Mold grows wherever there is a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, pipes, or where there has been flooding. It can grow almost anywhere, but especially on porous surfaces such as paper, cardboard, wallboard, or wood because that is how it finds food. It will grow deep roots into those materials and may spread within 2-3 days. Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health hazards, and some may cause none. The more sensitive you are to molds, the more severely you will be affected. The most significant health risks are to the elderly, infants, people with allergies and those with compromised immune systems.
Although mold is everywhere, both inside and outside, it has been on the earth for millions of years and is not going anywhere. Even though not all molds are harmful, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that no matter what type of mold is present in your home or business, it should be removed.
If you suspect you have a mold problem, call Absolute Restoration immediately. We have IICRC (The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) Applied Microbial Remediation (AMR) who have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform mold remediation for structures and contents. They understand and follow industry standards and the legal requirements necessary for the removal of mold.
Call Now! (724) 420-5381
Before we arrive, here are some helpful Do’s and Don’ts:
Do
- Turn off the HVAC system and fans as they can help spread mold spores
- Try to stay out of the affected area
Don’t
- Touch the mold
- Try to dry the area yourself
- Bleach or use other disinfectants on the mold
What to Know About Mold
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. They can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. So…
- Before we begin any mold remediation work, we first need to find and repair any sources of water damage. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Multiple types of molds can exist in the same house or structure.
- Sometimes, mold is not visible or obvious right away. But, if you can detect a strong, musty smell, it is a good indication that you may have a hidden mold problem. Rest assured; we have the tools to find any concealed growth.
- Even high indoor humidity can support mold growth. So, try to keep indoor humidity below 45%.
Will Bleach Clean Up Mold?
Bleach will kill some molds (“Is it Mold or Mildew”), but its effectiveness depends on the type of surface the mold is growing on. Mold can grow and be visible on both porous and non-porous materials. When dealing with mold on non-porous materials such as shower tiles, tubs, vinyl window trims, or counter tops, you can use bleach to kill the mold and disinfect.
However, if mold is growing on a porous surface, such as drywall or wood, using bleach can accelerate growth. This happens because when bleach is used on porous materials, the chlorine is left on the surface of the material and only the water component of the bleach is absorbed into the material. This then promotes mold growth as it provides more moisture for the mold to feed on.
Some other variables that should be taken into consideration are whether the moldy material is painted/sealed, or if the mold has done actual damage to the material. In some cases, the moldy materials will have to be completely removed instead of simply cleaned. In any case, if you suspect that you have a mold problem, it’s always best to seek a professional opinion from a mold technician! The health risks are not worth the gamble!
Call Now! (724) 420-5381
