The truth about mold is that mold spores are everywhere. They come in through windows, doors, HVAC systems, and are even carried indoors by pets. Under normal circumstances, mold spores do not produce a mold problem. It is only when the right conditions exist that mold rapidly replicates and spreads. Mold thrives in dark, damp, moist environments with poor ventilation. Mold may grow behind building structures where the signs may be limited to a musty odor in the affected area. Before long however, the mold rears its ugly colored pattern along ceilings, baseboards, drywall and other affected personal items. Within 48-72 hours after a flood or other improperly contained water damage event, a significant mold problem can start and spread throughout a home. One square inch of mold can hold 10 million spores.
Black Mold vs. Other Mold Infestations
There are many different types of mold ranging in color from black, white, green and orange. Black mold, a greenish black colored mold, generally grows and thrives in flooded properties. This may be in the aftermath of a hurricane, tropical storm or severe rain when a river overflows its banks. As the water seeps into flooring, capinets, furniture, personal property and building structures, the mycotoxins in black mold produce a range of serious mold-related health problems. This is more troublesome for young children, the elderly and those with allergies, asthma and chronic respiratory infections. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, nose and throat irritation, and headaches.
All mold is dangerous when it is present in high concentrations – also called a mold infestation. Mold is best evaluated by an unbiased ACAC certified indoor environmental testing company that performs mold testing based on accredited standards. Besides an anlysis and quantified testing, these companies provide details about the type, extent and location of the mold. When mold remediation is recommended, the homeowner’s report includes the type of mold, location and extent of the mold infestation, and specific measures to assure proper decontamination, elimination of mold and spores, and restoration of a healthy indoor environment.
If You Think You Have Mold, Request a Free Mold Remediation Estimate
If you find mold growing on ceilings, walls, baseboards or furnishings or notice a musty odor, it is likely that you have a mold problem that should be evaluated by professionals. Removing people and pets from the contaminated area is the first recommended action. Then avoid handling the mold, attempting to clean it up with chemicals or bleach, or doing anything that may disperse and distribute mold spores. Contain the mold by turning off heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. This will prevent dispersing mold spores through HVAC systems into other locations. Finally, call a IICRC Certified Water Damage Contractor to request a free mold remediation estimate.
When Mold Remediation Services are Indicated
Mold remediation is recommended for any type of mold infestation. It is a specific process of safely containing the mold infestation, removing and discarding contaminated items that cannot be salvaged, decontaminating affected building structures and items that can be salvaged, and thoroughly cleaning and restoring the property to its like new condition.
Mold Cleanup Restoration after Mold Remediation
After the mold infestation is eliminated through IICRC mold remediation protocols, restoring the property to its pre-damaged condition is the final step in returning the property to its pre-loss condition. It is during the mold remediation restoration phase that repairs and replacement are made for of all affected building structures and other materials that were removed during demolition and cleanup.
Request a Free Mold Remediation Estimate
Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup and Restorations is a fully licensed, IICRC certified and insured general contractor in Florida. For more than three decades, our experience, training, and values for integrity, quality, and dependable services have made us a trusted water, mold, fire damage and restoration company.
Unlike some of our competitors, we follow IICRC standards to assure safe and appropriate practices. This means that customers are not overcharged for unnecessary and costly demolition and restoration of their property. We are one of a few trusted residential contractors for water damage, mold remediation and restoration services by leading homeowner insurance companies.
We respond 24/7 within a 2-hour response time to water damage and mold service calls within Southwest Florida. The inspection and estimate are free. We stand behind all of our work with an unconditional guarantee for quality, workmanship and dependable service. If you are looking for one-stop total peace of mind service, call us.
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