Fungus Amongst Us? Best Call the Pros

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

Fungus Amongst Us? Best Call the Pros

Mold, it is a problem that can strike terror into any home or business owner. The media has only exacerbated the fear, advertising the myriad issues in black mold, dry rot, and the inconvenience of mold in a home. Contrary to popular belief however, black mold is the least of a homeowner’s worries when it comes to mold. Mold damage can effect structural integrity of a building, resale value and gives off that unique mildew smelly odor only frogs can enjoy. Additionally, fungus and mildew problems are often born on the back of water damage, adding yet another major issue on top of an already frustrating one. Mold removal is a herculean task, and whether it is mold in a home or commercial mold damage, remediation is best left to professionals. Many believe that certain household cleaners are capable of removing mold in a home, but in reality mold growth continues and is rediscovered later on when an inspector finds black mold, dry rot, or mold growth behind walls. Due to the difficulty, mold removal and remediation are best left to the professionals. A restoration company employs talented experts and follows tried and true methodologies to accomplish mold removal and remediation.

The first step in mold removal is to inspect and assess the mold damage. This is a crucial step and is definitely best left to professionals who know exactly where fungus and mildew hide. This is because mold growth does not necessarily happen in plain sight. Mold growth behind walls, fungus behind baseboards and dry rot on wood are common problems because mold is so permeating. Inspectors from a restoration company know where to look and how remediation needs to be prioritized to streamline the mold removal process.

Once the inspectors know where the mold in a home is, the next step is to stop mold growth and prevent the mold damage from spreading. There are multiple tactics used by a restoration company to contain mold growth to already contaminated areas. Generally, all fans and heating systems are turned off to prevent the mildew and fungus from spreading spores via air currents. Mold growth behind walls can still occur however, so often times a restoration company will employ negative air pressure to prevent even the well-hidden fungus spores from branching out.

With the mold damage contained, air filtration to remove the spores flying about begins. For residential and commercial mold damage, a key to mitigation is removal of the spores so that mold cannot return. Removing the spores floating through the air will also begin deodorization of the awful, smelly odor that accompanies mold damage. Professionals typically utilize specialized air scrubbing equipment to filter out the mold spores in the air.

Air filtration is both restoration and mitigation as it prevents future mold reemergence, but the next step is to physically begin removing mold and mold infested materials. This is another particularly difficult task in the process, as mold growth behind walls can sometimes require entire sections of wall be replaced. For commercial mold damage, this can be an extensive overhaul, as businesses are often larger structures than singular homes. During this process, other issues such as dry rot and black mold are further identified and removed as necessary.

After the mold and mold infested materials are physically removed from the facility, cleaning the contents and interior of the structure begins. For homes this means ensuring personal possessions are either destroyed or properly sanitized. For commercial mold damage this equates to identifying what equipment might need replacement and other mitigation that might be required in the form of specialized sanitation. Professionals utilize the full spectrum of sanitization for mold mitigation and cleaning, depending on the extent of the contamination and damage.

The final step in the process is the restoration of the structure to its pre-mold state. This includes deodorization to rid the facility of the smelly odor. Deodorization is more than simply spraying air freshener. Only further air filtration, proper sanitization and replacement of contaminated materials can accomplish deodorization. Ergo, anything and everything from carpets to drapes are subject to cleaning, repair, and replacement in order to remove the smelly odor and renew the beauty of the building. Once complete, mold remediation is accomplished and the owner can return to their normal day-to-day operation.
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