The term “mold” is used to refer to a large number of fungal species that share certain biological traits. They’re a natural part of the ecosystem and can therefore be found anywhere where oxygen and moisture are present. But that does not make mold any less unwelcome in your home, especially when you know it can cause or aggravate health symptoms.
Due to the microscopic spores it constantly emits into the air, mold can aggravate chronic respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma, and cause you to experience various uncomfortable symptoms (wheezing, itchy skin or eyes, stuffy nose, etc.).
We previously wrote about how a reliable San Diego coronavirus home sanitizing service would go about removing COVID-19 and other viruses from your home or office. Now we’ll look at how trusted remediation companies deal with mold infestations. Keep reading to learn more.
How do professionals remove mold?
It’s an unfortunate fact that most Americans use the terms “mold removal” and “mold remediation” interchangeably. The reality is that microscopic mold spores are so widespread that removing all of them from an area is simply impossible.
On the other hand, mold remediation refers to the process of using professional-grade techniques and equipment to reduce the amount of mold in an area to the point where it can no longer affect your health, damage your belongings, or produce unpleasant odors.
A standard mold remediation service includes the following steps:
Step #1: Assessment
Mold remediation technicians will inspect your home or premises for mold. This may or may not include invasive examination techniques.
Step #2: Identifying the damage source
Most of the time, mold infestations are a result of excessive moisture. In order to prevent further mold growth, the remediation technicians will identify the source of damage then will recommend the appropriate professional to seal off the source of the dampness before proceeding with the remediation.
Step #3: Preparation
Before any mold remediation project can start there are few steps that will need to be taken to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the property. All porous materials will need to be moved outside the containment area. Furthermore, a plastic containment needs to be set up around the damaged area. Finally, HEPA air filtration needs to be running inside the containment to clean the air and create a negative air pressure.
Step #4: Demolition and Drying
Mold can’t thrive in a dry environment. For this reason, the affected areas should be carefully dried using dehumidifiers only to prevent mold spores from spreading into new unaffected areas. During this step all the affected building materials will have to be either removed or sanded and cleaned with an antimicrobial agent to kill mold spores.
Step #5: Final cleaning
Once the affected area is 100% dry and all the damaged building materials have been removed, we will clean every inch inside the containment with an antimicrobial solution to make sure all the surfaces are mold free.
What kills mold in the air?
Mold constantly releases microscopic spores into the air. Not only are these spores bad for your health, they can also cause mold to spread to other parts of your home.
Here’s how to reduce the amount of mold spores in your home:
- Place an air purifier in every room.
- Destroy moldy spots on hard surfaces (eg., tiles or glass) using a sprayable mold remover.
- Install HEPA filters on your air conditioners.
- Make sure your kitchen, bathroom, and basement are as dry as possible.
- Regularly clean and inspect your gutters.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor moisture.
- Keep your house ventilated at all times.
- Clean any spills immediately.
- Hang wet clothes and shoes outside to dry.
Where can I schedule a reliable San Diego coronavirus home sanitizing service?
Are you having a sewer overflow emergency, or dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your home? Or perhaps you’re looking to have your property professionally sanitized? Whatever your remediation and restoration needs might be, don’t hesitate to give Risk Free Serv a call.Â
We are an IICRC-certified company that provides 24/7 emergency remediation and restoration services throughout San Diego County. It’s all the same to us whether you’re located in Gaslamp Quarter or out in the countryside: we’ll still get to you in record time! Contact us today.Â