Keep an eye out even after dealing with a flood or leak. Why? Because an unseen danger, mold, can sneak up in your home.
Keep an eye out even after dealing with a flood or leak. Why? Because an unseen danger, mold, can sneak up in your home.
You might be surprised to know that mold is actually all around us. Tiny mold spores are always in the air we breathe, but usually, they are in such small amounts that they're harmless.
But when there's a lot of moisture – like right after a flood or leak – these mold spores can start to grow and spread.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that controlling moisture is the best way to control mold. If you don't dry a surface or area that's been damaged by water within 24 to 48 hours, mold will likely start to grow.
What To Do If You Have Mold
Mold can be a common issue in Florida due to the state's humid climate. If you've identified the presence of mold in your property, it's important to take immediate steps not just to protect your property, but more importantly, to safeguard your health and those living or working with you. Here's what you should do:
1. Stay Safe: If you find extensive mold growth, particularly if you or others are experiencing symptoms like headaches, difficulty breathing, or allergic reactions, it may be best to vacate the area. This helps limit your exposure until professionals can assess the situation.
2. Identify the Mold Type: If the mold patch is small (smaller than about 10 square feet), and you feel comfortable handling it, put on protective gear (gloves, goggles, and a mask) and take a close look. The color and texture could give you an idea of the type of mold. However, bear in mind that only a professional can provide a reliable identification and assess potential health risks.
3. Document the Situation: Take pictures and make notes about where you've found mold. This will help your remediation experts understand the extent of the problem, and it might be necessary for insurance purposes.
4. Control the Source: Mold grows where there's moisture. Identify the source of the moisture problem (like a leaky pipe, roof, or window) and do your best to control it. This might mean putting a bucket under a leak or turning off water to the building.
5. Contact Professionals: Get in touch with a professional mold remediation service like ours. DIY removal is not typically recommended, especially for larger infestations. Mold, particularly toxic variants, can be hazardous to remove without proper training and equipment.
We're Licensed & Certified For Mold Remediation in Florida
When you contact us, we'll:
- Arrange an inspection to assess the situation.
- Identify the type of mold and the extent of the damage.
- Discuss with you the best course of action for remediation.
- Use state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to safely and effectively remove the mold.
- Dehumidify and dry out the area to inhibit future mold growth.
- Repair any water damage that may have contributed to the mold problem.
- Provide tips and strategies for preventing future mold growth.
We understand the stress and worry that comes with discovering mold in your property. That's why we're committed to making the mold remediation process as smooth and swift as possible. We're here to help, 24/7. When you need us, don't hesitate to call or fill out our online contact form.
Do You Need Help With Mold?
Whether you have a question, want a no-cost quote, or are ready to book a service, we're here to respond promptly. Simply complete the brief contact form below, or dial (407) 448-0048 to connect with a mold specialist today!
As a leading water damage and mold remediation service provider, we are proud to be licensed and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for mold remediation in the state of Florida.
The IICRC is an internationally recognized certification body that sets high standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our certification is a testament to our commitment to providing our clients with top-quality service that adheres to the best industry practices.
We are also delighted to be highly rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), an affirmation of our dedication to customer satisfaction, transparency, and professionalism. Your trust is our utmost priority, and we continuously strive to deliver services that not only meet but exceed your expectations.
Mold Inspections, Assessments, & Testing
Mold inspections, or mold assessments, play a vital role in maintaining the health and safety of an indoor environment, be it a residential, commercial, or public setting.
Why They're Important
The significance of these inspections can be broken down into several key points:
Health Implications
Prolonged exposure to mold can have serious health implications. Mold produces allergens and irritants which can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or touched. Certain types of molds, such as black mold, can produce toxic compounds known as mycotoxins that can cause more severe health effects.
Property Integrity
Mold is a natural decomposer and can slowly degrade the materials it grows on.
Identifying Hidden Problems
A mold inspection can uncover hidden problems in a building, such as leaks, poor ventilation, or other issues that may lead to water accumulation and mold growth.
Value of Property
For properties on the market, a mold inspection can be a selling point. A property free of mold issues can fetch a higher price and attract more potential buyers.
Guidance for Remediation
An inspection doesn't just find mold; it also helps to guide the remediation process. By identifying the type of mold, its extent, and location, the mold inspector can provide crucial information to mold remediation specialists, ensuring the most effective and efficient cleanup.
What Do They Entail?
Mold assessments, also known as mold inspections, are comprehensive examinations of a property designed to detect the presence, type, and extent of mold growth. Mold can be harmful to human health and can damage building materials, so conducting a mold assessment can be critical for maintaining a safe and healthy living or working environment.
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry Rooms
- Basements and Crawl Spaces
- Attics
- HVAC System
To identify concealed moisture or mold following an incident of flooding or leakage, tools like moisture detectors and infrared imaging devices will be employed throughout the evaluation process.
Although not always required, air sampling can be a helpful tool in affirming the existence of mold, especially when the origin is not readily visible. It's crucial that samples are collected by an individual with the proper training and sent to a certified lab for analysis.
Upon conclusion of the evaluation, you will be provided with a comprehensive mold assessment report. This document will encompass the findings of the inspection and present a meticulous plan for mold remediation.
What Is Mold Remediation?
Mold remediation is the process of cleaning, sanitizing, demolishing, and removing mold-infected materials and areas from a property. It is a specialized process that involves a series of steps designed to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent future mold growth.
When To Hire A Professional
In Florida, there aren't any laws or regulations mandating that you enlist a professional for mold removal (unless you possess a building with more than 10 units and the Health Department has issued you a Class B or Class C mold violation).
When confronted with mold, you have the option to address it independently if you believe your knowledge or training is sufficient. However, before embarking on the DIY route, you should be cognizant of the following points:
- Mold and moisture might be present in concealed or hard-to-access areas.
- Commercial mold cleaners may not eliminate all the mold present.
- If safe work practices aren't followed or appropriate protective gear isn't used, mold can pose serious health risks.
- Inadequate or incomplete remediation may allow the mold to spread, escalating the cost of damages and repairs.
- Once the mold has been eradicated, thorough cleanup is necessary, and any dead mold must be removed.
While trained building maintenance staff might be able to manage relatively small or infrequent occurrences of mold, mold remediation professionals with more extensive training are better equipped to handle larger tasks.
As a general guideline, if you discover mold growth that spans more than 10 square feet, consider hiring a mold professional.
After severe leaks or floods where water or moisture has infiltrated floors and walls, it's also advisable to hire a professional. This is due to the high likelihood of mold growth in areas that aren't visible to the naked eye.
What Does It Entail?
Firstly, it's crucial to address and rectify the underlying conditions that contributed to the mold growth in order to prevent it from reappearing.
In cases of recent flooding or water leakage, it's not enough to just remove visible water. The affected area needs to be exhaustively dried and dehumidified to eliminate any moisture that has built up around and within the building materials.
As stated by the EPA, indoor relative humidity should be maintained below 60% to halt and deter the growth of mold.
Following this, surfaces damaged by mold must be either cleaned or removed, depending on the material type. As per the guidelines provided by the NYC Department of Health regarding mold:
- Non-porous materials can typically be cleaned thoroughly (such as metals, glass, and rigid plastics).
- Semi-porous and porous structural materials can be cleaned if they are still structurally sound (like wood and concrete).
- Porous materials should be taken out and discarded (including ceiling tiles, insulation, and wallboards).
Cleaning usually involves the use of a soap or detergent solution, applying gentle cleaning methods to minimize the dispersion of mold from the work area. Neighboring areas are also cleaned utilizing vacuums with HEPA filters to eradicate mold spores and debris.
Got questions?
Well, we've got answers
Signs of mold include musty odor, visible mold growth, water damage, and health issues like allergies, respiratory problems, or worsening asthma. If you suspect a mold issue, it's best to get a professional inspection.
A typical mold inspection takes 1-3 hours, depending on the property's size and complexity.
Costs vary depending on the problem's extent, the property's size, and the remediation method used. An inspection and testing can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size of the property. Remediation costs can range from $1,000 to several thousand dollars.
DIY mold removal is not recommended. Mold removal and remediation requires specialized equipment, training, and safety precautions. Hiring a professional is the safest and most effective way to handle mold problems.
The duration of mold removal and remediation depends on the extent of the mold infestation and the size of the affected area. Small projects can take a few hours, while larger ones may require several days or more.
Mold can be harmful, especially for individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which can cause more severe health issues. It's important to address mold problems promptly to protect your health.
Preventing mold growth involves controlling air quality and moisture in your home. Fix leaks, ensure proper ventilation, use dehumidifiers, buy a HEPA filter for your home to scrub the air of mold spores, and maintain indoor humidity below 60%. Regularly inspect and clean high-risk areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
Coverage varies by policy and insurer. Some policies cover mold removal and remediation if it's caused by a covered peril, like a burst pipe. Review your policy and contact your insurance company for specific details.
If the underlying moisture problem is not resolved, mold can return. Mold spores are always in the air. It's a matter of air concentrations, organic food and moisture sources. A professional remediation service should address the cause of mold growth and provide recommendations to prevent a recurrence.