The Different Causes Of Mold
There are different types of mold. They grow on different surfaces and have equally diverse incubation periods, depending on humidity and ambient temperature. For example, both the dark, green growth on the damp wall in your bathroom and the soft, green overgrowth on a stale piece of bread or a pizza represent fungal colonies. But each is inherently a different type of mold. If you are looking for mold inspection, you need to look for the right mold removal services.
Where To Look For Mold In Your Home
There are some areas in your home that are more susceptible and vulnerable to mold growth than others. It is best to know what these areas are so that you can perform a routine mold inspection on your own to identify whether you are in need of further measures.
These areas that are most susceptible include untreated basement walls, leaks around pipe fittings, poorly sealed flashing around chimneys or in attic spaces, your HVAC system, and anywhere moisture builds up due to poor ventilation.
A home is especially susceptible to mold growth after a flooding incident. And, sump pump failures will also exacerbate any basement flooding issues.
If you recollect seeing some of the homes on TV after Hurricane Katrina, you could see black mold growing on the walls up to where the water line had been.
If you arent sure whether or not you have mold in these areas, there are some obvious ways to detect mold growth.
Your nose may detect a musty mold odor. And, sometimes that is the only hint you have that there is mold in your house.
That is when you need to take a look in the aforementioned areas to see if mold is present.
You may actually see the mold. And, when the mold makes itself visible, it is possible that there is more below the surface.
However, mold peeking from behind a baseboard or through sheet rock can look like dirt rather than mold, which can result in nothing being done.
What Should I Expect From A True Mold Removal Professional
Any mold professional should be able to explain your mold removal project in plain English. If a contractor is unable to explain the basic processes and steps of mold remediation and mold removal in laymans terms, be very wary! If someone tries to complicate and confuse you about the process and scare you into hiring them, walk away and say, Thanks, but no thanks.
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Types Of Black Mold Remediation
There are three primary methods of black mold removal and remediation.
These methods are Negative Air Pressure, HEPA Vacuuming, and Air Scrubbing.
Two of these mold removal methods were mentioned in the process for removing mold from crawl spaces.
Here is a brief description of each of these methods:
Negative Air Pressure Mold Removal
Negative air containment is done by strategically positioning blower fans in the area to be remediated.
Clean air is pulled into the area so that contaminated air is blown to the outside of the home.
This prevents the spread of mold to other areas of the home.
HEPA Vacuuming Mold Remediation
A vacuum containing a HEPA filter is used to vacuum the moldy area.
This takes up any of the loose molds with the HEPA filter trapping small particles and mold spores so they do not make their way into the air.
The filter must be disposed of properly by the mold removal company.
They may properly seal the filter before depositing it into the trash or they will destroy the filter.
Air Scrubber Mold Elimination
Air scrubbers clean the air, as mold spores will easily become airborne.
The scrubbers, which look like air purifiers, are outfitted with filters that catch any mold particles or spores.
The end result is much cleaner air.
If an air sample reveals spores in then air, the air scrubbers are almost always used.
If mold is very difficult to remove by vacuum, then scrubbing pads may be used to scrub out the mold.
How To Kill Mold With Tea Tree Oil
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You Might Be Relocated
Depending on the size and location of the moldy areas, you might be forced to leave your home or office.
While work is being done in the room or building, only the professionals are allowed to go in and out of the room. That means that you need to avoid these areas at all costs otherwise your health is at risk.
Your mold professional will tell you whether or not youll have to leave the site, but just be prepared in case they ask you to leave.
Tips For Cleaning Moldy Areas
- If the mold is in your drywall not just on its surface youre going to have to completely remove the affected areas. Its best to contact a professional in this situation. But if you choose to do it yourself, youll want to completely dispose of the affected drywall to prevent any remaining spores from spreading.
- Completely block off the affected area with plastic sheeting while youre working. This keeps the mold spores isolated to one area.
- Wet the area that youre treating to keep old spores from spreading around the room.
- Scrub the wood with a mold cleaner and let it dry completely. You can also let your trim and baseboards dry in the sun, which can have an additional mold-killing effect. Use a product to seal the wood to prevent another mold issue down the line.
- For hard surfaces like showers, sinks and tubs, you can use a scrub brush and a mold removing solution.
- Even while youre cleaning existing mold, start taking preventative measures. Run a dehumidifier when moisture is high and keep track of humidity with a digital. thermometer. Clean up wet areas promptly and routinely perform checks in areas you know are prone to mold growth.
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You Wont Know If Mold Is Airborne
Most of the time the mold remediation company will just see mold in a certain area and just treat that particular area.
But what happens if the mold spores are airborne?
You wont know with having the air quality tested in other areas to see if it spread through the HVAC system.
A mold remediation company will generally not test the air quality for mold and also perform the remediation. And if they do, that may be something that should throw up some red flags for you. That brings me to my next point:
What Do You Do When You Find Black Mold
It is very important to hire professional services for all mold removal services. Thankfully, the Cunninghams called in Greenworks for professional mold inspection right away. Our team of technicians arrived to determine how much mold was growing and what the next steps were.
Getting rid of mold, thoroughly and permanently, is a highly specialized job that requires confident expertise the kind that the Cunninghams received from GreenWorks.
This Chocolate Slime Mold is an uncommon sight in residential homes. About the size of a Hamster, these organisms can move toward food sources and are known for solving complex mazes.
Mold needs to be entirely eradicated otherwise, it will grow right back. This means that you have to clean far below the visible areas of growth with the right penetrating biocides. Simply wiping down your walls with some bleach or household cleaners might not be enough to get rid of a black mold problem permanently.
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What Should You Do While Waiting For A Mold Remediation Expert
If youre not experienced in dealing with widespread mold, you may need professional mold remediation. If you arent sure what to look for, how to safely handle the issue or how to properly dispose of things contaminated with mold, consider contacting MoldRemediation.io to connect you with a certified, bonded and insured mold remediation company in your area.
With that said, there are steps you can take to limit mold exposure to yourself and anyone else in your home.
- Seal off the area. You want to minimize the surface area that mold can spread to. Try to keep the interior doors to the mold-affected areas closed and open them as infrequently as possible. Consider keeping the space under the doors blocked by foam insulation or plastic.
- Use a fan. Not only can fans help circulate the air and disperse any free-floating mold spores, but they can also help dry any moisture in the area and make it harder for mold to grow. If youre using a fan, make sure the windows are open and that the fan is blowing toward the windows and out of the house. You dont want to redirect the mold back into your home!
- Wear a mask. Any time you need to be in an area affected by black mold, try to wear some sort of face covering to filter the mold spores and keep them out of your lungs. While surgical masks or respirators are ideal in these cases, something as simple as a dry T-shirt can make it easier for you to breathe in the afflicted area.
Not All Mold Is Toxic Mold
Your nose may detect a musty mold odor. And, sometimes that is the only hint you have that there is mold in your house.
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Answer: Usually You Do Not
If you can already see it, you usually do NOT need to spend money on pre-testing mold. Plain and simple: you just need to remove it. Since no visible mold growth belongs in a healthy home and all mold should be removed the same way, there is usually no need to identify what types and concentrations of mold you have via testing.
If a so-called mold professional insists that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on pre-testing when mold is already visible, our advice is to be very wary because its often a waste of money.
The only time we recommend pre-testing when there is visible mold is when you need hard proof for a negotiation. For example, if you are buying a house that has some mold, its probably a good idea to get it tested/confirmed so you can negotiate the price down with the seller.
What To Expect During Mold Remediation
After a storm swept through my childhood home, my parents were face-to-face with a huge mold problem. Rainwater had leaked through the roof and infected multiple areas. They needed mold remediation but had no idea what it entailed.
This article will teach you all about mold remediation. Well discuss whether or not you need it, what the process looks like, and what to expect afterward.
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Tips For Mold Prevention
After you learn how to remove mold, focus on preventing it in the future. Controlling dampness is the key to stopping most mold. The worst infestations usually occur in damp crawl spaces, attics, walls where water leaked in from the outside, and in basements with poor foundation drainage. Stopping leaks, ensuring good ventilation in attics, keeping crawl spaces dry and routing water away from the foundation are the best defenses against mold.
Mildewcide in paint is usually effective for controlling surface mold in damp rooms like bathrooms, and outside in shady areas. Many paints already have mildewcide in them. Check with your paint dealer about mold removal products.
How Long Does It Take For Mold To Grow In Wet Carpet
Once a carpet becomes damp, it will take 1-2 days for mold to form. This will answer the question how long does it take for mold to grow in wet carpet. Your thick carpets are the perfect breeding grounds for these fungi, and if the room is humid or damp, you may develop severe issues.
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Need Fast And Effective Mold Remediation In Boston Ma
Call our professional mold remediation pros at My Pure Environment. Were available five days a week and offer mold inspection as well as mold remediation. We offer a free consultation, and our complete home inspection is all youll need to get started. Dont wait, contact us today if youre in need of mold remediation in Boston, Massachusetts.
Image used under creative commons license – Lukas Blazek
How Do I Prevent Mold From Growing In My House
Its important to take steps to ward off mold before it causes significant damage to your home. Moisture is your biggest enemy. Control the moisture in your home, including in the crawl space and the attic. If you notice something getting wet, clean it up immediately. Even small spills and leaks can lead to big problems. Repair leaks when they occur. When you store things in your attic, crawl space or cabinets, make sure they are completely dry.
If you have an area in your home that is likely to have mold growth, make sure you clean and disinfect it regularly. Try using cleaners that can prevent mold.
Change your HVAC filters regularly, and make sure the airflow in the home is good. If air cant flow properly, moisture may accumulate. If you have a basement in your home, make sure that the ventilation system is working properly. For spaces that are continually damp, try using a dehumidifier. Houseplants can also help remove moisture from the air.
Some areas of your home are more prone to mold growth than others. Think about all the places where you see moisture or water build up. These are some places youll want to keep an eye on:
- The bathroom: bathtub, sinks, toilets
- The kitchen: sinks, ventilation systems, dishwashers, refrigerators
- Washer and dryer
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What Causes That Mold Odor
Mold produces gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds and these gasses typically have noticeable, distinctive odors. Microbial volatile organic compounds themselves are not harmful but the mold that produces them can be. Mold can cause all sorts of health problems and it can also cause serious damage to your home.
Do Insurance Policies Cover Mold Removal
This depends on the cause of the mold and the insurance plan you have. As a general rule, you will probably have to pay for mold remediation and removal services yourself. However, insurance companies may take into consideration other factors like your location, whether you experience a lot of rain or flooding and other issues that may have led to water damage or mold.
Check with your insurance company anyway you never know if they may cover your particular situation. The cause of the mold may be something covered by your insurance, in which case the removal of the mold may be covered, too.
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Residing In A Home During Mold Remediation
Good news! You usually do not have to leave your home during a mold remediation. Its really going to come down to the size of the remediation project. Is the entire home affected? Will you still be able to use the kitchen and one bathroom without passing through any contaminated areas? Or is the mold contained to just one area or room that you can avoid entering or using during the removal process?
The remediation company will in all likelihood set up containment chambers plastic walls or barriers sealed with duct tape that will isolate the affected areas and prevent any mold spores from moving into previously uncontaminated areas. This can be a major inconvenience to anyone trying to reside in the home during the molds removal.
What Can You Do On Your Own
Some mold concerns can be treated by the homeowner, but most others should be handled by a trained mold remediation expert. First, if the water damage was recent, within the last 24-48 hours, ensure that the area is dried out thoroughly. This can be accomplished through using fans, towels, and plenty of air circulation. Moisture that has seeped down into porous surfaces is much more difficult to dry out and may need to be disposed.
If you see mold on a non-porous surface, it should be cleaned quickly with a non-ammonia cleaner. If you find that the mold is covering a large area or if at any point you have concerns about being able to treat this on your own, it is definitely best to call a trained professional to ensure proper treatment.
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