Information About Mold Remediation

From time to time, we hear more about mold than we can understand. Mold is usually the cause of the rot we see in wood that can deteriorate a buildings structure. Other mold issues are the health risks associated with certain types of mold. Insurance companies are more aware of these risks and are continually trying to find ways to limit what they pay out. Homeowners are also becoming more educated in the dangers of mold. Sometimes its the builder who gets caught in the middle of it all.

When we talk about mold remediation, we are talking about the containment, cleaning and removal of a mold problem. Sometimes, mold remediation is as simple as removing a piece of affected sheet rock. Other times, mold remediation can mean gutting a whole room.

An Ounce of Prevention...

Preventing mold can be accomplished in several ways. A little care taken can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in costly repairs and restoration. At the building site it is imperative to keep all wood dry. All materials need to be checked constantly for dampness, as mold can start to grow in just an hour or so. The last thing a builder wants is for the homeowner to have a mold problem prior to occupying the residence.

A builder needs to make certain that all wood is properly stored. Be sure all framing is dry prior to covering with sheet rock. Other things a builder can do to help prevent the growth of mold is to use specially treated paints in the kitchen, laundry areas, bathroom and basement. The installation of vents in the bathroom and kitchen is important. These fans must be vented to the outside of a building and not into a crawl space or attic.

Mold Basics

There are thousands upon thousands varieties of mold. Out of these, only a few may cause moderate to severe health problems in humans. All mold needs to grow is a little moisture, normal room temperature (slightly below works too), and something to grow on (usually wood or grout). Mold will start to grow in just a few hours, and you cannot remove all airborne mold from the air we breathe.

The danger in mold lies in the airborne spores. The mold we see growing is not the true problem. The spores that mold sends out when it reproduces is what affects human health in a negative way. These tiny airborne particles are hard to filter out. When they are inhaled, they travel through the respiratory tract and eventually land in the lungs. Some people have adverse reactions to the types of spores that contain mycotoxins.

When cleaning mold, always follow the guidelines set out by the EPA. It is recommended that if the area of mold to be cleaned exceeds 30 square feet, you let an expert take care of the removal and cleanup.

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Do I Have Mold?
Beginners guide to determining if you have mold.

Preventing Mold Problems
Quick information about how to prevent mold from happening

Getting Rid Of Mold
Tips and ideas on how to get rid of mold.

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