 Mold Remediation
Mold Infiltration & Growth
Mold and musty odors are a sign of a mold problem in your home. Uncontrolled mold growth can cause health problems and spread throughout your home. Mold thrives in a moisture rich environment, this is were NationDry comes to the rescue. By getting rid of the water and moisture and controlling the environment in which mold grows we can clean it up and eliminate future growth problems.
The
Solutions
NatioN Dry Mold Remediation
NationDry can remediate the mold problem in your home. We
use a two-step process along with containment and negative
air machines to bring your home back to a healthy environment.
We also provide humidity-control devices to help prevent the
problem from recurring.
More
Information on Mold:
Basic
Mold Information
Mold's function in nature is to break
down and decompose organic materials. Thus given sufficient
moisture they can grow on almost any material even inorganic
ones when sufficient dirt or materials congregate on
them. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce which float
through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When
mold spores land on a damp spot indoors they can grow
and start digesting whatever they are growing on. There
are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, fabric
and foods. There is no normal way to eliminate all mold
and mold spores in the indoor environment, thus the
key to controlling indoor mold growth is to control
moisture.
What is mold?
Molds are a type of fungi. Their small particles
are present everywhere both indoors and outdoors. Molds
can grow anywhere there is moisture including hidden
areas in your home. In nature they function to decompose
dead organic material such as leaves, wood and plants.
Why Does Mold Start Growing
In My Home?
Mold spores are always in the air around us.
They enter your home with the air or sometimes attached
to clothing or pets. When a mold spore drops onto a
moist surface the colony begins to grow.
Where does mold grow?
Although mold can grow anywhere moisture is
present it is more common on wet cellulose materials,
including paper and paper products, cardboard, and the
paper layer or wallboard. However mold colonies can
also grow on materials such as dust, paint, wallpaper,
insulation, carpets and upholstery in damp or moist
conditions. Mold can grow on dust and dirt that accumulates
on inorganic matter such as on concrete or in air ducts.
Basements and attics are especially common areas for
mold infestation, NationDry specializes in mold
remediation in these areas.
What Does Mold Need to Grow?
Most importantly mold needs water to trigger its growth.
Mold also needs food, oxygen and a temperature range
between 40°F and 100°F. Since mold decomposes
dead organic material it can grow on wood, the paper
facing on gypsum board and other materials made from
wood. Molds can decompose wood, materials made from
wood and also some synthetic materials such as adhesives,
pastes and paints. Mold cannot get nutrients from inorganic
material such as concrete, glass and metal, however
it can grow on the dirt or dust buildup present on these
surfaces. Some molds can get the moisture they need
from the air when the air is very damp (generally a
humidity above 80%). These growth parameters make basements
and attics especially vulnerable to mold infestation.
What types of mold are commonly
found indoors?
Common molds that may invade your home come
in various types and colors. The most common indoor
molds are: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria,
and Mucor. The toxic molds that can be found in homes
are two species of black mold, Stachybotrys (the more
common) and Memnoniella.
Where does mold grow?
Although mold can grow anywhere moisture is
present it is more common on wet cellulose based materials,
including paper and paper products, and cardboard. Also,
common materials such as dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation,
carpets and upholstery can also help support their growth
in damp or moist conditions.
How can I tell if I have mold
in my home?
Sight and especially smell are often adequate to tell if mold
is present. Mold growths may have a soft, fuzzy, cottony, velvety, granular,
or leathery appearance and may appear in may colors. Make sure to look
around areas where there is excess moisture. Look behind and underneath
materials (carpets, wallpaper, flooring, sink and cabinets), around
pipes and areas of condensation, in the basement and attic, on furniture,
and items in storage. Sometimes deconstruction such as opening a wall
may be needed to inspect enclosed spaces where mold and moisture are
hidden. Because this can cause damage to your home or potentially release
large amount of hidden spores, in these cases it may be best to contact
a professional service such as NationDry. Click here for a free
Mold inspection and estimate.
How can I clean mold areas?
In some cases where the area is small mold
can be removed by a thorough cleaning with soap and
water. If you choose to use bleach, do so with caution.
If you have an larger amount of mold or you suspect
the mold is in a hidden or hard to reach area where
deconstruction my occur to reach it, you should contact NationDry. Remember there is no point
in trying to remove the mold if you do not first correct
the moisture problem that led to the mold. If it remains
the mold will quickly return.
How do molds affect people?
There is evidence that large amounts of mold
exposure may affect those with impaired immune system
function and cause allergic reactions. Molds is suspected
of being involved in asthma attacks in people with asthma
who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure
can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs
of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people
Suspicion of Hidden Mold
If a room or building smells moldy when you enter it
but you cannot see any visible source of mold, you may
suspect that hidden mold is lurking somewhere nearby.
If you or a family member is not feeling well, having
respiratory problems or allergy problems this may also
signal hidden mold in your home. Mold can easily find
a place to grow in hidden locations such as the back
side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side
of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads,
etc. Hidden mold is also common inside walls around
pipes (when pipes leak or have condensation present
on a regular basis), inside ductwork, and in roof materials
above ceiling tiles. If you suspect you have hidden
mold contact NationDry, we
have technicians capable of analyzing and fixing your
problem.
Hidden Mold Dangers
If a room or building smells moldy when you enter it but you cannot see
any visible source of mold, you may suspect that hidden mold is lurking
somewhere nearby. If you or a family member is not feeling well, having
respiratory problems or allergy problems this may also signal hidden mold
in your home. Mold can easily find a place to grow in hidden locations
such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, on top of ceiling
tiles, the underside of carpets, in basements and attics, etc. Hidden
mold is also common inside walls around pipes (when pipes leak or have
condensation present on a regular basis), inside ducts, and in roof materials.
If you suspect you have hidden mold, contact NationDry,
we have technicians capable of analyzing and fixing your problem. Hidden
mold is most common in basements and attics due to moisture
problems.
Investigating Hidden Mold
Problems
Investigating hidden mold problems is not always recommended
for the home owner as it may be difficult and requires
caution. Investigation of hidden mold can potentially
disturb large areas of mold growth. For example, removal
of paneling can lead to a large release of spores. If
you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider contacting NationDry.
Cleanup
Because of the omnipresence of mold spores it is not usually advisable
to sterilize an area with caustic cleansers as a certain level of spores
will always remain and the use of these chemicals such as bleach can
expose you to harmful fumes especially when working in hidden or confined
spaces. No matter how clean you make the area the mold infestation will
return if the moisture problem in the area in not corrected. This is
where NationDry comes in, our experts can
correct almost any cause of excess moisture that would result in mold
growth.
The Key to
Mold Control is Moisture Elimination
Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds
function in nature is to decompose and break down organic matter of many
types. Because of this water is the limiting factor to mold growth. At NationDry we specialize in fixing
the problems that cause moisture build up and thus mold growth especially
in your attic or basement.
Molds grow in damp or wet areas
indoors. They can get the moisture they need from water
leaks or from the air in high humidity areas. Common
sites for indoor mold growth include basement and attic
walls, floors and ceilings, areas around windows where
moisture condenses, and near pipes.
Causes of water or moisture problems include leaks in
the basement or roof, condensation associated with high humidity or cold
spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or
heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures or lack of appropriate maintenance.
Sustained high humidity can also be a source of moisture leading to mold
growth, particularly in hot, humid climates. Attics and basements are
often most at risk.
Since moisture may build up in hidden areas, once
you become aware of the moisture problem it may be too late to handle
the problem yourself. This is where NationDry comes in. Our skilled technicians can find and evaluate the source of
your problem. We then
mold remediate your home, creating a safe and mold free environment.
Mold Myths
& Misconceptions
ONLY DIRTY HOUSES HAVE MOLD PROBLEMS
BLEACH AND DETERGENT MOLD
REMOVAL IS ADEQUATE
The use of detergent in mold removal is a long standing
recommendation. A simple detergent solution can in some
small cases of mold infiltration clean the area, however
if the moisture cause of the mold is not addressed the
mold will simply keep returning. Mold is not always
in an easily accessible area and therefore “hidden.”
One common area that is not easily accessible is the
heating ventilation and air conditioning system. Mold
in hidden or inaccessible areas cannot be solved by
a simple solution such as this.
ONLY DIRTY HOUSES HAVE MOLD
PROBLEMS
Mold is naturally present in the air both inside and
out. All homes can be affected given the right circumstances.
A broken pipe, a flooded basement, a damp cellar, a
leak in the roof, a area of condensation inside a wall,
none of these causes has anything to do with a dirty
house yet they are all common causes of mold infestation.
MOLD REMEDIATION IN PART OF
A HOUSE IS ADEQUATE
A common misconception about mold remediation is that cleaning of the
immediate site is enough to cure a mold infestation problem. This however
is not always the case. With mold spores present and concentrated in the
home, often it is necessary to address moisture issues throughout the
home, especially after a mold infestation in one area of the home has
been discovered. The most common sites for flooding and dampness, and
thus mold infestation, are the attic and the basement.
Mold In The
Environment
Molds are a type of fungi and live in the soil, on
plants, and on dead or decaying matter when moisture is present. In nature
molds play a pivotal role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other
plant debris. Unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by
digesting plant materials which they use for food. Without molds, the
environment would be overflowing with large amounts of dead plant matter.
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. These mold spores
can be found in both indoor and outdoor air, and on indoor and outdoor
surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing
and digesting whatever they are growing on. This is one reason why it
is important to prevent mold growth on building materials and furnishings
etc. in order to prevent their eventual destruction.
Moisture
control is the key to mold control. Molds need both food and water to
survive; since molds can digest most things, water is the factor that
limits mold growth. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors
making attics and basements especially vulnerable. Common sites for indoor
mold growth include attics, basements, areas around windows where moisture
condenses, and near leaky water fountains or sinks. Hidden
mold can be often be found behind wallboard, behind furniture, and
under wallpaper. Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems
include roof leaks, basement wall and floor cracks and leaks, deferred
maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots
in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy
rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, and malfunction or poor design
of humidification systems. Uncontrolled humidity can also be a source
of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates
making attics a common area of infestation.
Seventeen
Things to Know About Mold
- Mold is always in the air around
us naturally both inside and out, the only way to
control indoor mold growth is to control the moisture
level.
- Molds function in nature is to
break down and decompose dead organic material.
- Mold spores are extremely tiny
and waft through the air. They can maintain their
viability to reproduce in many environments until
they land on an appropriate surface.
- If the air is sufficiently humid over a sustained
period, many molds can get their moisture requirements to grow from the
air. This makes basements and attics especially susceptible.
- If mold is a problem in your home
you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of
moisture. Without sufficient moisture the mold cannot
grow.
- Mold grows well on organic substances,
especially those containing cellulose such as wood
and paper. They grow more rapidly on processed cellulose
items such as paper than on wood in its natural state
- There are molds that can grow on
wood, paper, carpet, fabric, and foods.
- Mold growths can be many colors
such as: black, green, red, pink, orange, yellow,
etc. depending on the type, substance they are growing
on (digesting), and moisture level.
- Water problems or leaks can cause
mold growth, it is recommended that you fix it as quickly as possible.
- Potential health effects and symptoms
associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions,
asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
- Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.
Use air conditioners, de-humidifiers, increasing
ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking,
dish washing, and cleaning.
- Small patches of mold can be cleaned
off of surfaces with water and detergent. Make sure
to dry completely.
- Mold growth can be prevented in
some areas by preventing condensation on cold surfaces
by adding insulation. (for example; windows, piping,
exterior walls, roof, or floors)
- In areas where there is a constant moisture problem
one way to prevent mold buildup is to avoid installing carpeting. (For
example by drinking fountains, by sinks, or on concrete floors with
leaks or frequent condensation as often happens in basements).
- Although molds cannot grow on inorganic
substances such as metal or glass they can grow on
built up dust and dirt that accumulates on these items
provided sufficient moisture is present.
- It is important to dry water damaged
areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold
growth. If your basement is constantly wet call NationDry.
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building
materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent
mold growth.
Mold Information
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For immediate assistance with your mold remediation and mold removal needs, a free estimate and an onsite inspection please call 1-800-653-3109. |
