Mold Damage
What Is Mold?
Mold is a microscopic fungi and it is highly adapted to reproduce rapidly, producing spores and mycelia in the process. Mold spores especially love dark places where water may be trapped and where they can quickly multiply.
Your home is normally clean but dirty flood water or plumbing leaks changes this, finding its way into every small crevice – the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Types of Mold in Homes
There are about 150 different types of household mold. Mold spores are often always present in a home, but become an issue when they land on a damp or wet surface and begin growing.
- Stachybotrys is the infamous black mold that made the news in association with ill health effects many years ago. It needs a very damp area to grow, and is considered a Hazard Class A mold, as it can create toxins. It looks black on surfaces.
- Alternaria appears as a black or grey colored mold that can grow in wet or dusty areas. It is classified as a Hazard Class B mold, and has been known to cause various allergic reactions.
- Aspergillus is another common mold. Aspergillus is generally classified as a Hazard Class A or B as this type of mold causes allergic reactions or infections in people with weak immune systems.
- Cladosporium, Penicillium & Ulocladium are other forms of household mold that are not as toxic as the other molds, but still could cause health issues
Where Does Mold Come From?
Your home is normally dry, much dryer than outside, and therefore mold free. Mold spores are all around and they love a little moisture. High moisture levels can be the result of water coming in from the outside, through the floor, walls or roof, from plumbing leaks or from moisture produced by daily activities such as bathing, washing clothes or cooking. Moisture accumulates in the home when there is not enough ventilation to expel it to the outside. Mold will grow if conditions provide it with moisture. If conditions are dry mold typically does not grow.
Identifying Toxic Mold
Sometimes mold is hidden and cannot be seen. A musty or earthy smell often indicates the presence of mold; however a smell may not be present for all molds. Even when you don’t notice a smell, wet spots, dampness or evidence of a water leak are indications of moisture problems and mold may follow.
Mold and Damage
Damage to materials is one concern. Materials get stained or discolored, and over time they are ruined. Moldy paper and cardboard disintegrate over time. Fabrics are damaged. Continued mold growth can be indicative of moisture conditions favorable for growth of fungi that cause wood rot and structural damage.
Toxic Mold or Mold and Health Concerns
When mold is growing inside the home, there may be health concerns. Health experts indicate that, depending on the type of mold present in a home, the amount and degree of exposure, and the health condition of the occupant, the health effects of can range from being insignificant to causing allergic reactions and illness. Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with health problems, such as respiratory disease or a weakened immune system, are more at risk when exposed to mold. Consult your doctor if you believe there is someone who may be at risk.
SRS Solution to Mold – Making It Safe
We understand the risks associated with mold. We will quickly make the property safer for all who may visit following flood damage:
- A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration system is set up to remove mold spores from the air.
- When applicable, a containment barrier and/or clean room barrier is constructed.
- The contaminated area will be thoroughly vacuumed using a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner to remove loose mold spores.
- A specialist mold remediation chemical is then used to denature the mold and prevent further growth.
- The area is then HEPA vacuumed again.
- The property is then fogged using a chemical that will also kill the mold.
- A balanced building drying system is then put in place to thoroughly dry out the property.
- The building quickly becomes dry and safe again and free from mold. Ready for repairs and habitation.
A dry building is a safe building and SRS never compromise on safety. SRS provides free estimates for mold damage service. Whether insured or not, SRS will provide you with a written estimate that identifies the scope of the mold damage and the required service needed to clean and dry the property.
