Mold Remediation

Mold spores are everywhere, indoors and outdoors, and are simply part of life. In fact, outdoors, mold plays a vital role by breaking down dead organic matter, like fallen leaves or broken trees. But indoors, mold growth causes damage to your home and also has the potential to cause health problems.

Even the cleanest person in the world can still have mold problems. That is because homes often provide the ideal conditions for certain molds to thrive: warm temperatures, a source of food, and most of all, moisture.

Indoor mold growth can be prevented by controlling moisture. If you have mold growing in your home, you must clean it up and fix the water problem. If you clean up but don’t fix the cause of the moisture, the mold growth will likely come back.

Actually, no. Most mold commonly found in homes is not harmful to people. Still, certain types can cause allergic reactions such as runny nose, red eyes, sneezing,  skin irritation, and respiratory problems such as asthma attacks or lung inflammation.

The scariest of all, black mold, is not that common and only appears after several years of untreated moisture problems.

The real issue is that mold growth will keep expanding and gradually destroy the things they grow on, like drywall, furnishings, rugs, and drapery. The longer it grows, the more damage it will cause! So if you spot mold growth in your home, you need to act quickly.

That depends on a number of factors, but the most important is the size of the mold problem. The EPA recommends hiring a professional remediation company if the mold covers a surface of more than 10 square feet. But even if the growth area is small, you may still want to hire a mold remediation professional to find and repair the source of the moisture. Remember: cleaning the growth is not enough if you still have a water problem.

Other considerations to hiring a professional are:

• If you suspect that your HVAC system may be contaminated with mold.
• If the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or contaminated water.
• If you have health concerns that can be aggravated by mold exposure.
• If you detect a musty smell, but can’t see any mold growth. Hidden mold can accumulate behind drywall, ceiling paneling, wallpaper, under the carpet, and behind baseboards.

Moisture control is the key to mold control!

Here are some EPA  moisture and mold prevention and control tips:

• Clean water leaks and spills as soon as possible. If wet or damp materials are dried within 48 hours, mold doesn’t have a chance to grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Keep water from collecting around the foundation.
• Keep AC drip pans clean and drain lines unobstructed.
• Dry any condensation collecting on windows, walls, or pipes. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity, so consider using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
• Run an exhaust fan or open a window when showering, cooking, or using an appliance that produces moisture.
• Cover cold surfaces such as cold water pipes with insulation to prevent condensation.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and windows or running fans.