5 Steps for Successful Mold Remediation
Dealing with a mold problem is no easy task, and for most homeowners, it’s hard to know where to start. Not only is mold destructive to the structure of your home, but it can also cause health problems for you and your family. However, for the best chance at successful mold remediation, you can follow these steps to ensure the mold problem is taken care of for good.
How Do I Know That I Have Mold?
Mold thrives in warm, damp areas, making Florida homes more susceptible. It can come in many forms, colors, and types. But where exactly do spores come from? Spores find their way into your home on your clothing, through an open window, and even in water. Although mold spreads quickly, it can take a long time to notice there’s even a problem. Since it can grow behind walls and under the floor, it can be hard to know that mold is present in your home until the damage has been done.
These are the most common causes of mold problems in Florida homes:
Floods
Many Florida residents are affected by flooding caused by hurricanes and tropical storms. Since flooding brings in gallons of water from an outside source, it makes sense that it also contains mold spores.
Leaks
Leaks can happen all over the house. For example, appliances, a cracked foundation, or a missing shingle often call for mold remediation.
High Humidity/Low Ventilation
We rely on our HVAC systems to keep us comfortable in the oppressing heat, but that also means we keep our doors and windows closed. So you can let in a breeze on a cooler day or invest in a dehumidifier to do the work for you.
5 Steps of Mold Remediation
Professional Inspection and Testing
Mold is one household issue that you should leave to certified experts. If you do suspect a mold problem or have had recent water damage, a professional can assess the area for the presence of mold. In addition, you can protect your health and safety by letting a trained mold technician inspect your home. Not only will they have proper equipment and training, but they’ll also know to check places you might not suspect. At iMold, our techs use infrared detectors, air samples, moisture meters, and other top-of-the-line technology to detect mold, leaks, and water damage both on surfaces and behind walls.
If our inspection comes back positive for mold, we’ll refer you to a third-party testing source, or you can choose your own. Testing is vital to know the type of mold we’re dealing with, so your professional team can form a plan for mold remediation.
Make a plan
The sooner a mold professional can get started, the better. Our team will make a plan that can involve remediation, repair, structural drying, or whatever else it takes to get your home back in shape. Since we operate 24/7, we can work fast to reduce interruptions and minimize your stress. Depending on the extent of the damage, our team will advise you on the proper precautions to keep yourself safe while we work.
Identify the source of the problem
Mold remediation starts at the source. There’s no point in beginning mold removal if it will just come right back. Many cases involve an unknown source of mold, so we can provide leak detection to find water damage in areas that aren’t otherwise visible. Of course, if there was a flood, the source is obvious. We can start on the next step right away.
Mold Removal & Repairs
This is the most complicated and intimidating step in the remediation process. Because of our plan from earlier, you can leave this step to your mold removal experts. We’ll identify any repairs that should be completed before starting, like fixing a rusted pipe or cracked seal. Some repairs, like removing moldy cabinets or drywall, are a part of the mold removal process. Because mold feeds on materials like carpet and wood, we might have no choice but to remove it. iMold works with a licensed contractor to perform all your construction needs, killing two birds with one stone and reducing the stress of finding another service you can trust.
Mold remediation starts by protecting our team and the rest of your home from contamination. We use proper equipment, including respirators, to stay safe while we do our work. Once we’re protected, we’ll keep mold from spreading by containing the area. You can be sure that the issue is resolved with post-remediation testing.
Prevent future mold growth
When mold is finally gone from your home, you can breathe a sigh of relief. However, that doesn’t mean that it will never come back. By performing routine maintenance and inspections around your home, you’ll be able to minimize the chances of another mold infestation. Also, be sure to address any repairs that weren’t completed during remediation to keep mold from coming back, and don’t hesitate to call a mold expert for another free inspection.
Professional mold remediation is the only sure method to fully rid your home of mold permanently. Contact iMold today for your free inspection and estimate, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on being mold-free.