What Is A Mold Remediation
You might have wondered: What does mold remediation mean and what is involved?
Mold remediation is the term used to describe all the processes involved in eliminating harmful mold growth. It includes mold testing, removal, demolition, sanitizing, containment, and mold cleaning, depending on the type and location. A professional restoration company that understands mold growths critical nature will offer remediation to get the mold levels in your home back to a harmless point rather than a false promise of complete mold removal.
Signs You Need A Mold Remediation Service
Not sure if youve got a mold problem on your property? Take a look around your home for these common symptoms that might indicate that a call to Rightway Waterproofing is in order.
- Youve had an unexpected flood in your home. While unexpected water or a flood in your home doesnt guarantee that theres mold on your property, it is often one of the first signs homeowners notice before they discover a mold infection. Mold requires cool, wet surfaces in order to take root, which means that a recent flood could create the ideal conditions that mold needs to grow in your home.
- Your home has a musty smell. Many homeowners describe the smell of growing mold as musty, or similar to the odor of wet socks or rotting wood. Mold tends to create an odor when actively colonizing. If you can smell mold but not see it, remediation might still be necessary.
- You see discoloration in your walls. Another tell-tale sign of mold is discoloration in your drywall. When mold oxidizes, it often causes a color change in the material that its growing on. If you can see splotches of gray, green, brown, or black on your walls, the chances are high that mold might be the culprit.
To learn more about mold or mold remediation, please dont hesitate to contact us.
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Air Purifiers To Remove Mold Smell And Other Odors
Air purification systems are a great way to combat musty odors in the home. Keep in mind that not all air purification systems are the same. Some are better than others.
Air purifiers work by not just covering up odors with some kind of fragrance, but removing the actual contaminents in the air that cause the odor in the first place.
But how does it do that?
Basically, long story short, it uses negative air to take in airborne particles through a serious of filters. The air purifier then traps the contaminents in a filter or destroys it altogether. It really depends on what type of air purifier you have.
These are some of the most common type of air purifiers you can get:
HEPA Filter Air Purifier
This is probably the most common type of air purifier.
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter is a type of mechanical air filter it works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.
Hiring A Certified Mold Remediation Contractor
So now you know that youre probably best off hiring a contractor that holds mold remediation certification from a reputable organization. You can follow this link to get a list of Qualified Contractors in your area. Ask to see proof of mold remediation certification, such as his certificate or license. Ask him to explain what qualifications he had to meet in order to receive his certification. You can also telephone the certifying organization or organizations to inquire about how contractors become certified by them and to verify that the contractor you wish to hire remains in good standing.
While you shouldnt rely on references to determine whether or not the contractor you wish to hire is qualified, it is still a good idea to ask for a few references. Certification doesnt mean a contractor provides good customer service, is reliable or dependable, will complete the job as agreed or will otherwise satisfy you. So after you make sure the contractor has the proper qualifications, speak to a few satisfied customers to help make sure youll be satisfied, too.
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Cleanup And Removal Methods
The purpose of cleanup is to eliminate mold and remove contaminated materials. Killing mold with a biocide is insufficient, since chemical substances and proteins causing reactions in humans remain in dead mold. The following methods are used.
Equipment used in mold remediation includes:
- Moisture meter to measure drying of damaged materials
What Is Mold Removal
In simple terms, the process of removing the mold is called mold removal. As simple as it sounds, but there is more to it. Removing might sometimes indicate mere cleaning, without addressing the core problem, that is, identifying the source for the occurrence of mold.
While molds are a natural part of our ecosystem, one cannot completely eliminate it. Mold spores are typically inherent in all indoor and outdoor spaces, so technically, it is impossible to completely eradicate all molds but the key is to control its growth.
Mold spores are generally harmless until they settle on a damp spot and begin to grow into active mold. When you have mold growing in your home, removal becomes imminent. A simple mold removal process is never enough to solve mold problems in your home, unless the infected area is too small.
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The Process Of Mold Remediation
The Environmental Protection Agency notes that any moldy areas less than 10 square feet can be remediated by the homeowner. Beyond that, you may want to talk to a mold remediation contractor. In most cases, it is better to have a mold remediation contractor do the work than a general contractor.
Even though chlorine bleach is often used to kill mold, bleach is not an EPA-approved biocide. For that, you will need to use a product such as Mold Stat. If a space with 3 feet by 3 feet of mold growth is heavily concentrated or near the HVAC system, it should be contained to prevent dispersal.
Can You Do Mold Remediation Yourself
In many cases, mold growth occurs as just a random discoloration on the wall or any material and usually appears harmless. In such situations, most homeowners resort to cleaning the visible part of the stain.
However, it is possible to have a potentially dangerous mold problem beneath what looks like just an unsightly mold stain. While property owners may combat small mold problems on their own, large mold infestations require professional assistance.
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How Does The Mold Affect People
Some people are extremely sensitive to the mold spores and will exhibit the signs of an allergy attack in response to breathing in the mold spores. The most common symptoms of a sensitivity to the mold is eye irritation, skin irritation, wheezing, nasal stuffiness, and even fevers or shortness of breath.
According to studies that were released by the Institute of Medicine, even mild exposure to mold can result in upper respiratory tract complications in healthy people. Healthy children can develop serious respiratory illnesses that could lead to the development of asthma. These are serious health issues that can be complicated by extensive exposure to the mold spores.
When To Call The Mold Testing Professionals
Like mold remediation, you should organize an inspection whenever you have a concern. Where it differs from remediation is the circumstances. Most people do not think about hiring professional services to remove mold until they see a problem. An inspection, however, is a worthy venture even for the slightest suspicion.
Some of the reasons you may want to arrange a mold inspection include:
- You are moving to a property that has been closed for a long time, and you want to be aware of any festering black mold or other toxic species before you go in.
- If you are working on the restoration or renovation of an old building, you probably want to check for mold damage before you start. Locating any excess moisture in the wood, walls, or any other structural elements is essential. Doing so early in the process could save you a lot of costs later on.
- Early signs of mold are showing, and you want to nip it in the bud. You can also want to get some tips on how to get rid of the problem.
- Water damage after a flood or storm often leads to problems, including dangerous black mold. If you have experienced this with your property, you may want to arrange an inspection to kick start the restoration and cleanup process.
- When buying a property, private or commercial, many people want to check for any moldy secrets before signing on the dotted line.
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Mold Remediation When Do You Really Need It
Molds are a common occurrence in many homes and can pose a serious health hazard. Mold replicates by producing spores, which are microscopic cells that spread easily through the air. Not only do molds produce irritants, allergens, and even toxic substances, but they can also trigger respiratory problems. Conditions such as asthma, for example, are worsened by mold spores when inhaled.
Causes And Growing Conditions
Mold is found everywhere and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. They reproduce by spores, which are carried by air currents. When spores land on a moist surface suitable for life, they begin to grow. Mold is normally found indoors at levels which do not affect most healthy individuals.
Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture exposure and may be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials . Flooding, leaky roofs, building-maintenance or indoor-plumbing problems can lead to interior mold growth.Water vapor commonly condenses on surfaces cooler than the moisture-laden air, enabling mold to flourish. This moisture vapor passes through walls and ceilings, typically condensing during the winter in climates with a long heating season. Floors over crawl spaces and basements, without vapor barriers or with dirt floors, are mold-prone. The “doormat test” detects moisture from concrete slabs without a sub-slab vapor barrier. Inorganic materials, such as metal or polished concrete, do not support mold growth, although surface mold growth is still possible.
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When Is Mold Remediation Necessary
You will usually require an expert mold remediation service when you have a mold outbreak that covers over 10 square feet of your property.
However, if someone in your home is exhibiting sudden mold allergy symptoms such as coughing or wheezing, that may also be a sign of mold infestation.
There are chances such people may have other allergies, so it is essential to check if symptoms disappear outside your home. If this happens, it is more likely that youre battling mold growth in your home, and you should seriously consider a professional mold remediation service.
Another common indicator of mold growth in homes is a lingering and unpleasant musty odor. Most mold growths appear as discoloration and are usually black, green, blue, or white.
Ultimately, it is vital to inspect your home for any sign of mold infestation routinely.
What Does Mold Remediation Certification Mean
Thats a good question, and the answer depends on which organization certifies the mold remediation contractor in question. Each organization sets its own criteria. Some organizations require a certified mold remediation contractor to hold a degree in engineering. Some require no college degree at all. Some require a certified mold remediation contractor to attend a number of classes. Others offer certification over the internet.
When hiring a mold remediation contractor, you should ask if he holds any certification and if so, which organization or organizations have certified him. Thats not all you need to know, though. If he is certified, ask him about the certifying organizations criteria for certification. Find out what certification really means in the case of the mold remediation contractor you are considering hiring.
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Professional Mold Remediation Process In New Jersey
While different professional mold removal companies may prefer a specific chemical brand or machine type over another, every scope of work should include similar steps, techniques and protocols. Ultimately, the mold cleanup process should be designed to drive the best results possible without compromising safety or effectiveness.
Following a proper, safe and effective mold removal, it is important to follow all preventative recommendations and moisture control measures to ensure that you do not experience mold re-growth in the future.
I Think We Have Mold I Have Questions First
If you even suspect mold may be an issue, we are certainly here to help. The sooner that you have our team of specialists test, identify, and remove the infected areas, the sooner you can relax knowing the air you breathe is safe once again.
Unlike water damage that you can visibly see, most mold hides behind the walls and above the ceiling just out of reach. For that reason, you will certainly have your share of questions and concerns long before a specialist arrives to diagnose the issue.
We have developed a unique formula for answering all your questions and getting to work on inspecting for mold at the same time.
We start by sending out the mold inspection team to your location to begin the painstaking process of searching for trace signs of dangerous mold spores.
Although each member of the team can and will address your concerns while on site, we have compiled here on our website a comprehensive list of the most common questions that we have gotten over the last fifteen years in helping restore homes and businesses that have been affected by mold.
These questions and answers should give you a better understanding about what you are dealing with today, what needs to be done to remedy the situation, and exactly how Damage Control 911 of Orlando will get the job done successfully.
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What Else Can Cause A Musty Odor In The Home
Humidity
As a mold assessor, the number one culprit that I find is causing musty smells in homes during a mold inspection is:
High humidity
Humidity is how the amount of water vapor measured in the air.
Now:
Humidity itself can lead to mold growth on both hard surfaces
However,
Mold generally will only be on the surface of hard surfaces and in most cases but may let off what people describe as a mildew smell.
High humidity for an extended period of time could lead to mold growth on porous items such as couches, beds, clothes, etc.
There are many times however by just controlling the humidity within the home that the smell will vanish. The smell of dampness is mostly related to humidity.
Is Mold Remediation Really Worth It Heres What You Should Know
Where health is concerned, any process that reduces potential risk is worth it. Whether in a family home or an office building, the presence of mold can be dangerous. Your family or employees deserve a safe area to spend time in without worrying about the suspicious fungus creeping across the wall. In some cases, failing to call in a mold remediation service could be a CDC or EPA violation, which may end up costing thousands of dollars. If the health risk isnt motivation enough, then the potential fine should be!
Professionals in mold removal can return the correct natural spore levels. After we remove mold, and the cause of the mold, from your home, it reduces the chance of reoccurrence significantly more than simply clean up and containment.
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How Does The Mold Remediation Process Work
Its Tuesday night, and your partner utters those four little words no one ever wants to hear: Honey, we have mold. What should you do? First, you should photograph the damage for insurance, record keeping, and any mold fans on your Christmas card list. Then you should contact a professional mold remediation and repair company. The mold remediation process is a job that should almost always be completed by trained professionals. These are the five steps those pros will likely take when they show up to rid your residence of mold.
What Causes A Basement To Smell Like Mold
Basements tend to smell like mold because they are typically more damp which allows mold and mildew to grow and thrive. Being underground, a basement is not only susceptible to water intrusion at the foundation, but also warmer air entering the building envelope which leads to condensation.
If your like me and you grew up having an unfinished basement you probably have an odor that comes to mind
Just that damp/mustiness odor.
This not mean that your basement is dirty. You can vacuum and mop all you want but if you do not resolve the root of the problem it will do you no good.
As stated above, basements tend to have more moisture. It’s just the way it is.
It’s important to find out if moisture is entering your basement in other ways, as well. If you notice a broken seal on a window or a crack in the foundation wall, you may have found your musty culprit. You should also check to see if you have clogged rain gutters, French drains, sewer backups, leaky pipes or even a broken seal on your laundry dryer vent as these problems can all contribute to a musty basement.
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