Most homes have mildew and mold which, apart from being a major nuisance, can be detrimental to health. The black grout lines in the shower, the damp, discolored dry walls, black spots on siding, darkened areas on decks, and damp, rotten wood are all evidence of mold. Worst of all is that by the time these black areas become noticeable they are usually signs of a much bigger infestation in places that are hidden away, like behind dry walls, under floorboards and carpets, in damp basements and attics, and even in concrete walls. If a high concentration of mold is present a typical musty odor will be detected.
Mold releases microscopic spores which, when inhaled, can cause allergic reactions, irritations, sneezing, and some types are highly toxic causing major health issues and even death. The trick is to stop a mold infection from becoming a major problem that can harm your health and damage the structure of your home. Mildew and minor mold are easy to remove, but big infestations can be dangerous when disturbed particularly for allergy sufferers or those who have weakened immune systems. An extensive mold problem needs rigorous measures that only professionals are equipped to handle to ensure that the mold is prevented from spreading throughout the rest of the house.
Surface mildew is a type of mold that can't damage the structure of a home, but other types cause rot that can result in extensive damage. Rotten wood, drywall, carpets, and floorboards will have to be removed safely and discarded before being replaced. To find out if rot is present, probe the suspect areas with a sharp tool like a screwdriver and if it crumbles, the rot has set in. Check for damp in carpets, walls, crawlspaces, floors, roof sheathing, basements, lofts and all other areas where moisture may accumulate.
Mold Damage Restoration
All signs of mold and moisture have to be removed before the damaged areas can be treated with damp proof products or replaced entirely. Mold infestations should be cleaned up right away and preventive measures applied to avoid re-infestation. If structural damage has occurred repairs and reconstruction has to be done. Below are some examples of mold damage restoration that may need to be done after a mold infestation:
- All sources of possible water leakage or seepage have to be examined and eliminated.
- Carpets have to be carefully removed and discarded to prevent dangerous spores from entering the air and mold underneath has to be cleaned up.
- Rotten wood has to be completely removed and replaced.
- Rotten dry walling has to be removed and replaced.
- Rotten floor boards have to be removed and replaced.
- Ceiling boards affected by damp and mold may have to be removed and replaced.
- Damp walls have to be dried out after the source of the moisture has been detected and repaired such as a leaky window frame that allows rain to enter.
Some mold removal companies undertake restoration and even air duct cleaning services
as part of their service and are able to take on small reconstruction projects as well.
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