Mold Remediation

Why is mold such a concern?

Many types of mold are completely harmless. But some molds release toxins that can trigger serious health issues like asthma, sinus congestion, headaches and coughing. Beyond health concerns, the presence of mold in any building means that it is literally eating whatever it’s growing on. Left unchecked, mold will consume the studs in your walls or the joists in your floor, causing structural damage that will only get worse as time goes by.

What causes mold to grow indoors?

Excess moisture in any building will cause mold to grow and thrive inside. This is especially problematic during the heating or cooling seasons when windows are closed. Then air is trapped for long periods of time, along with its contaminants. High groundwater, poor yard drainage, plumbing leaks, or high humidity will cause mold to grow in basements. Attics develop mold problems if they lack proper ventilation or have inadequate insulation. Leaks or insulation problems have the same effect on living spaces.

Why is being vigilant for mold so important?

Early detection is critical to preventing a small problem from becoming a large one. A home or building, such as yours, should be monitored for mold growth as part of normal maintenance. When mold or mildew colonies are present, more will grow unless the source of the problem is found and corrected.

What’s the process for removing mold?

Most porous materials, like sheetrock, have to be removed and replaced if mold is found. Wood, with only surface contamination, can have mold removed by disinfectants, fungicides, or ice blasting. Any removal needs to be done using proper work practices. This means trained professionals, CMR certified by the ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification), following industry standards (like EPA guidelines and IICRC S-520). Work areas must be properly isolated and decontaminated otherwise mold contamination will spread.

Is removing mold enough?

Simply removing mold and doing nothing more almost guarantees its return. There’s always an underlying reason for mold to be present. That problem must be corrected in order to achieve complete success. In basements, this means fixing drainage or groundwater problems and installing a dehumidification system. In attics, it’s taking steps to provide proper insulation and ventilation.

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Alpine’s Essential Guide to Mold Remediation

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