mold can grow pretty much anywhere in the US and is particularly content to grow on the types of materials routinely found in home construction and on the materials that make up the belongings inside of homes as well. For more information about how mold enters your home and begins growing, read "How Does Mold Spread?"

The most important thing that you should know about black mold is that you should never attempt to remove it yourself, even if it just seems like there is a small amount. Instead, call a local mold remediation company immediately to get an expert to diagnose the type of mold and handle the removal. The reason you want to leave this job to mold professionals is because they have the safety gear needed to remove mold without letting it spread and also, they can determine if the mold problem is more widespread than it seems.

Possible Black Mold Causes

The leading cause of mold is home water damage from leaking pipes, a burst pipe, or a flood. Black mold can be found just about anywhere in your home from your basement to your attic. If black mold gets into your air ducts, it can easily spread through your home. If black mold gets bad enough, it can end up causing damage to the structure of your home or your roof - both of which are very costly repairs later on!

It is always better to prevent mold growth from the beginning instead of having to get it removed once it has started growing. Here are some resources on preventing and fighting mold growth:
Tips for Fighting Mold Growth

Black Mold Removal

Having the black mold removed from your home is something that is best left to mold professionals, because even though mold remediation is not cheap, it can end up costing you much more down the road (both in terms of monetary cost and also health) if you try to remove it yourself.

How much does it cost to remove black mold? Read more about mold remediation costs.

Call the USA Water & Fire Restoration at 1 (800) 501-3046 if you suspect that you have black mold in your home. Our  mold remediation specialists will remove mold and restore your home so that you do not have to worry!

Additional resources:
Mold isn't that bad... or is it?
Is that mold in my home?
Things to know when fighting mold at home
Is mold removal expensive?
Mold removal costs for homes
Should I be concerned about finding black mold?
Why does my basement smell like that?
Does mold grow fast?
Do I need professional mold removal services?
How can I get rid of mold myself?
What's involved in basement mold removal?
How to know if I have mold in my attic
Finding professionals to remove black mold
How do I find a local mold removal company?
Are there mold cleaning products that work?
Life after mold and mildew
Who does basement mold removal?
How to clean up water damage mold
How does water damage cause mold growth?
Finding local mold remediation
Are mold and mildew removed the same way?
The challenges of mold removal
Finding local mold removal specialists
I need mold help!
Who cleans up mold?
Should I be concerned about black mold?
Finding home mold removal companies