Mold, also known as spores, thrive on plant and animal matter. It can enter a property through objects, animals or people. It feeds on dead
organic matter such as fabrics, paper or wood, needs moisture to spread and is more prevalent where there is water damage and in colder regions.
Precision mold removal is important to keep a property and the people in it healthy, comfortable and safe. Mold has a negative impact on the indoor air quality. Mold grows extremely fast and can grow in fiberglass insulation and behind drywall and wallpaper. Even though mold may not be visible at times, it does not mean that it is not present and can be affecting your home and health.
Unchecked mold growth may lead to a bevy of serious health problems such as allergies, asthma, respiratory issues and eye diseases, among others. If you find that any of these conditions have been affecting you or the people around you on an ongoing basis, it may indicate the presence of mold and will necessitate a mold inspection to be performed by a trained expert. Mold growth can also cause serious structural damages and reduce the value of the property.
Mold can impact your wallet in two major ways: 1) If left as it is, it will continue to grow and become very expensive to remove, 2) Due to increasing rot-related lawsuits, most insurance companies have kept mold insurance out of homeowner policies.
Often people choose to ignore mold infestation, but this is not right. There are hundreds of different kinds of molds on the planet and many are harmful to your health. If you suspect mold growth on your property, ignoring it can make it worse.
A home that is affected by mold is uninhabitable and unsafe. Once you have found out that there is mold in your home, eliminating it should be your top priority. Calling in a mold removal company to restore the air quality in your home is an excellent way to protect your investment. Here are the steps for effective mold removal.
Mold Assessment
An expert can assess the damage done by mold and detect areas that are vulnerable to further damage. They are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to analyze the mold levels in the property and if it is safe for people to be there.
Testing includes looking for any kind of household, toxic or bacterial mold infestation; common allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches and inspecting drinking water and all painted surfaces. Black mold is the most dangerous type of mold and should be eliminated immediately. The assessment is done by inspecting the foundations and the corners of a property. The non-intrusive testing methods can only detect smelly and visible molds. In certain cases, a more intrusive method becomes important and can include removing carpets, checking between walls, opening floor cavities and moving furniture.
The aim of mold inspections is to detect mold growth and know the right mold remediation measures to check the problem.
Mold Sampling
The next step is mold sampling and is done by an expert. The main aim of the process is to find out the mold spore concentration in the air and its impact on the indoor air quality. Here are the different kinds of mold sampling:
• Air sampling – The most common type of sampling, here the air samples are taken from both inside as well as outside the house and compared. This technique can offer ample information on the presence of invisible molds.
• Surface sampling – Specimens are collected from swabbing on surfaces or walls of a property. Dust particles are also used as specimens.
• Bulk samples – This kind of sample is done by removing the materials from a contaminated place to check the mold concentration in the specimen.
Mold Remediation
While rampant mold growth can lead to dangerous repercussions, it is not impossible to check or remove it. Mold removal experts are aware of the things that mold requires to survive. Checking mold growth involves controlling the moisture levels in the area. This includes getting rid of standing water, fixing leaks, installing a gutter system, repairing cracked masonry, fixing separated roof shingles and taking care of seals around windows and doors.
One of the best ways to check mold growth is to invest in a dehumidifier. As mold loves damp, dark and humid spaces, it grows best in crawl spaces and basements. Dehumidifying your home at regular intervals can significantly decrease the humidity levels in your home, making it impossible for mold to grow or survive.
Mold remediation usually requires efficient tools to eliminate water and disinfect moldy areas. The tools enable thorough disinfection, which is important as mold can be toxic even when it is dead. Also, possessions affected by mold need careful disposal. Anything affected by mold should be sealed and discarded properly.
Hiring a Mold Remediation Expert
When a property owner decides to hold an inspection, it is best to contact a professional. Often property owners in a bid to cut costs might want to remove the mold on their own; however, it will be more advantageous if you contact a professional company to take care of the situation. An expert will not only eliminate every trace of mold from the property but will also inform you about how best to keep your home mold free.
To find the best contractors, you can ask your family and friends for recommendations. A quick search on Google too will bring you the list of mold remediation companies in your area. Check the services offered by the best ones and compare costs to find the company that is known to provide excellent services at reasonable costs. You can read the reviews of the previous customers of the companies you are considering to know about the most reliable one that you can hire for mold removal on your property.
If you want your property to be healthy and safe, hiring an expert mold removal company for mold assessment and removal is the best things to do.