Nobody ever wants to hear (or see) that they’ve got mold in their homes. Unfortunately, it’s a common problem in Florida due to our humid environment. Mold not only damages your property but it also poses serious health risks to all who live there.
So when is mold remediation required? The answer may not be as simple as you think. Read on for more information about mold, the risks associated with mold presence, and when mold remediation is necessary.
Understanding Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that naturally grows in the wild. In fact, it’s crucial for nature because it helps to break down dead organic matter. It reproduces by releasing mold spores into the air which can be inhaled by humans and pets. They can also stick to surfaces and begin forming a colony.
If you see the telltale signs of mold forming in your home, it’s time to call a professional.
Not all mold is the notorious black mold, but it’s still important to get mold taken care of because of the health implications. Mold can cause:
More severe cases can cause wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
The most obvious sign that you require mold remediation is the visible presence of mold. There are many types of mold and they can appear slimy or fuzzy and be green, black, white, or orange in color. As we said, not all mold is black mold so don’t worry!
Small patches of mold can sometimes be cleaned by homeowners using the appropriate safety gear and mold killing products, but if you are seeing larger areas of mold growth, put down that mold killing primer and call a professional remediation company.
If you walk into a room and smell a musty or earthy smell, even if you can’t see it, it could mean mold. Unfortunately mold can grow behind walls, under floors, in piles of clothing, and it releases a distinctive odor.
If the smell persists it’s time to call a professional to assess.
Mold growth is often preceded by water damage or ongoing moisture issues. These can be from leaks, flooding, a storm, or higher than normal humidity levels. If your property has experienced any type of water damage, you’ll need a water damage restoration company and a mold assessment. Mold can grow in the affected areas within 24-48 hours so prompt treatment is crucial.
If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms and it’s not allergy season (or you’ve never had issues with allergies before) you might have a mold issue. Symptoms are highlighted above but include coughing, sneezing, throat issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation.
You know that you have mold and you know that mold is bad, but when is professional mold remediation actually required?
When a Professional Indicates Structural Deterioration: If a building inspector or mold remediation specialist assesses the home and concludes that the mold is causing structural damage, immediate action is needed. Mold can weaken a structure and lead to rotting of walls and beams. This makes the dwelling unsafe.
When Linked to Health Problems: If your healthcare provider indicates that your family’s health problems point to mold exposure, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Mold can cause a variety of health issues (like the ones listed above) and it will only get worse with continued exposure.
When Tenants Raise Concerns: If you own or manage rental properties and a tenant reports a mold issue, it’s essential to take their complaints seriously due to potential legal issues. Landlords are required by law to provide safe living conditions. Ignoring a mold issue can lead to potential legal repercussions, penalties, and harm to the dweller’s health.
Mold’s Ability to “Go Away” on Its Own: In most cases, mold will not go away on its own. If the underlying issue (typically moisture of some sort) is not taken care of, the mold will persist or return.
Small areas of mold (such as window sills) can be gleaned with the proper household cleaning solutions. Larger areas, especially those in hidden areas, need a professional mold remediator pronto. They are well equipped to find the source of the mold and fix it so that the mold doesn’t return.
Not only can delaying mold remediation lead to increased health issues but sustained exposure to mold can cause your home to deteriorate. Mold can eat away at building materials which compromises the structural integrity of your home.
Delaying causes health issues to become more severe and increases the risk for chronic problems.
Addressing mold issues immediately saves time, money, and the headache of medical bills. Because mold spreads easily, delaying even a week can cause the mold to spread far beyond one wall or two.
Professional mold remediation not only removes existing mold but will also address the source of moisture, preventing future growth.
Some mold is difficult to prevent, such as in cases of flooding from storms. Other instances of mold are highly preventable. Here are some steps you can take to prevent mold:
When the time comes for selecting a mold remediation service, you’ll want to look for certified professionals with experience in mold removal and control. Look for someone who will explain the process in its entirety and welcome your questions.
A reputable remediator will conduct a thorough assessment of the property, identify the problem, and come up with a plan for containment, removal, cleaning, and restoration. Ensure that you check their credentials and that they follow the industry standards.
You don’t want to pay for a service only to have mold come back with a vengeance.
Mold is a common headache that can have serious implications for both your health and your property. Recognizing there may be a mold problem is the first step. The second step is to call Axel Works and have us assess your property.
By addressing mold issues swiftly and choosing a reputable, experienced company, you can protect your home and health from mold. Call us today for your assessment. We are always glad to help.
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