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Fall Mold Remediation
Posted by GuestPoster in -Home Safety & Security
Along with the fall months comes football games, back-to-school and crisp air. Unfortunately, the season oftentimes brings showers too, raising the levels of bodies of water and possibly causing mold in surrounding homes. Mold only needs a warm environment, moisture, and a food source such as walls, carpet, ceiling tiles, furniture and flooring in order to thrive and grow. Unsightly as well as a nuisance, recent information about mold also highlights health concerns, making mold remediation an important action to take.
Proper mold remediation is especially crucial if people who are more sensitive to mold are living in your home; such as those with allergies, asthma or other breathing conditions, or suppressed immune systems. The presence of mold can cause a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing and skin irritation for those allergic to it, as well as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
There are ways to prevent mold problems, even though it grows quickly, usually within the first 24-48 hours of an area becoming moist. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a few prevention tips:
- When water leaks or spills occur, act quickly
- Clean and repair roof gutters regularly
- Make sure ground slopes are away from the building foundation so water does not enter the foundation
- Keep air conditioning drip pans clean
- Keep indoor humidity low
Part of mold remediation should be spotting the signs, too, which should be fairly easy. Check out your walls, flooring, and crawl spaces. Note if there is any discoloration, or signs of mold growth or water damage. Now use your nose. Be aware if you smell a musty, earthy or foul odor coming from certain areas of your home. If you suspect a mold problem, try the following:
- Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry all items completely
- Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water
- Absorbent materials (ceiling tiles, carpet) may need to be thrown away
- Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold
- Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces
If a moldy area is more than 10 square feet or you are unsure about how to clean an item, the EPA recommends that you contact a specialist. Rainbow International® mold remediation professionals have the right technology, training, equipment and established processes to get rid of the problem. Visit www.rainbowintl.com for more information on services offered. Enjoy your autumn, free of mold.
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