When to Call a Mold Remediation Service

Mold can be a dangerous problem to have in a commercial building or a home. Mold is a type of fungus that is almost everywhere we are. It becomes a problem when it multiplies and grows on surfaces around where we live, work, and play. Mold remediation service specialists are experts in safely and effectively finding the source of problematic mold, removing it, and repairing the affected areas.

Mold becomes problematic when it releases millions of mold spores into the air. These mold spores can cause multiple health issues for the people living or working in the contaminated areas. Asthma attacks and allergic reactions can be triggered when the microscopic mold spores are inhaled through normal breathing. Those with a lowered immune system are especially susceptible to the negative effects of mold spores in the air. Mold remediation service specialists are experts at removing the mold in a contained manner that won’t release more spores into other areas of the building.

Mold also becomes a problem as it grows because it eats away at the surfaces it is growing on. Structural integrity becomes a problem with mold that has been left unchecked for a significant period of time. Wood and drywall can become so damaged that they need to be replaced completely. Mold remediation services are able to remove the mold and restore the structure appropriately.

Mold Thrives in Moisture-Rich Areas

Moisture builds up in sealed, poorly ventilated areas of buildings and provides the perfect breeding ground for mold to flourish. The most common places for mold to thrive in include damp, enclosed spaces with high humidity, like bathrooms. Flooding, leaky roofs, and leaky pipes can cause mold anywhere that may or may not be visible in day-to-day operations. Humid areas, like near unvented combustion appliances, are especially susceptible to mold. A mold remediation service can assist in locating the source of the mold problem.

When wet, the building material itself provides the nutrients that mold requires to multiply. Cellulose products, including wood, paper, and cardboard, are the perfect place for excessive moisture to lead to a mold problem. Even dust, paint, wallpaper, drywall, fabric, carpet, and insulation provide optimum conditions for mold growth when they are in damp or humid conditions. The mold consumes the nutrients in the surface it is growing on and, if left unchecked, will cause irreparable damage. Calling in a mold remediation service before the damage becomes severe is the best plan of action. A mold remediation service will be equipped to remove the mold and also to repair any damage the mold has caused.

Mold Remediation Services are Experienced and Equipped

Mold that covers more than 10 square feet requires a mold remediation service to completely and safely remove it. Most people do not have the knowledge or equipment to adequately and safely remove this amount of mold. A mold remediation service will also be equipped to fix the source of the moisture and any damage that has occurred to the structure.

When a mold remediation service is hired to assess and remove a mold issue, they first assess the damage. Mold can almost always be detected by sight or smell. If needed, a certified inspector may be utilized to collect air and surface samples. Once all of the information is gathered, the mold remediation service will develop a plan to resolve the issues.

Before mold removal begins, a mold remediation service builds a contamination barrier around the affected area in order to minimize the spread of airborne mold spores into other sections of the building.  Negative air pressure is also used to further reduce the spread of spores.

Mold remediation service specialists use a long list of specialized equipment, including portable air scrubbers, containment and dust barriers, airless foggers, HEPA vacuums, axial fans, air monitoring meters, insulation removal equipment, and various chemicals.  They are trained and experienced to remove problematic mold in a healthy and efficient manner.

Though some may attempt to remove major mold problems on their own, it is not recommended. A mold remediation service will be able to completely and safely remove the mold far more effectively and efficiently. They also fix the source of the moisture problem to ensure the mold does not return, and they repair the damaged surfaces to maintain structural integrity. A mold remediation service is experienced in all aspects of mold removal.