Mold Remediation: What You Should Know

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Moisture problem caused a serious mold problem to develop

Mold Remediation: What You Should Know

When mold, fungus, or mildew takes hold in your home or business and spreads it can bring with it dire consequences. Left unchecked, mold growth can cause severe structural damage. Commercial mold damage can have devastating financial effects. Mold in the home may disrupt family life and cause substantial inconvenience. If mold growth is suspected, experts in remediation should be contacted as soon as possible for consultation. The processes involved in mold removal are varying and may differ based upon the setting and the extent of the damage caused. This mold damage can range from the presence of the smelly odor associated with fungus all the way to dry rot or other structural deterioration. Only a professional restoration company should judge the extent of the mold damage and suggest mitigation methods.

Fungus, mildew, and mold damage are often the results of flooding or the presence of standing water. Mitigation of mold in the home may involve different techniques than remediation of commercial mold damage, however, removal of the moisture that is the cause of mold growth is always the first step. A restoration company will suggest and/or implement removal of water as soon as possible after a loss to lessen mold growth. It will also be suggested that heaters or air conditioners be turned off to lessen the spread of mold in the home or business. Leaky plumbing and poor ventilation of humidity can also lead to black mold, a common mold in the home and source of commercial mold damage. Once the moisture that causes fungus and mildew is removed, the remediation and mitigation process can begin.

A thorough inspection of the property will be completed by the restoration company to detect any instances of black mold, fungus or mildew growth. Not all instances of mold growth and/or mold damage will be as obvious as visible, mildew or black mold. The presence of a smelly odor may indicate mold growth behind walls. Instances of fungus growth undetected for too long, such as mold growth behind walls, may result in dry rot which will need to be removed and the affected wood replaced or repaired. Deodorization methods will be discussed and implemented based upon the extent of the damage found.

Mold removal and remediation is a process that can take several days. The removal of standing water and excess moisture itself can take many hours, depending upon severity. Experts in mold removal, dressed in proper safety gear, will begin a cleanup process involving the use of chemicals to remediate mold. Less severe cases, like surface black mold, may only require light to moderate cleaning to address the smelly odor and unsightliness. However, more extensive commercial mold damage or damage caused by mold in the home may require the use of fogging machines that mist the air with chemicals for mitigation and deodorization purposes. Opening affected areas up to circulate fresh air or the operation of dehumidifiers may be used as a drying and deodorization method based upon the location and severity of the growth. If mold growth behind walls or dry rot is discovered, demolition will be undertaken to remove any affected materials. In severe cases where mold growth behind walls has lead to dry rot in load bearing studs or beams, the restoration company may work along side construction contractors to ensure that the structural integrity of the building is maintained during these procedures.

To avoid costly, extensive mold removal processes, home and business owners
alike should be aware of the tell tale signs of mold damage including visible molds, and fungi, as well as the smelly odor associated with them. Vigilance against standing water and/or excessive moisture or humidity should be taken. When caught early, mold mitigation may require little more than cleaning and deodorization. Left go for too long, mold can do extensive damage. If you suspect mold, contact a mold removal professional immediately.
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