If you believe that mold has become an invisible resident in your home or business, then we at CCR Damage Restoration can help you clarify your concerns and eliminate the problem. Our specialists are trained and certified in mold removal, and we can provide you with an accurate and honest assessment of the severity of the problem on your property. We have very accurate inspection techniques and highly sensitive mold testing to help identify and locate mold contamination.
Mold and Mold Spores
Understanding the difference between mold and mildew will help you determine the nature of the problem you are facing. The term mold refers to different specific types of mold or fungi and is used when describing mold growth. Typically, mold is found where there is a high degree of moisture, such as in showers and windowsills.
Mold is a category that includes many species of microscopic fungi that can live on any organic matter, such as ceilings, walls, floors, clothing, and paper. In buildings with basements or sublevels, a noticeable musty odor is common.
Mold spores reproduce naturally, so it is impossible to maintain a “mold-free” structure. If there is dust, there are mold spores. This is a fact and these mold spores pose little threat to the indoor air quality of the property and its occupants. Their health risk will depend on the extent to which the building materials can be kept clean and dry. When mold spores enter your home or business and land on damp surfaces, mold will begin to grow. The presence of mold in a property is not normal and this fact should be addressed promptly whenever its presence is detected by hiring a professional mold remediation service.
Can Mold on walls make you sick?
The answer is yes. Exposure to damp, moldy areas may cause various health issues, especially for people who have respiratory diseases or preconditions, such as asthma, emphysema, and other restrictive respiratory illnesses or are allergic to mold. Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Skin rash
Anyone having been exposed to mold spores and presenting any of these symptoms, either a single one or associated, should consult your physician, a healthcare provider, your state or local health department, or the Centers for Disease Control’s website, www.cdc.gov/mold.
Mold Contamination & Testing
Often, mold contamination on your property can be found with a quick inspection. Although it may not be visible, your house or place of business may have high quantities of airborne mold. The proper way to evaluate your air quality or mold problem is to hire a professional mold remediation service. The CCR Damage Restoration certified specialists can answer many of your questions over the phone and will also provide you with professional advice regarding your specific situation. Be aware that we even offer free, on-site mold assessments during normal business hours to further address your air quality and mold concerns.
Building material changes, accelerated construction methods, occupant negligence in
managing moisture intrusion and humidity, and an increased reliance on mechanical heating and cooling for comfort have all contributed to a significant increase in recent years of mold growth in buildings. Concerns over air quality have also increased as a result of people’s awareness of this fact, significant media attention, and legal actions.
Assessing individual mold and air quality concerns can be very difficult because professional indoor air quality (IAQ) organizations, state governments, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have not agreed upon threshold exposure limits or levels of visible mold growth that should constitute a concern for occupant and worker’s safety. Since hidden or disguised mold development and contamination due to settled spores (not visible) that are spread from areas of real growth are not taken into account, measuring visible levels of mold growth alone has clearer limits, although not accurate when measuring the problem extent. IAQ and mold treatment are fields that are always changing.
How can I get rid of mold?
Indoor humidity control is the best way to prevent and control mold growth inside the property. When mold is present on your property, fixing the water damage and problem is just as important as removing it. Removing the mold and not fixing the moisture problem will only cause the mold to reappear.
On the question of whether you should call a professional or do the cleanup yourself if the area where mold has developed is less than 1 square meter, you can probably do the cleanup without any problems. However, you should keep in mind the following guidelines suggested by the CDC:
If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covering more than 1 square meter, refer to the EPA guidelines for mold removal.
If you choose to hire a professional mold removal service, make sure they are experienced in mold removal. Check references. CCR Damage Restoration specializes in mold removal and has a team of certified specialists with years of experience.
If you suspect that your heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, consult EPA guidance
Should your home’s air ducts be cleaned before taking further action?
Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect it is contaminated with mold, as it could spread mold throughout the building or property.
If the water damage and/or mold was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call a professional experienced in cleaning and remediating buildings damaged by contaminated water.
If you have health problems, consult a health professional before beginning cleanup.
What should be done before proceeding with mold removal?
Here are some useful tips to follow in the presence of mold.
Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
Dry all items thoroughly.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry them thoroughly.
Throw away all items that are made of absorbent or porous materials, such as carpeting or ceiling tiles.
Wear protective clothing, including long pants, goggles, rubber gloves, and a mask when cleaning mold-covered surfaces.
Clean mold and dry surfaces before painting.
In the case of valuable items or when dealing with fond memories, if you are unsure how to clean them, consult a professional.
No one wants to have a mold problem. But if you are facing this problem, don’t hesitate to call CCR Damage Restoration. We’ll do a comprehensive assessment of your problem and suggest the best plan to fix it.