Mold or mildew, sometimes called dampness or mildew, is an integral component of our ecosystem by breaking down decaying organic matter like fallen trees and dead leaves; usually, mold growing behind drywall is a sign that a house or building or building may need cleaning or maintenance. Drywall is made of paper, fiberboard, or wood, which becomes saturated with moisture after years of being exposed to water. Once mold spores become present, they begin to grow rapidly. They tend to thrive in areas that experience high humidity, so mold remediation should be addressed quickly. An indoor mold outbreak may result from recent water damage to the structure, such as a leaky roof, damaged insulation, or plumbing pipes; it can also be a sign of past structural damage that resulted in the accumulation of water behind drywall or poor construction practices.
Mold Remediation involves eliminating living organisms that are spreading the fungus to new and different areas. Often, mold begins growing behind walls and in ceilings, but it may travel throughout a home by taking up residence in any available nook or cranny. For this reason, mold remediation involves cleanup and drying areas where the fungus has established a foothold. Mold is most often found growing on moist surfaces, so eliminating all possible areas where it can grow will be the first step toward successful eradication.
The first step in mold remediation involves cleaning or removing surfaces that are contaminated with the fungus. It is not uncommon for homeowners to place items like books, rugs, or photos in damp areas, such as underneath carpets or in basements. Once these surfaces have been contaminated, they must be cleaned and dried. In some cases, mold may grow on porous materials such as countertops and sinks, but there are methods available for cleaning these surfaces as well. Once surfaces have been cleaned, they must be dried in order to prevent the growth of mold spores.
Once all surfaces have been cleaned and dried, it is time to assess the overall health of your HVAC system. Common signs of mildew and mold growth include a musty odor, black mold growth, and water stains on appliances and carpeting. If an HVAC system is located in the basement, it is important to locate the heating and cooling ducts to make sure that all moisture is removed from the building. If not, it may be necessary to hire a professional mold remediation company to perform the proper cleanup and repairs.
If moisture continues to be present in the home, homeowners should consider contacting a mold remediation company to perform routine maintenance on their heating and cooling systems. If pipes and cavities are being blocked by thickening materials, it could mean that an infestation of mold is growing behind or under these structures. This often happens when homeowners improperly gutters block gutters and install inadequate siding. If these issues are corrected, the mold colony will likely be gone after the next rainstorm, but it would have been easy for the colony to continue growing behind the walls if homeowners did not take care to block it with siding.
While the above is a good beginning point, mold remediation companies can also provide information on how to clean for different types of allergies. Cleaning for allergies requires specific products and techniques that vary according to each type of allergy. For example, it may be necessary to clean the carpets and rugs on a regular basis to prevent allergic reactions. Vacuuming is also important to remove the different types of organisms that grow behind and below doors, windows, and walls. Professional mold removal companies will be able to help with all of these steps and many more, including recommendations for new carpets and rugs, if necessary.
Another reason why homeowners should consider hiring a mold remediation company is because it costs less than some other types of fixes. In many cases, it is possible to clean for mold damage yourself, without the assistance of professionals. However, if the damage is extensive, mold removal companies may be necessary. In some cases, the cost of a mold remediation bill is less than the cost of purchasing new carpet or replacing a window. It is important to remember, though, that if the damage is severe, the damage could be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.