Mold remediation companies are businesses that offer services to remove mold colonies from a residential or commercial property. This is a very important job that can help to prevent numerous health issues as well as to slow the deterioration of property which can end up being very costly otherwise. Here we will look at some of the things you can do yourself to remove mold, how to identify a problem and when to call one of your local mold remediation companies.
Why Mold is a Problem
Mold is a serious problem in the home once it sets in as it can have multiple negative effects on your health as well as on your property. One of the biggest problems presented by mold is the impact it can have on your health. Another problem is how quickly it can set in and spread, which is why it’s important to look for mold remediation companies before it becomes worse.
Mold is a type of fungus and can travel through the air in the form of spores. Upon making contact with any damp surface it can then start growing there to form a colony. As long as there are wet surfaces as well as ‘nutrition’ in the form of dander, dust, wood, cellulose or cardboard – mold can thrive.
When we breathe in mold this can cause a slight allergic reaction which is what ends up resulting in breathing difficulties, itchy skin and other problems. Furthermore, mold can also come in various different forms including ‘toxic kinds’ which produce mycotoxins. These toxins are poisonous to humans and can result in a number of unwanted symptoms – potentially in some cases even leading to neurological damage and death in extreme circumstances. You can learn more about mold and what it actually is here.
Mold causes damages to property and normally occurs alongside water damage which can weaken foundations, destroy carpets, paint, and wallpaper and generally lead to all manner of problems.
What’s more, mold can sometimes spread unseen. If you have mold under your carpet, in your walls or in your insulation then it can have a poisonous effect without you even knowing it’s there.
Can You Deal With Mold Yourself?
If you have a small amount of mold on your property, then you may be able to deal with it yourself to an extent without the help of any mold remediation companies. Make sure you avoid inhaling mold while you clean and don’t use dry brushing which can actually have the unwanted effect of ‘unsettling’ the mold spores and causing them to enter the air again.
Mold test kits exist to help you find mold and if you do identify it then in many cases you might be able to remove it with a simple damp wipe. Make sure you remove every last bit of mold (remember how easily it spreads) and then try to prevent it from coming back by getting more air and circulation into your home.
This only works if you notice mold on solid surfaces. If you have a porous surface such as a carpet or a dry wall however then you won’t be able to clean that yourself. This will likely have to be disposed of and as the mold may have spread further, you should probably call one of your local mold remediation companies. That said, in some cases, there will be steps you can take to kill mold in the carpet.
If the mold keeps coming back however or if a ‘musty’ smell persists in the air, it may mean that you have mold more deeply set in where you can’t see it. Mold can get under floorboards and it can get inside wall cavities. In this case, you should again call one of your local mold remediation companies that can better track down the source and solve it once and for all.
Mold Remediation Companies
When you do use mold remediation companies, they will start by assessing the extent and the nature of the damage. From there, they will then move on to thoroughly cleaning the mold wherever they find it – even if that means pulling up floorboards, moving furniture or peeling away paint.
In some cases, they may also use a damp wipe but in other situations, they can use a range of vacuums, detectors, chemicals and more to ensure that the mold is well and truly dealt with.
Before they do this though, they will first identify and address any sources of moisture in your home. Usually, severe mold is the result of a leak, seepage or a damaged pipe which in turn leads to a build-up of moisture for mold to thrive. They will need to deal with this first to prevent mold from coming back as they clean. They will then dry the area and begin with the cleanup.
At the same time, mold remediation companies will often offer a range of other services. For instance, they may help you to dispose of items that can no longer be used such as mattresses and pillows. Alternatively, they might also help you to replace or restore items. Some mold remediation companies include services such as fabric restoration and carpet installation.
Preventing Mold
Mold remediation is very important if ever you suspect you have mold in your property. However, it is always better to prevent mold rather than to try and address it once it has already taken hold of your property. For this reason, you should try to avoid letting moisture build up in your home.
One way to do this is to make sure your home is properly heated and insulated at all times. There is always moisture in the air but normally it circulates the home and then leaves. If you have very cold walls and windows though, the moisture will condense and turn into droplets of water. Heating your property prevents this.
Another tip is to make sure that air keeps circulating and moving. Ventilate your home by opening windows and using dehumidifiers and extractor fans. If you have any furniture pushed up against walls etc., try creating a bit more space where these air pockets are to let air get in.
When you are in need of a mold damage repair company in Jupiter, Melbourne, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, or Wellington FL or in Asheville, NC contact Secure Restoration.
