High humidity, moisture, and excessive water intrusion from flooded conditions in basements and crawlspaces, or water damage from plumbing or roof leaks inside the home are all conducive to mold growth. Mold thrives in damp, dark places, or wherever moisture of any kind comes in contact with organic materials long enough to promote contamination...and can spread rapidly throughout a building in as little as 2 DAYS. Mold often times can be detected visibly, as it can cause staining on surfaces. Sometimes however, mold is not visible but is instead airborne and can go undetected. Waring signs of mold that can't be seen can include musty smells, or evidence of water intrusion or damage of any kind. Mold testing is many times a good idea to have done if there is any suspicion that it might be present, and can tell you exactly what you are dealing with through detailed lab results.

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Mold comes in many varieties of species, and are categorized in three basic types: common mold, allergenic mold, and toxic mold. They vary in effect on health depending on the species, the amount of mold present, and how sensitive a person is to mold. Existing allergenic or respiratory symptoms can also worsen due to mold exposure.

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• Common mold typically does not have an effect on health, but can still be unsightly and create problems with odors, other bacteria, and be an overall telltale sign of an existing moisture problem that should be taken care of before conditions worsen.

• Allergenic mold normally effects only those who have a sensitivity towards those particular types, but can still pose a risk to overall health conditions, or be an indication that other, more harmful types can be present.

• Toxic mold is dangerous to everyone, and if present should be addressed immediately.

 

Many forms of mold and fungi are also damaging to building materials such as the wood that makes up the framework of a home or building, and can cause extreme rot and decay. This can potentially threaten the structural integrity of the home, and be very expensive to rectify once it reaches this point - repairs to foundation, joists, beams, etc. Also, since mold can grow on any organic material, it can spread to furniture, walls, flooring, and can become embedded in carpet fibers, bedding, clothing and more. It then becomes necessary in many cases to tear out damaged materials, treat surrounding areas, and replace finished material..which once again becomes a very extensive process and expensive endeavor.

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We offer many services geared towards controlling the environment to keep conditions at a level that greatly reduces mold growth by removing excess moisture and sources that allow mold to generate, live, grow, and spread. Controlling the environment is critical in controlling mold, because as long as water or moisture problems are present mold can continue to return. We also use sanitization methods and products that help eliminate bacteria and microbial organisms that promote mold growth.

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If mold had already grown and spread to the point where action becomes necessary, we offer services specializing in remediating existing mold using highly effective processes, equipment, and products. These services can include a number of various steps necessary for effective remediation, dependent upon the circumstances. This may include removal and disposal of any material that is damaged or heavily effected. Negative air and filtration machines are sometimes used for mold containment. Once all exposed effected surfaces are ready for treatment, we apply EPA registered products that kill the mold, and the surfaces are wiped down to remove staining and buildup of surface contaminants. Stain removal products may be used, although sometimes staining from mold is irreversible even after its been remediated and killed. After killing and cleaning off surface mold, a sealant is sometimes applied to the framing members to help prevent future growth. Finally, another EPA registered product is applied with a fogging machine to create a mist that destroys airborne mold organisms, and acts as a secondary treatment to all exposed surfaces.