Quick Reference Guide

Difference between Bacteria and Mold?

The main difference is Molds are Fungi, and Bacteria is not: Fungi have a proper nucleus in their cells and bacteria does not. Bacteria is genetically unrelated and different than Mold and Mildew because they are single-celled living organisms that exist in our bodies, water, soil, foods we eat and most surfaces we touch. They are Single-Cell tiny living organisms-(microorganisms) that are neither plants nor animals and belong to a group all by themselves.

Definition of Mold, Mildew and Fungus

Mold, Mildew and Fungus are microscopic multi-cell fungi that have a proper nucleus and absorb nutrients from the environment their located in for survival and reproduction growth. Fungal cells are complex while bacterial cells are simple. Fungi have structures in their cells such as mitochondria which bacteria do not have. Black Mold (Gloeocapsa Magma Cuanobacteria) is a Photosynthesizing Bacterial Fungi (Not a Surface Bacteria) that has a proper cell nucleus which allows it to quickly develop and flourish in a moisture rich environment. It also in the presence of strong sunlight will form a Dark Black Green shell around itself for protection against the suns ultra-violet rays. Mold Growth Requires Moisture, Bacteria Does Not!

Algae, Mildew and Fungus Infestations

Are significantly on the Rise throughout the U.S and top the list of known allergy irritants and can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, skin inflammation, wheezing or coughing and in some severe cases debilitating Many times property owners don’t realize what’s actually growing on the exterior surfaces of their homes or buildings and the potential damage it can create.

Gloeocapsa Magma

Is the main culprit for the majority of Black Roof Stains / Streaks throughout the U.S. They are living growing cells that can survive the harshest environmental conditions and will eventually decompose in stages creating acidic waste run-off in order to produce new growth. The first signs of infestations will appear on the North Slope where shade and moisture are prevalent the majority of the time. Early stages Roof Algae are completely invisible to the naked eye, but slowly over a period of time will become visible when it has reached advanced stages of infestation. If you see can signs of Black Staining on any section of the roof, it means the entire roof has been infected. “The Formula is Simple Moisture leads to Algae, Mildew, and Moss then to Decay and If Left Un- Treated this Mini On-Going Eco System Will Sooner or Later lead to Construction Material Failure”

Sooty Mold

You can get the upper hand on sooty mold by stopping it before it starts. Understanding how a problem starts can save time and effort in trying to control it. Sooty mold is a black-colored growth that can completely cover roofs, sidewalks, driveways or any exterior exposed surface. It feeds on a material called honeydew which is the excess sugary sap that’s excreted by aphids and whiteflies. There’s not a lot that can be done to prevent sooty mold when aphids are feeding in the tree with honeydew dropping onto the surfaces below the tree. Unless you’re looking close, it can be difficult to see these insects on the vegetation. You can’t depend on seeing portions of leaves eaten away because aphids and whiteflies don’t have the ability to chew. Roofs, sidewalks or driveways located under large trees are the most likely candidates to have problems with sooty mold. The most effective way to control sooty mold is to stop it before it gets started and the way to do that is to keep the aphid and the whitefly at bay.

Tannin Stains

Is the leaching of water soluble tannins from decaying vegetation, typically leaves, fruit or flowers.

Asphalt Shingles

Are protected from destructive UV rays by the use of Lime-Stone Granules that are glued to the shingle surface, but they cultivate Algae growth. When Asphalt Shingles become infected with Algae it will spread, continue to grow, expand in size and release the protective granules from the surface exposing the petroleum underlayment base to the Suns UV Rays reducing the life expectancy of the shingle dramatically.

Sick Building Syndrome

Is a condition when Algae or Mildew have become troublesome in commercial, institutional, medical or industrial buildings. HVAC units draw fresh air from roof tops infected with microbial bacterium and sooner or later discharge those active spores throughout the entire building creating a breeding ground for pathogens and ultimately lead to health issues.

Black Gutter Streaks

In most cases black gutter streaks are more than mold and a sign of a chemical reaction that’s occurring when particles of asphalt or tar from roofing material underlayment have become chemically bonded to gutter surfaces and require the use of Eco Mold Go Gutter Clean.

Know the difference between Household Bleach and Chlorine

Household Bleach is 6% Sodium Hypochlorite.

Liquid Chlorine: Is a stronger yellow liquid chemically identical to bleach but with an average Sodium Hypochlorite content of 10-15% and a high PH.

Medical Concerns: Sodium Hypochlorite is a Neurotoxin and prolong breathing of vapors have been shown to interfere with brain functions, aggravate heart conditions and a suspected link to reproductive disorders.

Does Bleach or Chlorine Really Kill Mold?

Chlorine or Bleach is generally perceived to be an accepted answer to abate mold and well-intentioned recommendations of health departments and other state and local agencies that perpetuated that belief. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) who once recommended using chlorine-bleach for mold abatement was the first federal agency to discontinue recommending the use of liquid-bleach for mold removal. Subsequently the Environmental Protection Agency edited their Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home to exclude the once recommended use of liquid bleach as a mold cleaning agent. Independent laboratories show 3/4 cup of liquid bleach per gallon of water is an effective way to disinfect disease carrying bacterium on Hard Non-Porous Surfaces (i.e. Kitchen and Bathroom Surfaces) but totally inadequate in most cases for removal of mold, mildew and fungus microbes.

The Use of Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate, Algaecides, Fungicides or Zinc Sulfate

As a treatment strategy for exterior mold removal they only address Surface Symptoms. Totally ineffective in penetrating the systemic root line for embedded cell removal and leaves the entrenched root system behind to quickly regenerate. Limited Mold Removal Success.

The Use of Caustic Acid, Peroxide or Sodium Hydroxide

Bleaches the surface and leaves the entrenched root system behind to quickly regenerate. Destructive and short lived.

What Does the Word Biocide Really Mean, Simply Anything That Can Kill or Suppress Harmful Organisms That Can Cause Damage to Natural or Manufactured Materials.

Biocides can be a Pesticide, Fungicide, Herbicide, Insecticide, Algaecide, Molluscicides, Miticide, Rodenticide or Germicides.

Water Repellents, Sealers or Coatings

There’s no clinical evidence supporting claims or beneficial effects of Roof Water Repellents, Sealers or Coatings in the Prevention of Mold Biofilm Contamination on the Exposed Treated Surfaces Long Term. Simply the exposed surface will Naturally Develop Mold Infestations like any other exposed surface over a period of time.