Are you concerned about the mold growing on your property? The growth of mold is an extremely serious issue for all the property owners. Apart from destroying the property, it can put your health at risk too. The mold thrives in a humid area and is extremely toxic. This is why you need to take immediate steps to get rid of it. There are many ways through which you can deal with the mold. Want to know how? Stay tuned then.
Figure Out The Problem
Before you start the mold removal process, you need to figure out how big the problem is. It will help you decide whether you should try to get rid of it yourself or hire some professionals for the job. If the problem seems manageable enough, then you can do it yourself. But, if the infected area is too large for you to handle, then it is advisable that you take the assistance of a professional service provider.
Dry Out The Area
Mold grows in a wet and humid area. Therefore it is extremely important that you dry out the area if you want to have it removed. Clean and dry all the mold-infested areas and materials before you start the removal process. To reduce the spread of mold spores, you can remove the unsalvageable items from the infected area and store them in plastic bags. This will ensure that your precious items stay safe and secure from the mold.
Wear Proper Clothes
If the affected area is small and you decide to get rid of the mold yourself, then you need to dress properly to do the job. Do not head out to get rid of the mold if you are not properly dressed. Wearing proper clothing and using the right equipment is extremely important to remove the mold. It will keep you safe and also reduce your exposure to mold spores. You will be prevented from inhaling the mold spores as well. you should also wear a respirator to avoid breathing into mold spores.
Use The Right Cleaning Solution
You can decide upon which type of cleaning solution to use for cleaning of mold by looking at the surface that you are going to clean. Although hard surfaces can be cleaned using soap and water, you will require stringent chemicals if you want to clean the mold properly. If the material has become too moldy, then you might need to throw it off as well.
Get The Help Of Professionals
If the mold affected area is too large for you to handle then you will not be able to get rid of the mold yourself. This is why you should get the help of professionals to deal with the situation. They will take care of everything professionally while you sit back and relax.
If your property is infested by mold, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. Dealing with the problem is extremely important for your property and your health as well. Looking for the best service providing company in town? Contact SERVPRO to benefit from the expert services.
Why Disinfectants are a Secondary Solution in Mold Remediation in Homes
Controlling the growth of microbial fungi is primarily about drying structures. Although a chemical cleansing agent may seem like a quick fix, professional services with qualified technicians can pay dividends in the long run. Mold has a nasty habit of returning particularly during wet or humid times of the year. By investing in a professional service now, you could save yourself several unpleasant situations over the year.
Working on mold remediation on properties is something we have done time and time again. It begins with a simple phone call to our 24-hour emergency line. From there, we can arrange a service within an hour of notification of loss. SERVPRO uses technicians with qualifications in both mold assessment and mold remediation from the IICRC. We all live and work here in this community, which reduces our call-out times significantly. We can promise to arrive on-site within four hours of notification of loss.
The presence of moisture is the reason mold prospers which is why professional products should never be used as the primary method for removal. SERVPRO uses a two-step solution, which is efficient and straightforward. The first step is to remove contaminated materials from the affected area. The second step is to dry the affected area using fast-drying methods.
Removal of contaminated materials requires a designated clean area. In large scale jobs, we may decide to use a clean room off-site. It is cost efficient to use a clean room on site so, where possible, we opt for this method. The fast-drying procedure involves deploying advanced equipment like rapid air-movers, desiccant dehumidifiers or water extraction units with heated wands that remove residual moisture fast.
Once a SERVPRO technician achieves both these steps, they use professional cleaning products. We use EPA-registered broad spectrum disinfectant to soak the affected area. In some cases, we may control the temperature and PH levels to ensure maximum effectiveness. Disinfectants do show some success in removing and preventing mold growth but their impact is questionable, which is why removal and fast drying is our priority.
Hiring a professional is the most critical step in remediation, Contact SERVPRO of Washington/Woolwich today!
SERVPRO Technicians Follow a Proven Process When Remediating Mold Damage in Your Home
For many residents and homeowners, mold is the quiet problem. It does not get underfoot like water or announce itself like a fire, but mold still causes millions of dollars in damage and restoration costs each year.
Many owners first notice mold damage in their home by the ‘musty’ odor. It is a good indicator, but not every mold has it. Since mold can rapidly grow before anyone sees it, SERVPRO restoration teams try to clean, dry and remove mold from each home quickly and thoroughly to prevent additional damage to each home.
They start by determining the origin point and extent of the infestation. Teams use air content meters as they perform visual inspections in each room, the garage, and attic. By using both, technicians can quickly find the origin point and trace the mold colony as it expanded through the home.
Next, SERVPRO teams isolate the infested areas. They seal off doors, windows, and air conditioning vents with plastic sheeting. If needed, technicians also create a separate area for tools and to change into protective clothing. They do this to prevent accidentally spreading mold spores to unaffected parts of the home during cleaning and removal operations.
Our teams start by wiping down every surface with dry sponges and cleaning cloths. This action removes most mold spores. Once completed, technicians vacuum all spores using special HEPA filters designed to catch and trap even a single spore. With the majority of the spores now removed, team members remove the cleaned property from the contaminated area to an unaffected part of the home.
After allowing any spores stirred by cleaning operations to settle, technicians repeat the process until testing with an air content meter shows mold levels at a safe level. They use a different meter to examine carpets for mold content and clean it with an anti-fungal agent mixed into a shampoo solution. If the mold penetrated most of the carpet surface, the team leader also gives the homeowner the option of removing the carpet for disposal.
The goal for SERVPRO of Washington/Woolwich is to return every home to a clean condition without the threat of further mold growth.
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.
The key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Mold, Mildew, or, Bacteria, we use EPA Disinfectants.
SERVPRO understands the stress when you have a water damage in your business or home. That is why we are available 24/7 to help. Our team is fast and quick to any job at any size.
Our certified technicians will mitigate the damage to prevent mold, mildew or bacteria. Using EPA disinfectants, we will make your business or home safe to reenter and occupy. We make sure our team is trained and up to date with all of their credentials. SERVPRO has been trusted by local business's and insurance companies to assist with their water damage projects. We are there when your family needs help the most. Any type of damage in your home can be a devastating time and can cause a lot of stress in the household. Working with true professionals can definitely help the process and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
The most common places for mold growth in your home are basements, bathrooms/showers, attics and crawl spaces. You can help prevent your home from becoming an environment for mold growth. Here's how:
Moisture control is KEY. Keep areas clean and dry. Dry wet or dam areas within 48 hours.
Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix the source of moisture problem as soon as possible.
Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
Vent moisture generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. If mold damage, threatens your home or office contact SERVPRO of Washington /Woolwich. We are here to help and care for not only your home or office, but for you as an individual.
If you are not experienced with home/building repairs you may want to consider a professional mold specialist when making repairs.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
* Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
* Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
* Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
* Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
* Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
* Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If you have black mold covering a large area (greater than ten square feet) or mold growing in your heating and ventilation ducts, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends having a professional handle the cleanup. It’s also best to have a professional handle the job.
SERVPRO of Washington/ Woolwich is a trusted leader in the restoration industry, and our highly trained technicians provide 24-hour emergency service. We're dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster with the training, equipment, and experience to respond to your restoration or cleaning needs. 24-Hour Emergency Service Faster to Any Size Disaster Highly Trained Restoration Technicians A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry Locally Owned and Operated Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment Mold remediation, water damage, fire damage.
Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.
The most common places for mold growth in your home are basements, bathrooms/showers, attics and craw spaces. You can help prevent your home form becoming an environment for mold growth. Here's how:
Moisture control is KEY. Keep areas clean and dry. Dry wet or dam areas within 48 hours.
Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix the source of moisture problem as soon as possible.
Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
Vent moisture generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
If you are not experienced with home/building repairs you may want to consider a professional mold specialist when making repairs.
If Mold damage, threatens your home or office contact SERVPRO of Washington /Woolwich. We are here to help and care for not only your home or office, but for you as an individual.
Suit up for safety: Protect yourself from the mold you're removing by wearing rubber gloves, a long sleeve shirt and paints while cleaning. Also, use a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling spores into your lings.
Dehumidify
Inspect Plumbing: All leaky faucets, pipes and other plumbing items need to be repaired. This keeps moisture out of your house and avoids mold from water damage.
Assess Mold On Wood
Disinfect ProblemAreas: Once you've remove the mold you can see, disinfect the area with something like a mixture of bleach and water that has 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water. Apply the mixture to the problem are and let it set for 15 minutes. Rinse off the solution and let it dry.
Keep Your House Dry
However, SERVPRO professionals are near by if you'd rather to leave your home or office mold damage to them, contact SERVPRO of Washington/Woolwich. We are here to help and care for not only your home or office, but for you as an individual.
Moisture rides on air currents, and warm air carries more moisture than cool air
Humidity, Water Damage in Washington twp., NJ, Condensation, mold, and indoor air quality in Woolwich Twp., NJ
To control air flows, make sure the air barrier is continuous
An air barrier helps control airflow both through and within the building enclosure. By controlling airflow, you also control moisture.
If moist indoor air contacts a cold surface — for example, exterior sheathing in cold weather — condensation can result. An air barrier prevents those cold surfaces from being connected with humid indoor air.
Air has a maximum storage capacity for water vapor which depends on temperature. Warm air can store lots of moisture, while cold air can store very little.
As the temperature falls from 90°F down to 20°F, the amount of moisture that can be stored in the air changes by a factor of ten.
Leaky homes didn’t have condensation problems
Older buildings rarely had condensation problems in cold weather because they were so well ventilated — meaning leaky. The relative humidity in an old home would rarely rise above 25%. As we have built tighter houses (and in some cases failed to provide mechanical ventilation), the indoor relative humidity has gone up.
In a heated, tight, unventilated house, the amount of moisture in the air and the amount of condensation that can occur are dramatically different than in an old leaky house. Condensation can occur wherever water vapor can find a cold spot — on roof or wall sheathing, on the inside faces of the windows, and inside the walls.
Let's say it’s 40°F outside and the outdoor relative humidity is 50%. If you allow that outdoor air to enter a building and heat it up to 70°F, the amount of moisture in the air stays exactly the same, but the “tank” gets bigger because the storage capacity of the air increases with the temperature. As a result, the relative humidity initially drops. Then, as moisture is added to the air, the relative humidity rises, and the absolute moisture content rises as well. How do you add moisture to the air? You breathe, sweat, boil water for spaghetti, take hot showers, grow houseplants — and all of those activities generate moisture.
When does indoor humidity become a problem?
Let’s say that air leaks out of a house through holes in the enclosure. As it reaches surfaces colder than 52°F or 53°F, the air will cool. Once it reaches its full capacity to store moisture, condensation occurs.
If the temperature of the outdoor air is around 30°F, the indoor air will drop all of the moisture that it gained on the way out, dumping it on the cold sheathing surface. That’s a typical example of the air leakage condensation cycle. Since condensation in walls can cause puddles — and in extreme cases, rot the framing — condensation is something you want to avoid. Installing an air barrier is one way to help prevent condensation.
Air conditioning can also create condensing surfaces
The same phenomenon can happen in reverse in the summertime. Let’s say the outdoor air is 85°F and the relative humidity is 75%. When outdoor air leaking inward contacts a surface below about 76°F, the moisture in the air will condense. So if you have an exhaust fan in your home, the air leaking in may cause condensation on the air-conditioned surfaces — for example, on the back side of vinyl wallpaper.
If moist air leaks into a house through gaps in the wall or roof, you can have problems. But in a tight house with a good air barrier and a supply-only ventilation system, most of the air that’s drawn inside is drawn in through the air conditioner, so the first cold surfaces it sees are the cooling coils.
If you have air leaks in your building envelope, you usually can’t see the condensation —Unless you have an Infrared Camera with a Visual Inspection. However, condensation is sometimes visible in the attic; all you have to do is look for frost or dampness forming on the underside of the OSB or plywood roof sheathing.
In addition to causing significant property damage, mold can produce allergens and irritants that can cause health effects. SERVPRO Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate the mold in your home or business.
Have Mold Related Questions? Call Us Today
856-686-0100
Understanding Mold
Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, so removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and they may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
Let your nose lead the way. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Understanding The Mold Remediation Process
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:
Step 1: Emergency Contact 856-686-0100
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our National Call Center. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
SERVPRO Professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. They use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.
Step 3: Mold Containment
They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.
Step 4: Air Filtration
Their specialized filtration equipment allows their Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. They utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.
Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO Professionals use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.
Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
SERVPRO Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, sub floors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call a SERVPRO Franchise Professional, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.
Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, they will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. They have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition
Stucco homes, failing at alarming rate, and the fix is costly,
Stucco homes, failing at alarming rate, and the fix is costly,
Stucco remediation is extremely expensive because the house has to be torn down to its sheathing and windows replaced.
This is beyond the asbestos plague, the radon plague and the lead paint problem. This is a life changer and scope of this is enormous.
The reason it is failing is because some builders took shortcuts and didn’t’ install flashing properly, installed inferior windows and didn’t apply enough layers of stucco.
Many (builders) won’t put stucco on new houses anymore, not even on foundations. But stucco is a good product, and you can use it anywhere as long as you use good practices like having a good vapor barrier, and proper caulk around all windows and doors.
A failed a moisture inspection, can put a significant amount of work and money into a home, and replaced the stucco with stone because it was one-third of the cost.
A house buyer today would be wise to order a moisture report if considering a stucco home. It’s not required, but sometimes the cost for the inspection falls on the potential buyer.
Some (real estate agents) sell houses to unsuspecting buyers, hoping they won’t get the test. Will the realtor tell you to get a moisture inspection, or will they not tell you and hope to get the sale and the commission.
Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover issues of mold or rot or shoddy contractor construction. Many carriers eliminated stucco remediation when the problem was first discovered years ago. Insurance typically only covers “Acts of God” such as rain, hail, fire and wind. And Pennsylvania law states homeowners cannot hold the original builder accountable for problems after 12 years.
So in just about every case, the cost for stucco remediation lies with the homeowner. And when that homeowner just bought a house without ordering a moisture test and discovers problems, they are severely “underwater” in their mortgage just after purchase.
A proper remediation, involves tearing off the stucco, taking out windows and replacing them with new windows, replacing damaged sheathing and framing, applying a drainable house wrap, reinstalling new windows with proper flashing, applying extra layers of house wrap, applying rainscreen and applying new stucco.
Homeowners who hire contractors who patch affected areas and do not replace windows will find it will fail again in short order.
Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours, and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.
If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.
Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call a SERVPRO Franchise Professional, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.
Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, they will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. They have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition
Mold remediation and damage in Woolwich NJ, Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.
The key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Every home, no matter when it was built or when you purchased it, can fall prey to stucco failure, mold and moisture contamination. Even the tiniest of cracks in the façade of your home can result in moisture coming in, which can then cause major problems. If that happens, it can threaten the very structure of your home as well as the health of your family. If it isn’t treated properly, mold can cause extensive and costly damage.
Signs that you need repairs include cracking or breaking in the façade of your home, or brown streaks below your windows or at intersection of the wall and roof. Inside, you’ll notice leaks in doors or windows, the bottoms of your windows may be discolored, your base trim can become warped and there may be wet carpet or a moldy smell in your home.
But did you know your stucco doesn’t even have to be cracked to have problems? Heller explains that it wasn’t until fairly recently that proper weep screens and break points in the stucco were required. That means walls may not breathe properly, which can allow moisture to build up and then be trapped.
That’s just one of the many reasons it is important to call your building contractor to inspect your home for damage. The contractor may be able to find problems that you never even knew existed and stop a problem before it becomes too big and costly.
The process of repairing the stucco is referred to as stucco remediation. Your first instinct may be to simply call a stucco company to repair the façade of your home, but that might not be the right thing to do.
Companies that are stucco only will have the know-how to remove and replace the existing façade of your home.
While this is important, it may simply cover up the effects caused by the moisture. The structural integrity of your home and the health of your family can still be in jeopardy if the underlying problems still exist.
Simply put, a stucco repair company could lack the knowledge and ability to identify and repair the problems that result from the water damage. And if they aren’t properly corrected, that can lead to even more damage and expense in the future.
Moisture intrusion most often affects stucco-clad homes, but can also affect homes made of brick, stone, wood or composite siding, and typically affects homes built between 1985 and 2003. Having the right person inspect your home for damage is crucial to find and repair problems to the home’s wood structure that aren’t visible to the eye. Rot and mold within the wall cavity can cause serious damage.
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.
The key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
* Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
* Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
* Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
* Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
* Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
* Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.