When Your Carpet Has Mould
Mould- whenever it develops in the home, is a big problem. Its very nature causes it to damage the structure on which it grows, and also poses significant risks to the health of the persons on the premises. Mould produces spores that add to the allergen concentration, reducing the indoor air quality. There are species of mould that produce mycotoxins, further worsening the situation.
Common types of mould that can develop include Cladosporium, which thrives in both cold and warm conditions. From the fabrics to the upholsteries and carpets, it grows rapidly, and causes allergic reactions with the eyes, throat and nose, and even the skin. This mould is olive-green or brown coloured, and has a suede-like texture. With Fusarium, another mould species, it can cause skin infections upon exposure, and also triggers reactions ranging from itchy eyes and a running nose, to sore throats and dermatitis. Prolonged exposure will lead to adverse conditions such brain abscess. In fact, this mould can produce toxins that affect the nervous system, and issues like internal bleeding. Mucor is another allergenic mould, and it’s known for growing in thick patches. It presents in greyish or white colours, and develops rapidly. Exposure to Mucor affects the repository system, and worsens asthma conditions. With severe exposure, one may end up developing mucormycosis, an infection that affects the sinuses and lungs, and can even get to the brain.
Penicillin- easily distinguished but its velvety texture and green or blue coloured surface, is commonly found in businesses that have had water damage- and the carpet is not spared. This mould spreads from one section to the next quickly. While penicillin is an asset when it comes to producing antibiotics, having it growing in your carpeting will pose health risks to those in the building. It causes respiratory conditions like pulmonary inflammation, and prolonged exposure leads to chronic sinusitis. Persons with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk. Trichoderma- which has multiple subspecies, presents in a white colour with green patches. It develops in clusters that have a woolly texture and thrives in moist environments- such as when the carpet remains wet for too long. This mould comes with an enzyme that damages the carpet fabric, and will extend to other structures including wood and the wallpaper.
Signs Of Mould Growths In Your Carpet
Regardless of the type of mould, they all have one common thing: they love moisture. Their spores are light and travel through the air, and some end up getting filtered out by the fibres of the carpet. Here, they will simply wait for the right conditions for them to grow. They will grow rapidly on the damp sections of the carpet. How do you know that your unit is affected? Here are some of the signs:
- Musty odours
This is one of the common indicators that there are fungal growths in the establishment- and the carpet is a prime candidate. Though the musty odours are unpleasant, the property owner may have already become accustomed to the smell, as it develops over time. This means that the situation can get worse before they realise it. However, guests coming over will detect the difference, and bring this to your attention. Whichever the case, whenever you detect musty odours, it will be prudent to inspect the carpet for any damp spots.
- Increased allergic reactions
With more mould spores being released into the indoor air space, there will be more respiratory issues cropping up. Increased coughing, sneezing, breathing problems, and conditions like bronchitis getting worsened- these are an indication of the deteriorating quality of the indoor air space. There’s a good chance that there is mould contributing to it, putting your family members at risk.
- The carpet remained wet for too long
Whenever the carpet is left damp for more than a day, then it is highly susceptible to mould growths. It can be a case of spills that were left unattended to, issues like overwetting that are witnessed during the DIY carpet cleaning jobs, all through to cases of flooring- perhaps caused by issues with the plumbing, or roofing leaks during heavy downpours. It may been be an issue of rising damp from the subfloor. The carpets in the basement are some of the most commonly affected by this. Whichever the case, it is vital to have the underlying cause fixed, then have the carpet treated to remove the mould.
Usually, you already know what causes a stain. That coffee mug that was knocked over the breakfast table, that red wine that sloshed over the tip of the glass during your date with your significant other, the kids spilled some yoghurt or soda, nail polish that dripped onto the carpet, and even vomit incidences and urine accidents for those with pets. However, if you notice stains developing yet there hadn’t been a spill, then it’s likely to be a sign of mould growth. The stains come in all sorts of colours, with the common ones being green white and black spots. By the time it is getting to this point, the mould growth is already at an advanced stage. The colour is a result of the mould colony multiplying, which means that the stain will even get bigger.
- Carpet lifting
When there is mould growing underneath the carpet, it will cause the affected section to get lifted up. This, coupled with a coloured patch plus the damp smell, will be an indication that you have a mould problem that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
Call in the experts to deal with the mould growths in your carpet
With professional services, you get to restore the carpets in your home to their former glory. The sooner that you can get them attended to, the better it will be. Allowing the mould to continue growing unabated will result in extreme damage to your carpet, which will force you to have it replaced- where you’ll need to dig deeper into your wallet.
