Mold Remediation
Mold Remediation and Mildew Treatment
It may be difficult to know if you have mold, and even more difficult to determine if that mold is toxic or
non-toxic. We suggest you use your "common senses." If you can see mold growing in your home or business, it
is a problem that needs to be properly remediated. Unfortunately, treacherous molds can hide behind walls,
under floorboards and in roofing. If you don't see mold, it can still be a problem. If you smell mold or a musty
odor in your building that, too, is an indicator you could have a serious mold problem. The trouble with mold is
that it can cause a number of serious concerns for a property owner.
Mold can:
- Cause allergic reactions and health problems for the inhabitants of a building.
- Make even a prime property difficult to sell
- Devalue your property's worth
- In a short period of time, cause cosmetic damage
- Over a longer time, cause structural damage to a building
The act of removing mold is called "mold remediation." You've probably heard the term and wondered
what it means; it's just a fancy way of saying we're "remedying" the mold problem. By mold remediation,
we don't just mean cleaning the infected area. The protocol of remediation - when executed properly -
contains the affected area, cleans the infected area and rids it of mold; disposes of the mold and moldy
materials safely and effectively; and, finally, repairs the cause to ensure the mold doesn't return.
Remember, mold cannot grow where there is no water, so if the cause of moisture is not eliminated, the
mold will likely return.
Got Mold? Now What?
The first question that most people ask when they discover they have a mold problem is, of course, "now
what do I do?" And them, "can I clean it myself?" According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
if the mold covers an area of less than ten square feet (a patch of about three feet by three feet), then
you can probably clean it yourself. If the area of mold is larger than 10 square feet, hire a professional.
The EPA also suggests that if your mold is toxic mold, regardless of the size of the problem, seek the
services of a certified professional. There are over 1,000 kinds of mold in the United States, with different
colors and textures, so it's not in your best interest to identify whether you have toxic mold by looking at it.
In fact, it's impossible. Have your mold professionally tested to determine the type. In order to avoid a conflict
of interest, we will not test the mold; however, we encourage you to receive a scientific report from an
independent, third party mold testing company.
Remediation for the Rest of Us
While we understand the desire to "do-it-yourself," we stand by the EPA recommendation that a qualified and
certified professional be utilized. This may seem obvious - we are, after all, a mold remediation company - but
we just want your health and property safe.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a company to remove your mold problem. Budget, timeframes,
certifications, and experience are just a few. It's an important decision, so the most influential factor is to
hire someone you trust. At stake are the things most important to you: your health and your family's health; and
one of your most important investments, your home or business.
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