Mold in the home is not only unsightly, but it can also contribute to health problems in people with asthma and allergies. While a professional mold inspection can tell for sure where the mold is located and what kind you’re dealing with, it helps to be able to identify it right off the bat. The following are a few different types of household mold and what you can look for if you suspect a problem. 

What Kind of Mold Do I Have in My Home?

1. Aspergillus 

With more than 185 species, aspergillus mold varies quite a bit in terms of color and appearance. Along with exacerbating allergy symptoms, it’s also associated with a condition called aspergillosis, which can cause serious allergic reactions and lung infections in people with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues. While this mold can be tough to identify visually due to its variety, an increase of allergy symptoms after water damage has occurred could point to mold growth. 

2. Acremonium 

Acremonium is often found within HVAC components, such as drain pans used for catching water runoff in cooling equipment. It ranges in color, sometimes appearing gray or white, while in other cases, it may look orange or pink. It’s considered a toxic mold, so mold inspection and remediation are crucial if you believe you have acremonium in your home. Proper maintenance of HVAC equipment can help prevent water leaks and stop mold from growing inside heating and cooling units. 

3. Chaetomium 

If your home has experienced massive water damage due to flooding or a burst pipe, chaetomium mold is likely to grow. This mold has a texture like cotton and will often start out white, only to change to gray and black over time. It’s associated with health problems, including skin infections. Stopping the source of the leak and removing water-logged materials is the best way to stop this mold from spreading. 

Mold inspections are crucial before buying or selling a home. They inform the buyer of any possible issues while providing the seller an opportunity to remedy mold issues before the real estate transaction is negatively impacted. A-Pro® Home Inspection performs comprehensive, top-to-bottom inspections of homes in Denver, CO. Their inspections cover 500 separate points, and when complete, you’ll receive a detailed report within a day of testing. Call (303) 875-7627 to schedule an inspection at your home or visit the website to read some frequently asked questions.