Why Mold Remediation is Essential for Your Health and Home
Molds are microscopic fungi that are naturally found in our environment. They become dangerous when they enter your home and cause damage and health issues.
Remediation includes both cleaning and addressing the moisture problem. The moisture problem needs to be fixed, or mold will grow back. The NYC Department of Health guidelines recommend remediation levels based on square footage.
Reduces the Risk of Allergies
Molds continuously produce invisible spores to the naked eye and waft through indoor and outdoor air. When these spores land on a damp spot indoors, they grow and digest whatever they are growing on. They may also produce potent toxins and allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, such as watery eyes and runny nose.
Most homeowners realize they have a mold problem when someone suddenly develops allergy symptoms. These allergies can be similar to pollen or pet dander reactions, including itchy eyes and nose, runny nose, and congestion.
Mold remediation Ottawa professionals use advanced tools to inspect and clean surfaces in areas where moisture and warmth make molds thrive. They look for hidden mold behind walls and underneath flooring or ceiling tubes. They then remove the damaged drywall, carpeting, and insulation and dispose of them properly. They also fix the area’s moisture problem to prevent mold from growing back.
Prevents Health Issues
Mold remediation is a process that gets out-of-control fungi back to normal levels. It also addresses the underlying issues that led to the outbreak to prevent it from happening again.
Initially, professionals will search all areas for signs of a problem. They’ll also take air samples to determine the type and quantity of spores. They’ll then seal off contaminated sites to keep them contained and prevent the spread of the spores. They’ll shut off heaters and fans to avoid moving the spores around.
Once they’ve contained the spores, professionals will wipe down surfaces with a cleaning solution and spray down non-porous materials to clean them. They’ll also treat areas with bleach (always use caution when handling bleach) to kill any spores missed during the cleaning process. Once the spores are gone, the underlying moisture issue must be addressed, or the mold will return. The spores mustn’t be spread to other areas of the property, which can cause more health issues for building occupants.
Reduces Damage
When allowed to grow, mold can destroy building materials and make the entire space unsafe. Mold remediation professionals can clean and repair contaminated materials to remove the spores and prevent them from returning.
When the remediation team arrives, they will start by assessing the damage and identifying what must be done to eliminate the problem permanently. This may involve drywall, insulation, and carpet removal and replacement. Then the mold remediation specialists will dry wet materials and disinfect surfaces with anti-fungal cleaners. They will also use negative air machines with HEPA filters to remove mold spores and other harmful contaminants.
When choosing a remediation company, ask questions about their experience and references. You want a knowledgeable, professional company with a proven track record of customer satisfaction. It would help if you always looked at reviews on Google and Yelp. Also, try to get referrals from friends and neighbors who have used a company.
Saves Money
While a mold outbreak is not as common as fire, water, or a natural disaster, it’s just as disastrous and can lead to costly structural damage to your building. Mold spores can also trigger various health issues like headaches, sneezing, skin rashes, and even death by mycotoxin poisoning.
A mold remediation expert will assess the extent of the problem and determine how to proceed. They’ll usually start by identifying and fixing the source of moisture, like a plumbing leak, roof leak, or flooding.
Then they’ll clean and scrub non-porous surfaces with detergent and water, using caution when handling bleach as it is a biocide that can kill living organisms. They’ll also use a HEPA air scrubber and an air exchange to replace moldy contaminated air with fresh, clean air. They’ll also disinfect and dispose of porous materials, including drywall, carpeting, padding, and personal items that cannot be saved. They’ll also perform a post-remediation inspection.