What is involved in mold remediation?

Mold remediation involves the containment, and removal by certified professionals to address the damage and health risks associated with mold. Cleaning with bleach and water will not kill mold spores and can actually make things worse through cross contamination and releasing the mycotoxins into the air. Moldy material must be removed and the damaged structure properly treated; therefore mold remediation is best left to a professional trained to handle hazardous material and eliminate the spread of mold to other rooms. Certified mold remediation includes:

• Assessment Custom Cleaning Services technicians will come into your home to identify moldy areas as well as the source of the problem. The technician will then put together a remediation plan based on the specifics of your loss.
• Containment The source of the moisture problem is addressed and the affected area is closed off to avoid contaminating the rest of your home with mold spores stirred up during the removal process.
• Filtration HEPA filters will be used to clean the air of mold spores and other particles, and remove the harmful spores from the structure.
• Removal Building materials and personal belongings in your home may be affected. Since mold is a living organism and deeply ingrains itself into materials to survive, evaluations will be made of the items to best determine which items can be treated and which will need to be removed and disposed of.
• Drying To prevent regrowth of mold spores and to enable proper remediation, the affected area will need to be dried. Mold needs moisture to survive. If the area is not properly dried, than spores will continue to grow.
• Repair The repair process can begin, once the affected area is properly treated. At that time we can replace and repair any affected areas.

What Is “Black” Mold?

Just because it’s black, and just because its mold does not mean its “black” mold. Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about. The stories of black mold can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold. Disruption of the mold will cause the mold spores to release their mycotoxin. It is the inhalation of these gasses that can lead to respiratory damage. That is why it is important to have IICRC Certified technicians with AMRT certifications evaluate the area, to prevent cross contamination, and affecting other areas of your home or business.

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

• Mold can form in as little as 48 hrs. given the right environment.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet. Not all mold spores are “toxic”.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water, and the right temperatures.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. The cause of the mold needs to be corrected.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth, which is why you see mold in basements, attics and areas with previous water damage.
• Mold spores can lie dormant until the right combination of humidity and temperature is present for them to grown and spread.

Crawl Space Mold Remediation

Mold grows quickly in dark, damp places such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.  Under the right conditions in these areas, mold can grow very quickly, causing health risks and potential structural damage.