FAQ'S ABOUT MOLD

What is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that lives almost everywhere there is moisture, oxygen, and organic matter. Mold plays an important role in nature as it helps decompose organic material. However, mold found indoors can cause health problems, as well as structural problems to buildings.

Why does mold grow in homes?

Mold releases microscopic mold spores into the air. Since mold spores are airborne, all homes have mold spores in them, some more than others. Mold grows in homes because almost all homes meet the requirements of mold growth: moisture, nutrients (such as cellulose), and time.

Where does mold grow in homes?

Mold commonly grows in areas that are prone to moisture, such as the basement and bathroom. However, mold can also grow in hidden areas of the home, such as behind walls, under the floor, in the air conditioning systems, in the crawlspace or in the attic.

Should I test for mold?

When you suspect that there is mold growing in your home, you don’t have to know which type of mold it is, but you should have it removed as soon as possible. It is not necessary to test for mold if you already notice the signs of mold growth in your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk.

What is black mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold or toxic black mold, is a variety of microfungus that produces its conidia in slime heads. It is sometimes found in soil and grain, but the mold is most often detected in cellulose-rich building materials from damp or water-damaged buildings.

How can I prevent mold growth in my home?

Preventing mold requires fixing moisture problems in your home. Repair leaks in the walls, roof, gutters, and plumbing pipes, keep indoor humidity at 30-50% by using a dehumidifier, ventilate appliances that generate moisture, and keep the gutter system clean.

What health problems can mold cause?

For unhealthy people or those sensitive to it, indoor mold can cause:

Stuffiness

Itchiness

Runny noses

Wheezing

Fever

Shortness of breath

Eye irritation

Watery eyes

Fatigue

Depression

Asthma attacks

Chronic sinus infections

Fungal infections, if mycotoxins are present

How long does it take for mold to grow after water damage?

Mold can start to grow in areas damaged leaks or floods as few as 24 hours, but it can also take weeks to process. Some materials such as carpeting are known for growing mold quickly. For this reason, it is important to dry out the area and remediate flood damage quickly.

Is mold damage covered by homeowner’s insurance?

Every policy is different, some policies cover mold other doesn’t. If the source of water comes from a busted pipe or leaking roof it should be covered under most insurance policies as long as it is reported immediately. If the source of water is seepage from exterior water through foundations it is normally considered flood waters and is only covered under flood insurance.

Can I remove the mold in my home myself?

You shouldn’t remove mold yourself unless you can throw out the contaminants without any danger to your health. Mold is difficult and tricky, and in some cases, you could make it worse.

Household bleach can leave a residue and enough moisture that feeds mold, making it reoccur.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a decent cleaner for non-porous surfaces but does not do the deep cleaning where mold lives on non-porous surfaces, like wood. It does not affect the airborne mold particles or mold spores at all. It is not a sealer and is considered a temporary solution, at best.

What is your mold remediation process?

Every mold infestation is different, from the amount of mold to the types of materials affected. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. Household bleach leaves behind residues that actually feed mold, making a bad situation worse. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) while good for a surface cleaning on non-porous, or a temporary stall to mold colonies, it is not a permanent solution nor does it address airborne mold particles or spores in your home. It can not penetrate into porous surfaces where mold lives, and it does not seal or prevent these surfaces from the mold cycle continuing.

Can I be in my home during the mold remediation process?

Containments should be built, in areas that are affected with mold, during remediation. The extent of mold damage would determine if the structure should be vacated.