Mold Remediation

How (and why) does mold growth occur?

Mold can grow rapidly and needs very little to proliferate. It is often smelled before it is seen. It can be supported by a variety of moist environments such as bathroom vents, broken water pipes, walls impacted by outdoor sprinklers, kitchen cabinets affected by cooking steam, house plants, and windows where condensation occurs. Where nutrients and moisture are found, mold spores have an environment apt for growth and multiplication. Even common building materials such as wood, carpet, and other paper products can be home to mold and residual fungi and bacteria. Unfortunately, it is not only visible mold that has unfortunate health consequences, but molds spores - tiny particles of mold cells that can quickly spread in supporting environments.

Health Consequences of Exposure

In addition to unpleasant odors or unsightly living spaces that are an unfortunate byproduct of mold growth, sustained exposure to mold and indoor fungi can be detrimental to your health. Studies show that asthma can be caused or aggravated by household mold and moisture within the home. Additionally, sinus congestion, coughs, reddened eyes, or skin rashes might also occur as a ramification of mold exposure. This exposure is especially dangerous to infants and children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with respiratory conditions. Long term exposure to certain molds can even cause side effects as severe as mood swings and memory difficulties. For example, Stachybotrys, or black mold, is especially toxic and can cause flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and lasting respiratory damage. Many molds can only be identified by microscopic exams of mold cultures, and therefore should only be indentified and treated by highly skilled and trained professionals.

Due to the dangers of mold exposure, and its propensity to quickly spread, mold remediation is best left to experienced service providers who can inspect all areas for mold outbreak and conduct air samples as part of their remediation process. This level of testing allows for a more thorough understanding of the best ways to rid spaces of mold contamination. The process of mold remediation is both complicated and demanding. In order to safely and exhaustively rid spaces of mold, this multi-step process should be handled by experts.

The Process - Inspection, Containment, Sanitation, Restoration and Prevention

Mold inspection is followed by mold containment in which all mold-contaminated areas are sealed off in order to stop its spread. Professionals might use barriers such as negative air pressure to prevent further mold growth. A home’s system of heating and cooling might be temporarily shut off in order to contain the spores which cause rapid multiplication and growth of mold.

The mold remediation process includes the installation of air filtration units that are best installed by mold remediation specialists. If the contamination is severe, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particular Air) filtered vacuum might be used to eliminate spaces of lingering spores. Another vital step in the process of mold remediation is mold clean-up, which is crucial to mold removal and prevention. If not deeply and thoroughly cleaned using a fungal biocide and antimicrobial substances, it is possible for fungi and mold regrowth to reoccur. Because mold growth often takes place in discrete locations, spores might be left uncleaned, and will therefore travel and spread. Professionals who are trained in mold inspection will know where certain strains of mold and fungi live. They will also know how and where to locate and clean mold residue.

Sanitation of surfaces that might have been in contact with mold spores such as household furniture, clothing, and other belongings will be sanitized by remediation professionals using specialized equipment. For example, professional dry and thermal foggers which deodorize the air and kill lingering spores are frequently used to complete the job safely and thoroughly.

Mold prevention will be useful after mold-infected areas are properly treated. Reducing humidity indoors by venting bathrooms, using de-humidifiers in humid spaces, and increasing ventilation will be useful preventing mold growth. Adding insulation to surfaces that are more prone to condensation such as windows, pipes, or flooring will prove successful strategies in mold prevention. Because mold grows in or on spaces where moisture and nutrients are found, it is best to dry damp and wet surfaces.

What Should I ask a Mold Remediation Company?

When faced with the unfortunate event of mold growth in your home, asking the right questions can help you choose a company that will complete the process thoroughly, safely, efficiently, and professionally. Be sure to inquire about licensing, certification, and training before signing on with any mold remediation company. Hamilton Restoration has been trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. Unmatched in technical excellence, the IICRC Standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology, and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. Here are a few helpful questions to ask a mold remediation company:

Should I consider DIY mold removal?

Because of the potential long-term health implications of mold exposure, we do not recommend do-it-yourself or DIY mold removal. If you know your home has sustained substantial water damage (flood, overflows, backed-up sewer line), you can expect mold. Mold growth can be found in out-of-the way places, and it's certainly expected to occur near where the origination point of the water problem. With the help of mold remediation specialists, both eliminating and preventing mold growth is possible, but it’s important to remember the safety concerns if you’re considering DIY mold remediation for your home or business. Since mold spores are invisible, it’s crucial that your air be tested properly with specialized testing equipment.

Concerned about mold in your home or office?

If you’ve been affected by unfortunate events involving water, fire, or mold, we are committed to helping you in your time of need. Remember that our team has been certified and trained by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and we bring peace of mind to homeowners and insurance providers with integrity and professionalism, working 24/7 to restore your home or business. We’re also proud to be a local, independently owned and operated restoration company, serving central and south Florida including Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. At Hamilton Restoration, perfection isn’t just the goal; it’s the expectation.

Give us a call today at 689-222-7033 for 24/7 service.