How Mold Removal Is Performed

By Author: Andor Kovacs
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Mold is a common household toxin but many people think first of mold growing on food items in their kitchen rather than in their walls, under their floors, or in their attic or basement. The fact is, mold grows anywhere there is moisture for more than 24 to 48 hours. Mold is a common problem after flooding as certain items, such as carpet and flooring, furniture, household items, and other objects remain wet for days. Still, even without a major flood, parts of your home or office could be growing mold unbeknownst to you because of something as simple as a minor leak. The only way to be safe from the potentially hazardous effects of mold is to remove the mold and remedy the source.

Mold can grow anywhere, including within your walls, under your flooring, or essentially anywhere water can gain access. The obvious time to inspect for mold is after a flooding occurs, whether caused by nature or an accidental pipe burst or water backup. However, it doesn't take an accident or natural disaster to cause mold. Areas of the home where moisture could be a routine problem caused by leaks include bathrooms, basements, and areas ...
... around windows and doors, as well as the attic.

If you suspect mold because of flooding or have seen signs of molding, including the growth of dark spots on ceilings, around windows or doors, or notice an unusual smell, the first thing to do is to request a mold inspection. Mold doesn't necessarily give off signs either, so if you have recently moved into a new home and are curious about possible mold due to previous events or maintenance upkeep, a mold inspection is a good idea.

A mold inspection can be quickly conducted within your home or office by trained technicians working for reputable damage and restoration companies that also specialize in mold detection and removal. Typically, all that is involved is entry into your home with special equipment that is able to determine the mold count in the air. This specialized type of machinery can determine not only the presence of mold but the type of mold as well. If mold is found, a technician can determine the source and help you to proceed with removal and remediation.

The key to stopping mold growth is to stop the moisture source. If flooding is the problem, there may be nothing you can do except hope it doesn't happen again but in some cases, you may be directed towards repairs to sewer or plumbing lines, as well as drainage solutions for your yard that may help avoid future problems. If the source is a leak in a window, door or the roof, then the necessary repairs will need to be made to stop the entry of water. Repairs may range from replacing a window or door frame altogether to simply caulking a joint, fascia board, or other problem area.

To remove mold properly, the entire area needs to be cleaned and sanitized if possible and if not, removed and replaced. The measures taken to effectively remove mold will vary from situation to situation. In some cases, such as with flooring, it requires removal of carpet, padding, laminate or tile flooring, all the way down to the sub-flooring. Removal experts will use special equipment to remove all traces of moisture before replacing flooring to prevent trapping more moisture underneath the new floor. When it comes to mold growth in the walls or on drywall, it may be necessary to remove damaged drywall and studs and replace them.

Mold removal on non-porous, hard surfaces can usually be done by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the surface and then quickly drying it. If you notice mold growth on hard, non-porous surfaces within your home, you can remove it by using a bleach solution. However, if you aren't sure of the cause or source of moisture, it would be wise to consult a professional for inspection and repair. If any part of your home suffers from extensive water damage, you should call a restoration company within the first 24 to 48 hours to avoid extensive molding. Mold grows quickly and will begin to grow in fabrics and porous surfaces within 24 hours.

Though mold removal may seem a difficult, expensive process, a professional mold removal technician can make quick and easy work of it. Inspection, removal and correction of the problem now could save you from extensive, more costly repairs later and is far better for your health than waiting years until an irreversible health condition arises as a result of mold.
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