Getting Rid of Mold requires knowledge of what mold is, where it exists, how to detect it, why it proliferates and the consequences of living with it. Then we can properly dispose of it so we can enjoy healthy indoor living. There are many myths related to mold some created by suppliers of mold products & contractors that want your money. When unsure of mold facts go to Centers for Disease control and prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/mold.
What is mold: Mold is an essential component to our ecosystem that provides decomposition of many organic substances necessary to plant, animal and human life. Mold multiplies by producing spores which circulate in the air. When the spore contacts a moist surface it clings to it and mold develops. In an indoor environment, airborne mold spores can cause health problems to the occupants. Air quality is a key factor to healthy living, and often when houses are sealed for temperature control, the lack of ventilation can cause a build up of humidity and serious air quality problems, especially if mold is present.
Where it Exists: Toxic mold commonly occurs in damp, humid areas of the house including behind walls and appliances. Toxic mold types such as Stachybotrys, cladosporium, aspergillus, memnoniella, acremonium, and black mold are the most dangerous. They cause allergies and sicknesses that can be life-threatening.
How to detect it: No need to test for mold if you smell it or see it. Mold testing is a safety measure that you can take to ensure that indoor air is safe if someone is mysteriously sick in your home and you cannot figure out why. . Any building in which people spend a significant amount of time such as homes, offices, schools and churches can be tested for mold problems to avoid mold-related illnesses.
How it proliferates: Opportunistic environments for mold to proliferate seen during actual inspections include:
1.) Over insulated houses where fresh air sources are covered.
2.) Attics with gable vents covered over.
3.) Under ventilated homes. Yes, houses are supposed to breathe.
4.) Previous/current water damage in attics, basements, crawlspaces, plumbing.
5.) Clothes dryers vented inside a home.
6.) Under insulated homes. Moisture from heat ends up in the attic.
7.) Lack of proper vapor barrier, insulation, or ventilation in crawlspaces.
8.) Interior exhaust fans, usually bathrooms venting into the attic.
9.) Improper exterior grading. Lack of proper rain gutters and downspouts provide hydrostatic pressure and moisture intrusion into basements over time.
10.) Wet basements/crawlspaces without proper means (sump pump) to extricate the water source.
11.) Wood to ground soil contact.
12.) Lack of proper exhaust venting in bathrooms/laundry areas.
13.) Lack of maintenance of exterior siding, especially North facing exteriors.
14.) Poorly maintained forced hot air/central a/c systems.
Generally, with a lack of ventilation and exposure to moisture, susceptible areas can develop widespread mold within days. It’s not just the “toxic” type of black mold, stachybotrys that needs to be addressed in these situations, but ANY type of mold in excess is not a welcome occupant in any house or workplace.
Consequences if living with it: Every home has some sort of mold in it, some good, some bad, some welcomed. Most not. It is especially important to understand that mold is not only a potential environmental hazard to the occupants for example health issues: fatigue, headache, flu-like symptoms, but has destructive elements leading to the eventual breakdown of anything made of cellulose to include wood, paper wrapped drywall, etc.
Indoor mold can make you really sick. Mold in your home releases tiny spores to reproduce, which contaminate the air we breathe. What is even worse is that mold-related illnesses are often misdiagnosed because those suffering are not even aware that they have a mold problem.
How to get rid of Mold: Once identified and cultured, remediation to include ventilation, cleanup, or removal of the affected areas must be performed.
The key to removing Mold is moisture control. If you do not eliminate or control the moisture in your home or office Mold will remain or return.
The first thing we do when we arrive at a home that has mold is to determine the possible sources of moisture, then we recommend had to eliminate the moisture. This is why you should use a Mold Contractor that understands construction building repair.
The Mazzei Group construction, a licensed General Contractor removes mold and repairs the damaged caused by that removal.