Mold Testing & Remediation
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is mold?
Mold is a microscopic fungus that is part of the natural environment and necessary for our ecosystem. Mold is not usually a problem unless it begins growing indoors. The best way to control mold growth is to prevent moisture in your building. While it is necessary in the outdoor world, too much mold inside a structure can be dangerous and unsanitary. Mold produces spores as part of its lifecycle, and these spores float through the air both inside and outside.
Why is mold a problem?
Many people aren’t aware that mold can cause serious structural damage to companies and businesses. The source of the mold is more concerning as it tells you excess moisture is entering the area, without a way to divert it. This can lead to structural problems to your floors, basement walls, and a more expensive problem. Mold can also cause health issues if left alone. If you have ever suffered from allergies, exposure to molds can often cause nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation or even more severe reactions.
What does mold need in order to grow?
Mold grows from a moist environment, temperatures above freezing and a food source, which could be leaves, paper, dirt, wood or other building materials. Mold is more likely to be found in damp, dusty spaces or areas with stagnant air.
How can I tell if I have mold?
If you see mold growth or water stains, we can setup mold testing and help identify related microbial activity. Common areas to look for water leakage include roofs, pipes, ceilings or walls. Musty smells may also indicate the presence of mold.
What can I do to prevent the growth of mold in my building?
The most effective means to keep the mold in check is to immediately clean water stains when they happen and to be proactive in resolving wet areas inside of your building. For bigger issues like leaking pipes or excess water collecting in the basement, we offer leaky pipe clean up and basement flooding clean up.
When does mold need to be handled by a professional remediation company?
We recommend a mold test before spending time on remediating the mold. After we conduct our mold test and review the results, we can present our findings to you, and our recommendations.
Some molds have the reputation of being more dangerous than others. Is identifying the mold important?
Sometimes you will hear terms like “toxic mold” and “black mold” used to refer to molds. While identifying the type of fungus or mold may be interesting, it doesn’t affect the course of action. If mold is present, the CDC has strongly recommended that it be removed, no matter the type*.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control
