Mold Remediation Tips: Do you have mold?

People often have a hard time realizing that they have a mold problem. Even more often, people fail to determine if their mold problem is toxic or non-toxic.

For the most part, just using ‘common sense’ can tell you whether or not you have a mold problem and what should be done. If you can see mold growing in your home or business, then you have a mold problem. This problem needs to be treated both properly and as quickly as possible. However, mold often grows in places that are hidden from our view: behind walls, under floorboards, and even in our roofing. Even if you don’t see mold growing in your house, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a mold problem. A good indication that you have a hidden mold problem is a musty odor in your building. Below are more signs and incriminating tips that may indicate a mold problem:

• Stained ceiling tiles or walls.
• Musty, earthy, or urine scented odor.
• Black, brown, orange, pink, or green speckled walls or around any plumbing grout or tile.
• Deficient siding or siding that is not covering a building adequately.
• Wood siding where the paint has cracked and water has intruded.
• Mild to severe unexplained illness to building occupants.
• Swollen, crumbling walls.
• Buckling floorboards.
• Sewer backup.
• Water Damage.
• Leaky roof.
• Recent flood or hurricane damage.
• Leaky windows or doors.
• Washing machine overflow, washing machine leaks such as drain valve phalanges, leaky gaskets, etc.
• Leaky toilet seal or bathtub drainage problems.
• Lack of, or poor, ventilation.
• Relative humidity over 60%.
• Damp basements.

While not a comprehensive list, these indicators compromise the major signs of a mold problem. Should your home or business display one or more of these signs, it is suggested that you test for mold.

So you have mold? Read on…

First off, if you have mold you should understand "mold remediation". Basically, mold remediation is the process of restoring a home to its pre-mold state. This involves identifying the source of moisture fueling the growth of the mold, cleaning the infected area, disposing of the mold-infected materials, and also a test to ensure the mold problem has been completely removed.

The first question one asks when they discover they have a mold problem is, “Can I fix it myself?” In all cases of non-toxic mold infection which are larger than ten square feet, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you consult a professional. If your mold is toxic, however, the EPA strongly suggests that you seek the services of a certified professional—regardless of the size of the mold problem.

There are over 1000 types of mold in the United States, which cover a wide array of colors and how they present themselves. As such, it is in your best interest to let a professional make the final call as to whether or not your mold is toxic or not. It is impossible to determine the toxicity of mold simply by looking at it; often this requires complex tests that require the expertise of mold experts. Have your mold professionally tested to determine the type. If your mold problem is non-toxic and less than ten square feet, you can probably treat it yourself using the following tips below. However, if the mold problem is larger than this, or if it is determined to be toxic, the EPA suggests that you have the mold professionally removed.

Think your mold problem is too small to necessitate professional help? Think you can handle it yourself? If you choose to handle your mold problem without the help of a professional—whatever your reason may be—we want to stress the importance of following the following safety tips when attempting to remove the mold yourself:

• Do not breath in or inhale mold spores
• Do not touch any mold with your bare hands
• Use protective equipment to protect against inhalation of mold
• Of you become exposed to mold, wash with soap
• Try not to disrupt the mold to prevent the release of mold spore

For those of you who instead wish to have your mold problem treated by professional mold remediation services:

Call today for your Mold Remediation estimate: (800) 975-8810