A professional mold cleanup company can properly assess each area of the house or property and determine the best course of action to take. In some cases, mold damage can be so severe that it requires tearing down and restoring building structures.
Mold is a serious issue that can lead to several health problems. If you suspect mold growth in your home or office space, swift action in restoring contaminated areas is key to preventing health issues and further damage. Many options are available for mold cleanup and remediation, but the insights from professionals specialized in this type of work are important to remove it safely.
Let's cover the basics of mold, dampness, and the associated health problems. Contact a mold remediation company to decontaminate the affected areas if you suspect that your home or office has been impacted by mold.
1. What is mold?
Mold is a fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. It's a part of the natural environment and plays an important role in decomposing organic matter. Over 100,000 different types of mold exist, but only a small percentage of these are known to cause human health problems.
Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and can travel through the air until they find a suitable place to land and grow. When mold spores land in a damp location, they will begin to grow and multiply.
2. Mold and Dampness: Are They The Same?
Dampness is the condition of containing moisture, typically without being wet. It can also refer to:
- The amount of water vapor present in the air
- A scientific or technical measure of humidity
- A level of humidification
Mold and dampness are often confused because they are both caused by excess moisture. However, mold is a type of fungi that grows on organic matter, while dampness is simply the condition of containing moisture.
3. What Causes Mold Damage?
Many factors can contribute to mold growth, including:
- Leaky pipes or roofs
- High humidity
- Flooding
- Damp basements or crawl spaces
- Poor ventilation
- Condensation
Mold thrives in damp and wet conditions, so it is important to keep your home or office as dry as possible. If you live in an area with high humidity or low indoor air quality, it is imperative to reduce moisture in your home.
4. What Are the Health Risks Associated with Mold Damage?
As mold grows, microscopic spores linger on porous materials, wood surfaces, household furniture, and other insulation panels and drywall surfaces. As mold consumes these surfaces, it will produce allergens that can cause many health problems, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma attacks
- Runny noses
- Respiratory infections
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
Mold exposure can also cause other physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and memory loss. If you suspect you have been exposed to mold in your home, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
5. How can you prevent mold growth?
The best way to prevent mold growth is to keep your home clean and dry. Mold loves damp, dark, and humid environments, so it's important to regularly clean areas susceptible to mold damage.
In the bathroom, for example, you can control mold by:
- Keeping the toilet clean and dry
- Drying wet areas as soon as possible
- Ventilating the room while showering
- Using a mold-resistant shower curtain or door
- Fixing any leaks promptly
In the kitchen, try the following:
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Don't let dirty dishes pile up in the sink
- Run the exhaust fan while cooking
- Keep food stored in airtight containers
For any room in your home, consider the following:
- Controlling humidity levels
- Keeping windows clean
- Vacuuming regularly
- Using a dehumidifier in humid areas
- Cleaning up any water spills immediately
- Improving indoor air quality.
- Monitor roof, doors, windows, and basement areas for leaks and water damage.
- Addressing any moisture or condensation problems immediately.
6. What should you do if you find mold damage?
If you find mold damage in your home or office, it is important to act quickly. The first step is to identify the source of the moisture problem and fix it. Once the moisture problem has been fixed, you can begin the mold remediation process.
The best way to get rid of mold is to hire a professional mold cleanup company. These companies have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove mold from your home or office.
If you do decide to clean up the mold yourself, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Wear protective clothing, including a respirator mask, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
- Contain the affected area with duct tape and plastic where you work to prevent the mold from spreading to other house areas.
- Use air scrubbers to remove mold spores from the infested room or area.
- Remove moldy surfaces and porous materials that may be irreversibly damaged from the area.
- Clean all moldy surfaces with a detergent solution.
- Apply a biocide to kill any remaining mold spores.
- Dry the area thoroughly.
- If the damage is too extensive, consider hiring a mold remediation company.
7. Mold Cleanup - How Bio-One Can Help
If you notice any signs of mold growth in your home or office, Bio-One can help you. Our certified technicians will come to the location, and free assess the situation.
Our specialists will develop a customized plan to safely and effectively remove the mold using only the latest technology and procedures. Ensuring that your home or office is free of mold and dampness is the best way to prevent mold growth in the future.
8. How much does hiring a professional mold cleanup company cost?
The cost of hiring a professional mold remediation company will vary depending on the size and severity of your mold problem. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You can find a do-it-yourself mold removal kit for minor mold problems at your local home improvement store.
However, you should know that mold spores travel through air ducts and air conditioning systems and will linger on any surface with signs of water damage. Mold can grow on almost the surface, so it's important that, if you decide to take on the restoration work by yourself, to be sure that the source of moisture was removed entirely and the spores will no longer cause damage.
If you want to ensure that mold spores are completely removed from your house or property, you should leave the remediation job to professionals.
Help First, Business Second!
Bio-One is always ready to react to unanticipated events like death, significant accidents, and hazardous situations. In the following areas of San Diego County, we provide cleaning and restoration services:
Recovery Services
- Crime and trauma scene cleanup
- Blood and bodily fluids cleanup
- Suicide cleanup
- Homicide cleanup
- Unattended death cleanup
- Biohazard cleanup
- Feces and bodily fluids cleanup
- Mold Cleanup and Remediation
- Odor removal
- Virus Disinfection
- Emergency vehicle decontamination
- Sewage backup cleanup
- Medical Waste disposal
Hoarding Cleanup Services
- Hoarding cleanup services
- Animal hoarding cleanup
- Junk removal
- Deep cleaning
- Gross filth cleanup
- Hazardous waste removal
- Homeless encampment cleanup
Your Local Last Responder for Life's Most Difficult Situations
Bio-One is the finest choice for assisting victims and their families if a suicide, homicide, unattended death, crime scene, or traumatic situation occurs. In addition to emergency services, Bio-One, a locally-owned company, also offers biohazard cleanup services for commercial and residential properties.
We understand that biohazardous material can be a great source of stress for property owners, so we work quickly and efficiently to minimize the disruption it causes.
We collaborate with local law enforcement, neighborhoods, emergency services personnel, victim support organizations, hoarding task forces, apartment complexes, insurance company carriers, and others to provide the best service possible.
Proudly Serving San Diego County & Surrounding Communities
We proudly serve the following San Diego County, CA cities and surrounding communities: Cardiff, Del Mar, Descanso, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Julian, La Jolla, Lakeside, Mount Laguna, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, Santee, and Solana Beach.
Bio-One of Poway is a proud member of the Poway Chamber of Commerce. Our mold cleanup services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We have the expertise to remove and safely dispose of clutter and debris from your home or office. Give us a call at 858-261-4527.
