Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere - inside or outside - throughout the year. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide.
Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues.
Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, affecting the structural integrity of the home.
Molds can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic source are present. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air.
All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight; mold needs only a viable seed (spore), a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature to proliferate. This explains why mold infestation is often found in damp, dark, hidden spaces; light and air circulation dry areas out, making them less hospitable for mold.
Prevention
Moisture control is the key to mold control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean- up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth.
Questions That May Assist in Determining Whether a Mold Problem Currently Exists
Does your home materials or furnishings have visibly moisture damage?
Has your home materials been wet more than 48 hours?
Are there existing moisture problems in your home?
Are you smelling musty or moldy odors?
Mold Remediation
The purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to remove moldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage to home materials and furnishings. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
The remediation plan will include steps to permanently correct the water or moisture problem. Remediation plans may vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered. Our remediation crew's highest priority is to protect your health and safety. Caution will be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled in your presence. Our trained remediator's have the ability to contain/minimize possible aerosolization of mold spores. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected in your home.
If you have signs of mold in your home please do not hesitate to call Rapid at 813-792-7374, so we can schedule you an initial appointment which will be of no charge to you. On our initial visit our mold remediator will conduct a thorough assessment in order to create for you a unique Remediation Plan. Our educated remediator will take their time to discuss with you all details concerning the assessment and will also answer any questions that may arise. Rapid understands that effective communication with homeowners and a thorough assessment of the residence is an essential component needed in order to allow us to make the perfect Remediation Plan that not only eliminates and corrects the problem but is also accommodating to your needs. |
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