Mold growth is a serious problem. If left unchecked, mold growth can compromise the structural integrity of your home/business and/or cause health problems.
Mold thrives off the presence of water, particularly dirty water in dark places. Given the right temperature and humidity level, mold can grow within 48 hours of a water disaster. Mold is most detected during the water mitigation process and is dealt with at the same time. However, if water has unknowingly leaked into your home/business or a past water disaster was not properly dealt with, structural materials in your home/business may still be wet and breeding mold. In that case, an air quality test may be taken to identify whether the mold levels within your home/business are above safety standards. If so, professional air scrubbing and mold removal will be necessary.Do you have mold?
How can you know if mold is growing in your home/business? There are several potential causes and consequences of mold growth. Keep an eye out for these signs:
- The smell of mildew
- Mustiness within enclosed spaces (such as closets)
- Sudden allergies or respiratory issues
- Colorful growth on surfaces (such as walls and ceilings)
- Discoloration around air vents, under sinks, in a tub or shower
- Water marks on walls or ceilings caused by potential leaks
- Previous water damage to your property
- Above average humidity levels within your home/business
Mold Testing
Mold can be harmful to your health! Certain types of mold produce mycotoxins – toxins that can cause allergic reactions and/or sickness when ingested, inhaled, or touched. If you suspect mold growth in your home/business, we offer air quality testing to identify whether unhealthy levels of mold are present within your property. We also take moisture readings to identify potential water damage that has gone unseen and untreated. Remember, mold cannot live and thrive without water. Identifying areas of excess water (and therefore usually where the mold is growing) is the first step towards mold remediation.
Mold Removal
Mold removal is a multi-step process:
- Air Scrubbing: To ensure safe, clean air to breathe, our professional air scrubbing machines run throughout the mold removal process. By cleaning the air of mold spores, we stop the potential spread of the mold to other parts of your home/business.
- Material Removal: Once mold growth has been identified within your home/business, porous organic materials (such as drywall and wallpaper) with mold growth are removed and disposed of. Such materials are not salvageable. However, non-organic materials (such as concrete and metal) or less porous organic materials (such as wood framing) with mold growth are usually salvageable.
- Killing the Mold: For those salvageable materials with mold growth, the mold is sprayed with a biocide or disinfectant. This kills the mold.
- Mold Removal: The dead mold is then wiped off and removed as much as possible.
- Encapsulating the Mold: It is important to note that killing the mold itself does not reduce its toxicity. Once the mold has died and been wiped away, any remaining mold is sprayed with an encapsulant. An encapsulant is a paint-like substance that covers and keeps in any remaining toxins. This prevents the remaining toxins from being airborne.
- Reconstruction: Once the mold has been safely dealt with, the unsalvageable structures (such as drywall) are replaced. Your home is rebuilt to its original condition.