Discovering the presence of mold in a home or business is understandably distressing. Prolonged exposure to certain types of molds can have adverse health effects including asthma and other respiratory problems. Mold growth can also be damaging to building structures and contents. Because of this, when a home or business owner discovers the presence of mold, they are likely to consider a mold inspection or mold removal. What’s the difference? Mesquite, Texas, experts Be Happy Restoration explains.
What is Mold?
Mold is a fungal growth that lives and spreads in damp or decaying organic matter. There are over 300,000 different kinds of molds naturally occurring in the environment so it is impossible to remove all of them. Exposure to some spores is dangerous, and usually, mold removal is the first thing that comes to mind. Before dealing with mold, it is important to talk to a professional about mold removal.
Signs of Mold:
- Dark spots of growth on the walls, ceiling, or other areas
- A cluster of green or white clusters of growth
- Warped walls
- Musty smells
- Spotted clothing, curtains, or furniture fabrics
- The development of allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues
What is a Mold Inspection
A mold inspection or mold assessment is the first step in a multi-step process of identifying and dealing with mold. A mold inspection is the process of locating mold and establishing the severity of its infestation, as well as what is contributing to its growth. However, there are other times when it is important to consider a mold inspection. This includes:
- Immediately after a flood or water damaging event. Any area that has been wet for more than 24 hours is likely to lead to a mold problem.
- New home or building purchase. In most states, sellers do not need to disclose previous water damage, and a general home inspection may or may not uncover an issue with mold if mold is not the specific focus of the inspection. A mold inspection can find hidden mold, mold damage, and what is causing mold growth before purchase.
- The structure has been closed and unoccupied for a length of time. Humidity is a huge problem in Texas and any structure that has been closed up for an extended time provides the perfect environment for mold growth.
- After mold remediation. If a structure has suffered water damage and gone through the mold remediation process, it is always good to get regular mold inspections to prevent further damage and ensure that mold levels remain low.
What is Mold Removal?
Since mold is naturally occurring in the environment and airborne microscopic mold spores can be found indoors and outdoors in abundance, it is technically impossible to remove all mold. However, when certain conditions such as flood damage or excessive moisture cause the growth of toxic mold, it is possible to remove or contain the infestation. The mold removal process will clean and remove the infestation so the mold levels are no longer harmful to the occupants.
Once the presence of dangerous mold has been identified, the mold removal process begins. This process includes:
- Removal of the mold from contaminated surfaces and
- Removal of contaminated contents
- Removal of contaminated and unsalvagable building materials
- Applying biocides or antimicrobial compounds and sanitization protocols to prevent or deter future mold contamination
Water Damage Restoration Services Mesquite
It is important to have an immediate response when you experience any kind of water-damaging event. If you are looking for “mold removal near me,” look no further than the Dallas area expert, Be Happy Restoration. The company can be reached by email at: jesseh@behappyrestorationservices.com or by phone at (214) 616-9951.
