Mold and mildew may not be your typical invaders, but they can be just as sneaky—and potentially more dangerous! Mold and mildew are fungi, and they thrive in damp conditions. They attack your home quietly, happily breeding without you knowing and leaving you potentially exposed to health issues in the process. Although they sometimes get mixed up, mold and mildew are quite different in terms of their characteristics, behavior, and risks. Knowing the difference is critical in order to protect your property and your health!
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that is made up of multicellular units called hyphae. It usually has a fuzzy or slimy texture and can be a variety of colors, such as black, green, orange, and purple. Mold likes moisture and is found in areas that are wet or damp like crawlspaces, basements, attics, or bathrooms.
Mold grows on more than just walls and ceilings: It can be found on wood, textiles, drywall, and insulation. If your home has experienced any type of water intrusion recently, mold may already be growing behind surfaces or underneath flooring. If this describes your situation, then professional mold removal in Haddonfield, NJ provided by Safer Home Services LLC is a guaranteed way to reclaim a healthy living space.
What Is Mildew?
Mildew is a particular form of mold that behaves somewhat differently from most other molds. It can typically appear as white, gray, or yellow powdery or downy looking surface growth. Mildew grows flat and grows out over surfaces instead of penetrating surfaces like mold (which is why it’s usually found on or near surfaces that get moist regularly). Humid conditions help mildew flourish. You may find mildew on shower walls, fabrics that are discarded or left out when not fully dry, or window sills that are continuously wet. Mildew generally doesn’t grow deeper into the surface like mold does, so cleaning mildew may be easier but it should still be cleaned swiftly.
Persistent mildew that returns quickly may signal excess humidity or hidden moisture. If cleaning doesn’t eliminate the problem or you suspect hidden growth, a certified remediation firm such as Safer Home Services LLC can locate moisture sources, contain spores, and safely remove contaminated materials.
Mold vs Mildew: Key Differences
On the surface, it may be hard to tell mold and mildew apart, the differences become evident when you look at texture, growth patterns, and where they live.
| Mold | Mildew | |
| Appearance | Often black, green, or blue fuzzy/slimy growth | Generally powdery white or grey |
| Growth | Grows into an organic material extensively making it a destructive growth | Tends to stay on the surface |
| Smell | Has a very prominent musty odor | Has a lighter, less intense smell |
| Location | Found wherever moisture, organic material and stagnant air overlap. Commonly found in attics, crawlspaces, basements | Manifests itself more on window sills, the fabric of “wet” items, and tile or shower grout |
If your home has experienced a flood, roof leak, or burst pipe, calling the experts at Safer Home Services LLC for water damage restoration in Haddonfield, NJ, or surrounding areas, is essential to prevent both mold and mildew from taking root.
Health Concerns with Mold and Mildew
While both mildew and mold can cause health problems, those at most risk for adverse health effects include those with allergies, asthma, and those who are immunocompromised.
Health problems related to mold exposure include respiratory problems, sinus infections, chronic cough, fatigue, and rashes. Mildew is usually less severe than mold, but it can still worsen allergies and irritate the respiratory system. Some molds, like black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), release mycotoxins that may also be inhaled or come into contact with skin. In this case, it is not just an inconvenience but a serious health problem that will need attention from health care professionals.
Structural Risks
Aside from impacts to your health, mold and mildew can cause severe property damage. Mold consumes organic materials (such as wood and drywall) and threatens the structural integrity of your home. Mold can also damage flooring, furniture, and personal items. If moisture issues persist, as they can in basements and crawl spaces, property damage will likely worsen. Wherever moisture is a concern, including your basement or crawl space, being proactive and installing a vapor barrier in Cherry Hill, and surrounding locales, can help to prevent mold from growing.
How Safer Home Services LLC Can Help
Removing mold and mildew isn’t a do-it-yourself project. At Safer Home Services LLC, we provide mold inspection, testing, remediation, and water damage repair & restoration. We employ the use of high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging devices that help our technicians conduct a thorough inspection of visible, as well as hidden, areas of your home. The professional inspections of our certified technicians can detect mold hiding behind walls and before visible signs of mold or mildew occur so that removal and remediation can begin properly.
We won’t just remove the mold or mildew, we will address the moisture source that caused it too – whether that is high humidity due to poor ventilation, a hidden leak, or insufficient insulation, we can help. We offer a wide range of solutions for not just mold remediation, but for preventing mold with the installation of vapor barriers or replacing non-functioning sump pumps. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive, long-term solutions – not temporary fixes.
Don’t Guess: Get It Checked
If you’ve noticed suspicious stains, musty smells or had water damage recently, don’t hesitate to reach out. When mold or mildew is left untreated, it spreads farther, drives up remediation costs, and endangers both your property and your health. Call Safer Home Services LLC for an on-site inspection if you have any mold or mildew concerns. We will recommend the appropriate measures to protect your home and your health. Call us today to schedule your inspection. Peace of mind begins with a safer home!