Where There’s mold, There’s always water: The Importance of Mold Removal
When water damages your home or business, it can be difficult to think about anything other than getting the water cleaned up and spaces dried. But more likely than not, with water and the right environment, comes the increased possibility of mold and the need for mold removal. When water damage happens whether it's from a pipe burst, a natural disaster, or a water jug spilling on a carpet, mold growth is almost impossible to avoid unless proper steps are taken toward mold remediation.
“Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture,” says the EPA. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences advises that as long as moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present, mold can grow. When water damage occurs on organic materials like wood, drywall, or carpeting, it creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and thrive. FEMA even says that mold growth can begin 24-48 hours after moisture, warmth, and materials meet.
How to Identify Mold Growth
One of the biggest identifiers of mold growth in any home or building are the visible signs like furry growths, black stains, and specks of color as well as the smell of a musty, earth-like smell. You may also begin to notice structural damage like peeling paint, damp walls, moist carpets, and even in some cases warped beams and flooring. Besides the structural dangers mold can create, there are also health concerns to consider.
According to the CDC, “For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold.” Ignoring the signs of mold growth in your home or business can lead to serious consequences for not only yourself but those who breathe in the mold in these areas.
Why DIY Mold Removal Isn’t Enough
It’s important to remember that there is more to dealing with mold than simply wiping it away. Total mold removal ensures that the mold problem is fully addressed and won’t come back. Many homeowners and business owners try the do-it-yourself approach to mold removal thinking bleach or over-the-counter products will solve the problem. In reality, these methods might remove surface mold, but there are other important factors to consider, mold identification and potential mold containment. By DIY-ing your mold removal, you won’t be able to address the root cause, know if it has spread to more than just the obvious areas, or ensure that the mold isn’t a more serious threat.
Mold can grow deep within porous materials (think carpets, wood, etc.) making it difficult to eliminate and treat without professional tools and expertise. ACR’s mold removal services, along with third party testing, ensure that mold is properly identified, contained to prevent further growth, and that all traces of mold are removed so that the risk of recurrence is little to none. Our experts can also provide guidance on preventing future mold problems giving you peace of mind that the methods provided are trusted and true.
Preventing Mold Growth
The best way to deal with mold is to not have it grow in the first place which is easier said than done, especially when it comes to natural disasters, pipes bursting, and unexpected water damage. Mold removal is needed when it has gotten out of control, so preventing mold growth to begin with is critical to helping you avoid structural damage and health effects. Here are some ways you can prevent mold growth from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. These can be used to proactively help prevent mold for businesses, too.
Keep your home clean and dry
Fix water problems such as roof leaks, wet basements, and leaking pipes or faucets
Make sure your home is well-ventilated, and always use ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens
Keep humidity levels below 50% by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier
Avoid using carpeting in areas of the home that may become wet such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Dry floor mats regularly
It’s recommended that you search for moisture in kitchens, bathrooms, and basement areas where moisture is more prominent taking particular account of any visible signs or smells of mold. When faced with water damage, the immediate priority is to mitigate the damage. However, addressing mold is just as important to maintaining structural integrity and overall health.
ACR opts to utilize a mitigation-first approach to restoration, which means we try to contain, clean, dry, treat, and be as proactive as possible instead of simply saying a tear-out and replacement are always necessary. Our goal is to help you get your property back to its pre-loss condition ASAP. “Everything we do is tied closely to our fundamental business promise - helping our clients maintain operational continuity,” says Managing Director, Jim O’Callaghan.
ACR has spent nearly four decades listening to clients in order to speak directly to their unique challenges in the Education, Residential & Commercial Property Management, Property & Casualty, and Healthcare & Assisted Living vertical markets to provide customized project solutions. No matter if it’s water damage, mold growth, or restoring gym floors, our approach to tackling the losses is always the same - to maintain operational continuity. We mitigate risk while reducing expense and loss of use to you and your business.
If you’re interested in learning more about ACR or our water damage services, click here.