Surprisingly, there is mold in every home. Mold spores are naturally occurring and float through the air, clinging to surfaces.
So when people talk about mold remediation, what do they mean?
Usually, mold is harmless. It causes no more health issues than annoying the occasional allergy sufferer. But all that can change once you start seeing dark spotting on the ceiling or a creeping fungus along the floor.
This is usually caused by a catastrophic water leak or rampant, unabated humidity.
The molds from these situations can pose a serious health hazard to you and your family. And this is when you may need to call in the mold remediation experts.
In the following article, we’ll answer your mold remediation questions and let you know what to expect.
Stop the Source
In areas of the country with high humidity, you live with the prospect of water getting into your home. These areas are subject to big storms that can damage roofs or generate heavy rains that can swell creeks and send water sweeping through the streets.
So your first step in the mold remediation process is to fix the source of the leak. You may need to patch the roof or call in a plumber, but get the leak plugged.
Mold can cause asthma in children, and the more dangerous varieties contain mycotoxins which can spark respiratory ailments and other illnesses in adults. You need to take mold issues seriously and take care of infected areas as soon as possible.
Mold Remediation Contains the Spread
Mold remediation services, after they suit up, will then come in and contain the impacted areas. This is usually done with plastic tarping. You should remove all personal items and valuables before the company gets started.
The best removal service will give you a checklist of things to take care of before they arrive.
Unfortunately, to get at the mold, parts of your interior walls and moldings may need to be removed.
Clean and Disinfect
Next, the remediation company will start the process of vacuuming, gathering up and removing mold-infected surfaces, and cleaning and scrubbing areas to contain spores and disinfect surfaces.
Ensure that the company you chose has a mold remediation certification to handle the chemicals they are introducing into your home.
Some of these chemicals are powerful biocides and need to be handled with extreme care.
Dry, Replace, or Rebuild
For the homeowner who has never gone through the mold remediation process before, the extent of disruption can be a shock. Mold can get down into the insulation and exterior walls, so extensive work may need to take place to get the home back together.
You may need to replace some sheetrock, tile, or wall fixtures, as well as carpet and flooring. Whatever the case, you should dry and clean items before you replace them in the infected area.
How Long Does All This Take?
The mold remediation cost and the time it will take depend on the job’s size and the extent that the fungus has spread through your home.
To get a true estimate, you’ll need to speak to a certified mold remediation specialist. They’ll likely need to do a visual inspection before a price and timeframe can be determined.
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