Mold, also known as mildew, is an organism that grows on moist objects, usually on the outside of houses, and sometimes on drywall and carpet. Mold is an essential part of our environment and plays a vital role in nature; it helps breakdown of dead organic matter including fallen trees and dead leaves; mold spores play a vital role in the breakdown of food for animals and plants, and they even make us feel more comfortable with a little humidity. The key thing to remember is that mold can not only be an unpleasant situation, but it can also be dangerous to your health. Therefore, any time that you suspect that there may be mold growing on your home, you should contact a certified mold remediation specialist who will be able to inspect your home and tell you whether or not it is safe to enter and leave your home.
The reason that mold remediation is so important is because there is no way of removing mold from your home without destroying it. There are some mold removal methods that mold experts use, which do not destroy the mold. Common methods of mold remediation include:
o Exhaustive Cleaning – this is perhaps the most common mold remediation process and is used for large buildings. Basically, cleaning will usually consist of cleaning off the inside walls, floors, insulation, and even windows and ceilings of a building. After the cleaning is complete, mold remediation experts will send their certified technicians in to identify the source of the moisture, determine the severity of the infestation (if there is any), and then begin the removal process.
o Inspection – this is another part of the mold remediation process. This inspection will usually last a day or two and is generally used to help prevent new mold spores from being introduced into the air once the cleaning process has been completed. During the inspection, an expert will be able to tell what kind of mold you have on your hands, if you had water damage, if you exposed your house to heat during the summer, and if you had electrical problems. An inspection done during the mold remediation process will help prevent mold damage, which can sometimes be worse than the mold itself.
o Containment – this is the last step before the remediation process ends. A containment field will be set up to contain and protect the house during the remediation process. This area will be marked with warning signs such as “Mold Trigger” so mold damage victims will know what to expect during the remediation process. If a person comes into contact with one of the warning signs, they will be directed to go out of the area and keep safe while the mold experts work to completely remove the mold growth from the area. The containment area will often be a closed off area that will block wind from entering, preventing even more mold from growing.
o Dehumidification – during the cleanup process, a dehumidifier will be used to get rid of excess moisture. This moisture will then be pumped back into the air, which will help prevent mold spores from being reintroduced into the atmosphere after the cleanup is completed. Dehumidifiers are not only used during remediation, but also for regular home use to control excess humidity. Without proper dehumidification, mold spores can grow in homes, causing allergic reactions, breathing problems, and mold to form on surfaces, which can also be very dangerous.
Mold remediation isn’t complete without the release of toxic spores into the air. The cleanup team will need to make sure all surface water is drained from the home as well, which will help stop any indoor mold outbreak from recurring. Any exposed individuals should be kept away from the cleanup area while it is being done, to avoid spreading the mold spores to others who may come in contact with the contaminated materials.
After the remediation process is complete, you will notice a big change in your air quality. You won’t have to worry about toxic mold growing behind your bathroom door anymore, and you won’t have to fear breathing in mold while you’re trying to take a shower. By making sure your ventilation ducts are cleaned and repaired, you can rest easy knowing mold is not the next big health threat in your household. Preventative measures like mold testing and mold removal can keep you from ever having to deal with a mold problem in your home, so take the necessary precautions today by calling a professional to remove any mold issue that may have started growing behind your home’s windows and doors.