Mold infected structures and buildings remain unnoticed until the fungus appears on the main walls and internal elevations. Mold reproduces with time and continuously grows until treated by authentic scientific methods. The sooner the mold and infected areas are identified, the sooner they can be treated and preventing from spreading. Accumulated mold can disturb structural foundations and impact residential, commercial and educational buildings. Mold accumulation and growth might be tough to spot and maintain over time.
With that being said, what causes mold accumulation and damages, and how can you identify this problem? Salt Lake City residents can be victims of the predicament at hand therefore, in this article, we will answer these questions and understand how to restore and repair mold damages. Continue reading below to learn more about mold removal techniques and procedures.
Mold is a type of fungus that reproduces in tiny pores, seen under a microscopic lens that spreads out when exposed to intense humidity and moisture. Over time the fungal colonies develop into irresistible allergens and bacterial micro-organisms. Air and water can carry mold particles over short distances infecting your entire living space or commercial property. Mold tend to also reproduce in damp conditions, where moisture has affected the surface and created cavities. Chaetomium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Alternaria are types of molds that might affect your internal living spaces and indoor air quality.
Mentioned below are potential places where Mold and fungus can grow and ultimately infect your living spaces.
Over time, every residential and commercial living space gets exposed to potential leakages and undergo seasonal wear and tear. Many engineers do not focus on applying waterproofing material on external and internal surfaces.
Mentioned below are possible reasons causing mold damages to your property:
1. Decaying of Matter
As any matter or a substance is exposed to mold, it ends up decaying eventually. Mold particles erode the layers of materials and cause them to deteriorate completely. Surfaces of false ceilings, furniture, and concrete must be cleaned regularly with detergents and cleaning agents.
2. Structural Damages
Accumulation mold completely decomposes a matter or a rough surface. Many structural damages are caused by the accumulation of Mold, which aren’t treated over time. Structural damages may include:
- Damaged concrete filling
- Damaged foundation if not waterproofed
- Damaged wooden fixtures
- Damaged drywall and false ceiling fixtures
- Damaged internal fabrication and joints
3. Electrical Damages
As Mold and fungal particles penetrate electrical wirings and connections, interrupting the steady flow of electricity. Accumulated mold particles erode copper wirings and cause short circuits and power failures. The damper the conditions, the more prone your living space is to getting mold and fungal colonies. It is imperative to keep your electrical systems and power backups in a dry place where moisture or humidity cannot erode the matter.
4. Sewage and Plumbing Problems
Accumulated Mold can infect plumbing fixtures and interrupt their supply and workability. If mold problems persist, they can cause severe sewage blockages and affect your overall sewage system. If Mold is left untreated, it may cause PVC and metal pipes to erode and contaminate the fresh water supply.
Few plumbing problems caused by the accumulation of Mold are listed below:
- Damaged pipes
- Damaged plumbing accessories in washrooms
- Broken kitchen sinks and washbasins
- Decayed hot and cold-water pipes
- Infected clean water supply
5. Property Damages
Mold and fungal particles tend to grow and rapidly multiply when they remain untreated. Once the mold has infected your property, it will ultimately erode all surfaces exposed to moisture and heat. Gypsum partition walls, fabricated ceiling and fixtures made of Plaster of Paris would soon decay and appear rusty. Floor tiles and elevation tiles would soon get damper, and you would observe a drastic color change. Over time, beams and columns would get affected, leaving surfaces exposed to Moisture and Mold. These damages aren’t covered under homeowners’ insurance and are expected to cost you a fortune.
6. Indoor Air Quality
Accumulated mold and fungal colonies directly impact the indoor air quality, which affects the incumbent’s breathing capacity. Mold is an indoor air pollutant that readily combines with oxygen molecules in the air and causes multiple respiratory issues in human beings. As the indoor air quality deteriorates, it causes various problems listed below:
- Irritation in eyes, nose and throat
- Allergic reactions
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Itchiness
- Dizziness
7. Health Problems
Over time, when mold is settling under surfaces and impacting the indoor air quality, it affects human beings. Overexposure to molds and bacterial surfaces directly impacts the health of individuals. Our respiratory tract gets affected as we breathe in contaminants and harmful substances. Mold and fungus are common types of allergens that penetrate our respiratory tract, causing damage to the trachea and lungs. It is imperative to clean up mold from surfaces and fixtures that will likely impact the indoor environment and indoor air quality. A healthy living space needs to be clean and free from intoxicants and allergens that weaken respiratory and breathing mechanisms.
The chemical name for Black Mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, which is likely to erode all structure boundaries and cause significant damages to your property and health. Water damaged and compromised surfaces are prone to get affected by Black Mold.
While dealing with Black Mold and fungal colonies, one should always follow safety protocols and use genuine bleaching agents and cleansing equipment. If the Black Mold has spread over a significant area, it is likely to cause health problems. Black Molds develop on the internal surfaces of walls and ducts that do not have a fresh air supply. Now the question arises, how can we identify Black Mold and stop it before spreading? Incumbents cannot see Black Mold over surfaces; however, they can smell it in the first place and try mitigating the spread of Mold.
Accumulation of Mold on exposed surfaces directly impacts your health and mental well-being. It is imperative to live in a healthier environment that is free from any sorts of toxicants and impurities. Mentioned below are a few steps of how to treat and remove Mold without compromising your health:
While dealing with Mold accumulated surfaces on a larger scale, we need to plan our actions and carry out every task diligently to clean and remove accumulated Mold from surfaces. Potential water leakages and pipe bursts cause Mold damages instantly. A drastic weather change, floods, thunderstorms, and earthquakes can cause an outbreak of utilities, affecting water supplies and plumbing fixtures.
The longer you take to make prompt decisions, the Mold would spread over, costing you a fortune. It is imperative to make steadfast decisions and consult a professional Mold removal and restoration team.
Mentioned below are steps of removing Mold and restoring the entire living or working space:
1. Do a Detailed Inspection and Assessment of the Damaged Site
A team of experienced Mold removal professionals would carry out a thorough survey of your damaged property. The primary purpose of the detailed site assessment would be to find the potential leak or burst in plumbing or mechanical fixtures. Moreover, the team of professionals would be searching for visuals of Mold and its infected surfaces. After going through the entire area, a damaged site assessment would be drawn to analyze the point of impact and area affected by Mold. The detailed analysis and survey were among the first steps of the remediation process. To eliminate Mold from your property, you would need to implement complex mold removal techniques.
2. Mold Removal
After highlighting the areas affected, the Mold particles and colonies would be limited and stopped from spreading. Mold spores would not reproduce or infect any other surface. An experienced team of professionals would be using sterilized filtration equipment to catch microbial particles in the air and near the exposed surface.
HEPA scrubbers act as HEPA filters that catch microbial particles and don’t let them flow in the air or over surfaces. Air scrubbers would be used to control the rapid growth and spread of fungus and other bacterial particles. Once these filters have cleared the air and minimized toxic particles, the Mold growth would ultimately get stunned.
Next, the antifungal treatment procedure is carried out extensively over the affected area to eliminate spores and Mold patches. Antifungal treatment solutions do not allow Mold to reproduce to reattack on the treated surfaces. It is imperative to dispose of the plastic and wooden materials that have been exposed to severe fungus or Mold. The experts would be using safety gloves, masks and hazmat suits while disposing of waste and handling fungus revealed surfaces and goods. Once affected goods and items are disposed of from the location, the fungus spread would be halted.
3. Dispose Affected Items
If required, drywalls and carpets might also be disposed of if they directly contacted Mold or fungus. It is recommended to dispose of canned food and leftover items in the kitchen which might have been deteriorated during a Mold attack. Bakery and everyday items must be disposed of as their nature, and constituent elements might have been compromised.
4. Thoroughly Cleanse the Affected Areas and Surfaces
Once the Mold and fungal accumulated surfaces and objects are disposed of from the site, carry out a thorough cleaning process. Carpets, decorative pieces, rugs, books, sofas, furniture, curtains and other restorable items must be cleaned with sanitizers and disinfectants. During the process, the foul odor would be treated with fogging equipment to create a fresh and inviting environment.
5. Process of Restoration
During the restoration process, every object, carpet and sofa would be placed at their respective locations, ensuring no mold or fungal particles are present on their surfaces. The tidy and clean objects would be identified, and others would be removed. If your household or workplace space was less affected by the severe Mold attack, you could quickly restore your living space.
The mentioned above Mold removal techniques can be applied to commercial and working spaces where Mold and fungus have affected a specific parameter or an area.
Professional Mold removal contractors are experienced professionals familiar with the entire mold removal process and can guarantee the outcomes after restoration and cleaning processes. The air filters and antifungal detergents they use are 100% genuine and up to the mark. If Mold has affected a significant parameter, locating the root cause or point of spread is tough. Once the source of contamination is identified, the Mold removal process can be expedited and carried out with sheer confidence and planning.
The services offered by Mold removal contractors are genuinely professional and resonate with their work and expertise. It is imperative to invest in professional Mold removal services to save a fortune on remodeling and repairing other property damages. Without wasting seconds, one should consult a Mold removal expert with an experienced team of workers and cleaners working under his supervision.
Mold and accumulated fungal colonies directly upset a person’s health and make him feel dizzy. Short of breath or asthmatic individuals must refrain from coming near Mold affected areas and living spaces. It is essential to spend on you and your loved one’s physical and mental well-being. If your property or living space has come under a Mold attack, try to remain calm and let us handle your situation. It is best to make a consultation with contractors rendering professional Mold removal services near your vicinity.