Action 1 Restoration: Residential and Commercial Restoration Company

Best Tips For Mold Removal And Remediation

Mold resides in moist conditions and thrive in such habitats. If there are cracks and/or leaks present in the home’s structure, it can lead to the development of mold. It is important to not let the mold thrive and continue to spread as this can be damaging to your health. Not only is it bad for the health, it can lead to structural damage the longer it is present. Let’s take a look at important tips to consider when looking to get rid of the mold.

The First Step Is To Find The Source

Fixing the issue permanently requires the home owner to go ahead and find the source of the issue. It is the root cause that has to be fixed not the mold itself. If the mold is removed without taking a look at the root cause, it will simply develop again and leave you back where you started.

Plumbing leaks are the number one source for these issues. Also, check for cracks in the wall where water could be leaking in. These are two places where mold will often be found because of the nice, moist conditions that are in place for growth. You can also hire a company, which is a good idea for a mold inspection completed. Get more assistance and help on mold removal and a free mold removal estimate at https://www.action1restoration.com/mold/removal/.

Antimicrobial Treatment

Removing the mold and scrubbing it off is only part of the solution. It is important to spray in an antimicrobial treatment to ensure the mold does not come back. The preventative measures that have to be used are critical in this process. Anyone that is searching for results has to make sure they are paying attention to the type of treatment being sprayed to prevent further growth.

There are a range of brands that can be used and they can easily be found at the local store. In basements, it is often recommended to spray the entire room with this treatment instead of select spots.

These are two of the most important tips to consider when looking to get rid of mold that has developed inside the home. This mold has to be removed as soon as possible otherwise it could cause a lot of unnecessary damage. All it takes is 48 hours for the mold to start spreading after it has formed. It is pertinent for the home owner to act quickly and begin the process of removal right away. This is the only way of making sure the mold is taken care of before it causes significant short and long-term damage to the property and its inhabitants.

Mold Remediation & Mold Removal Services Presentation

The Ins And Outs Of Mold Inspections

Important Aspects Of A Proper Mold Inspection

Mold inspections are employed to detect the presence of mold within a property and see what the source of the problem is. A lot of home owners get mold inspections done in order to remain on the safe side. Mold inspectors are trained to find mold that is lingering around and could potentially harm the inhabitants of the property. It is a safe option for those who want to be sure they are not living in the presence of mold. Upon inspection, the mold inspector will highlight where the mold is and what is causing the problem.

Visible and Invisible Growth

Home owners will often notice the obvious signs of mold growth, but miss the ones that are lingering underneath places where the naked eye cannot reach. With modern equipment, a mold inspector is able to pinpoint invisible growth that might be in places that are tough to reach.

It is the invisible mold that is most difficult to pinpoint and in most cases it can only be found by a professional. It is this type of mold that can do the most harm as it is difficult to spot and can thrive for months before being spotted.

Special Equipment For Mold Inspections & Removal

A DIY mold inspection is never going to cut it when looking for hidden mold. It is also impossible to pinpoint the difference between mold and other sources. This is why its important to hire a company like Action 1 Restoration for your mold inspections and removal.

Mold inspectors are equipped with special equipment which makes it easier to spot leaks and/or cracks present in the property. These include places hidden behind the walls.

The special equipment include pieces such as fiber optics and moisture meters which are able to sense the presence of leaks and mold in general. These tools ensure the mold inspector is able to pinpoint the problem as soon as possible.

A mold inspection is critical on a regular basis to ensure the property is secure and fine for the inhabitants to reside in. It is also important for spotting potential issues which could cause mold to form down the road if the problem is not resolved. Hiring a mold inspector to have a look is a safe option to consider for those who are worried about the presence of the mold in the home. The mold inspector is able to pinpoint the problem and help guide the home owner in the right direction for getting rid of the mold properly.

What You Should Know About Black Mold

Stachybotrys chartarum is a scary name. More commonly known as toxic black mold, it is a standout amongst the most notorious and hazardous molds that can develop in the walls, floors, and ceiling of a home. It's a darkened green color with either a powdery or gooey texture.

There are other species of molds that resemble black mold's appearance, so analysis by a mold expert is necessary to distinguish the difference. The main conclusive approach to recognize Stachybotrys chartarum is to have a specialist look at it under a magnifying lens.

How Can Black Mold Affect Your Health?

Black mold can be very harmful to your health. Overall, the effects of living in an environment that is contaminated with black mold are temporary. When the black mold is removed, or the person is removed from the environment, most symptoms will subside. However, there have been cases where toxic black mold was fatal.

Some people have suffered lasting health ailments as a result of mold exposure, as well. Long-term exposure to black mold progressively impacts a person's health. That's why it is vital to remediate black mold as soon as the problem is noticed.

Toxic black mold may cause the following health issues:

Breathing problems and shortness of breath
Skin irritation
Lethargy
Queasiness
Mucosal membrane irritation
Confusion or psychological difficulties
Decreased immunity
Organ damage
Ruptured blood vessels and internal bleeding

Black mold can even affect your pets' health. Dogs and cats may suffer from skin irritation, open sores, and respiratory tract illnesses when exposed to mold for weeks or months.

Treatment for Exposure to Black Mold

Medical science has yet to develop a specific course of treatment for toxic mold exposure. Removing the mold with professional mold remediation techniques or removing the affected person from the mold-ridden environment is the only way to stop mold exposure symptoms.

Where to Investigate for Mold Growth in the Home

Mold flourishes in warm, wet areas and can develop on most indoor surfaces. It needs a great deal of dampness to thrive. You may discover it where there is a leaky water pipe, in the spaces between walls, in wet ceilings or on floorboards.

Black mold grows when and where water is present for between a week to 12 days. Toxic black mold tends to kill off other forms of mold and dominate the area.

Mold Remediation & Mold Removal Services Presentation

Inspecting for Poisonous Black Mold

If you suspect your home has mold issues, it is essential to have your home evaluated by a professional mold remediation company. Homeowners who don't know about the dangers of a toxic mold may not realize they have a serious health threat in their home. People often ignore the signs of mold-related illness because the symptoms of mold toxicity may seem like a cold or allergy attack.

Sometimes only a professional can find the source of mold, since it may not be apparent or visible to the naked eye. When you have a mold assessment done it is imperative to analyze the water issue that caused the mold growth, as well as the mold itself.

An expert black mold remediator will have the diagnostic tools to analyze where the black mold is developing. He or she can also measure levels of moisture. These are the clues to finding concealed water line breaks or areas of the house where water is getting in from an outside water source.

Strong, musty odors, water-stained walls, and ceilings bowed drywall and cracked or peeling paint are also signs of a developing black mold problem.

Learn How to Get Rid of Toxic Black Mold

Once a mold problem is diagnosed, the remediation process should soon begin. Total removal and replacement of the affected structures may be necessary.

Drywall, ceiling tiles, and floorboards may need to be ripped out. Workers who remove mold-damaged materials should wear protective gear, including goggles, respirators, and gloves.

Use an industrial dehumidifier to remove excess water from the air. A dehumidifier should run non-stop for days or possibly weeks to completely dry out the structure.

Likewise, a strong HEPA filter can clean the air and rid the home of microscopic mold spores that could make inhabitants sick.

A1R Emergency Mold Remediation & Mold Removal Services

Do I Need Mold Remediation? 4 Signs That You Do

How do you know if you need mold remediation? Mold spores are everywhere. There is no way to get rid of all molds, nor would you want to. It is a natural part of the ecosphere and serves an important purpose. Mold helps to break down biodegradable materials in the environment. Some species are also are used in food science and the pharmaceutical industry to produce various foods, beverages, and medications.

Unfortunately, some molds are hazardous to human health. When mold grows in a home, it can cause severe respiratory illnesses, as well as skin, eye, and nose irritation. Mold can also cause damage to your home's structures, like drywall and wood. Mold remediation is the process of killing and removing mold from areas that have experienced a mold overgrowth. Learning the signs of a mold problem will help you understand if your home needs professional mold remediation.

Signs You May Need Mold Remediation

How do you know if your home contains harmful levels of mold? When you see black spots appearing on walls, ceilings or other areas of your home, it is a clear sign that there is an overgrowth of mold. However, mold could be growing inside the walls invisible to the naked eye. Mold build-up in air conditioning ducts also often goes unseen. As the AC unit blows, it contaminates your air with tiny mold spores circulating throughout your home day and night.

Water Intrusion Events

Moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for mold spores. A water intrusion event is a common cause of mold overgrowth. Overt flooding from an outdoor or indoor source will often bring on a mold problem within 72 hours of the water intrusion. When drywall, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and other porous materials become saturated with water, it takes a long time to dry out thoroughly. Mold likes to grow in damp, dark areas. That's why basements and attics are particularly vulnerable to mold problems.

Some water intrusion problems are not as easy to detect. Leaking pipes inside the walls may go unnoticed for a long time. If the water collects behind tiled walls, for instance, you may never see the damage.

Odd Odors from an Unknown Source

If you get a whiff of something musty in the air inside your home, it is a good sign that there is a mold source nearby and you may need mold remediation. Some species of mold do not give off odors, so mold could be present even if you do not smell anything unusual.

Stains and Discoloration of Walls and Ceiling Tiles

Even if you don't see the tell-tale black spots of mold growth, more subtle hints may be popping up around your home. Yellow, brown or orange discoloration of ceiling tiles, walls, or in showers or bathtubs could be an indication that there is mold growth occurring. Not all mold species appear black. Just like you may have noticed on different types of food, some molds are white, gray, green, red, or brown. Depending on the organic substance that the mold has settled into, colors may vary.

Health Symptoms that May Indicate Mold Problems

One of the most critical yet unrecognized signs that you need mold remediation is the adverse effect that mold has on human health. Breathing mold spores can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Coughing
Wheezing
A sore throat
Nasal & sinus congestion
Sneezing
Nosebleeds
Watery eyes
Chest tightness
Difficulty breathing

Because these symptoms resemble the common cold, a mold problem may not be considered as the source. If you or your family members seem to catch colds often, a mold issue could be the real culprit. Inhalation of mold can even bring on asthma attacks for those who suffer from the condition.

Long-term mold exposure to toxic molds may cause including cancer, pneumonitis, neurotoxicity, and other serious illnesses.

See Different types of mold.