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Mold Removal and Mold Remediation Can Be Prevented

Last updated on September 26, 2024 Professional Mold Remediation

Mold removal can be prevented. With the start of summer weather, warmer temperatures and heavy humidity have many families blasting their air conditioners for relief from the heat. What’s the problem with that? When we pump cold air through our home’s ducts, combined with warm, humid air outside, we create what is known as condensation and moisture. Unbeknownst to many, this can lead to mold growth. Mold is one of the primary bacterial agents that deteriorate our valuable porous materials. It can also settle on non-porous surfaces, float through the air to other areas, and cause serious damage to any property, whether commercial or residential. Additionally, unchecked heavy rains can trigger significant bacterial issues. Mold removal in Chicago properties is increasingly common, especially with the natural disasters occurring from Florida to Minnesota, Iowa to New York, leaving a trail of microbes that can wreak havoc on properties.

Three of the most common areas where serious damage can occur are the crawlspace, basement, and attic. This happens because condensation or moisture can go undetected for months, sometimes even years. Since these areas are often used for storage, the materials piled up over time can become susceptible to mold damage. When this occurs, all items that have come into contact with the dangerous bacteria must be discarded, as they cannot be cleaned or sanitized properly. This is referred to as cancerous mold, as it penetrates the surface of the material and literally consumes its host.

At this stage, removal of walls, flooring surfaces, baseboards, trim, door hinges, fixtures, and anything else that has been compromised by mold is necessary. You can see why it’s best to prevent this type of situation in the first place. Unfortunately, flooding and water damage have caused extensive destruction to many properties because owners are unsure of what to do next. This indecision does not work in their favor, as mold does not remain in one place; it tends to spread as it seeks out new areas to consume. In its wake, it leaves mycotoxins—deadly byproducts that result from the bacteria’s digestion process—which can be even more harmful than the mold itself.

High levels of mold activity in a property can lead to various breathing issues, including runny noses, sniffling, earaches, headaches, sore throats, itching, burning eyes, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, indigestion, and watery eyes, just to name a few. Some individuals have even reported insomnia due to bacterial activity occurring behind closed walls and flooring. This issue should not be taken lightly. It is crucial to have a property inspected before purchase, and homeowners should regularly check specific areas (the basement, attic, and crawlspace) to ensure that mold is not developing.

Inevitably, a professional mold remediation company must be called in if the situation becomes as severe as described. Mold removal and remediation involve carefully and systematically removing the bacteria from the affected space to prevent it from escaping and spreading to other areas of the property or through the duct and venting systems. Containment is essential to prevent the mold from spreading, which requires proper equipment and setup. This highlights the necessity of implementing preventive measures. It is far more cost-effective in the long run to take steps to ensure that moisture and condensation do not accumulate over time. It is easy to transition from moisture and mildew to mold and mycotoxins.

The larger the facility, the greater the opportunity for mold to develop and spiral out of control. A professional mold removal service will know exactly what to do to restore your property to a livable, breathable, and clean air state for you and your family. If you run a business, they can also provide recommendations to assist in permanently keeping mold at bay.

Mold Removal Chicago

Leaky faucets, dripping pipes, backed-up drains, water and sewage overflows, faulty plumbing, hot water heaters in need of repair, and vapor walls can all lead to a serious mold issue that requires attention. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By the time you find yourself on the phone seeking help for a mold intrusion and other contaminants, it has likely already escalated. The chemicals required to address the problem effectively can themselves cause issues for some customers. Even environmentally friendly cleaning agents can sometimes trigger irritations. Therefore, it is recommended that families relocate while the mold removal and remediation process is underway. Each person’s immune system is different, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep in mind that sometimes nothing happens, but there is a slight chance that individuals with compromised immune systems may have an adverse reaction to the mold remediation process and the chemicals used.

This process can be lengthy and detailed, making it evident that preventing the issue in the first place is preferable.

So, what can you do to keep your home cool while also fighting off moisture and mold that can make you and your family sick?

The local mold experts at The CleanUP Guys, the leading local indoor air quality team, have created a moisture and mold plan of action – 5 Tips to Fight Mold and Humidity

Moisture and Mold Removal Can Be Prevented!

5 Tips to Fight Mold and Humidity

  • Monitor the Humidity Monitor: An indoor digital humidity monitor can give a quick and accurate measurement of the humidity within a home. For greatest comfort and to best reduce the bacteria and odors, humidity levels in the home should be kept between 40 and 55 percent. A humidity monitor can be purchased for less than $15.
  • Beware of your Air: Run air conditioning systems running from May through the end of October and keep the fan setting on “Auto”. Leaving the fan setting on “On” runs the system continuously and can cause moisture condensed on the air conditioner coil to be blown back into the home.
  • Rein in Rain: Add gutters to the roof of the house and downspouts at the base to redirect rainwater away from the house’s foundation.
  • Build a Barrier: If your house has a crawlspace, make sure the floor has a vapor barrier, which is a plastic covering that lays on top of the dirt surface. This prevents moisture from the dirt floor from evaporating and seeping through into the air beneath the home. This also protects against problems caused by excess moisture like mold, odors, insects and wood rot.
  • Cover your Crawlspace: Crawlspaces can be professionally encapsulated by sealing the walls and floor with a thick, plastic wrapping and installing a dehumidifier to set the appropriate humidity levels. The relative humidity in a house should not exceed 50 percent.

Move on Mold! In many cases you can see or smell mold. It is most often green or black in color and has a “musty” or “earthy” smell, somewhat like the forest floor deep in the woods. In that case use an antimicrobial mixture made up of household items such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or baking soda to kill or prevent the growth of mold. Spray the mixture onto the mold area and remove with a scrub brush or disposable rag while wearing protective covering such as face masks, gloves and shoe covers.

Mold: The Frightening Fast Facts

  • Mold grows quickly: It only takes 24-48 hours to grow and spread in wet, warm conditions.
  • Undetectable: Excessive moisture behind walls, under floors, or in cabinets or closets are perfect breeding grounds for mold. This is mold that you often can’t see or smell but it can make you and your family very sick.
  • Bleach Can’t Kill It: Applying bleach can actually promote more mold growth on porous surfaces. A more effective treatment is an antimicrobial mixture made up of household items such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or baking soda.
  • Mold Claims: Damage can cost as much as $10,000, and most insurance carriers will not cover the cost of mold removal.
  • Symptoms of mold exposure: Severe body aches, joint pain, nausea, chronic, sometimes serious respiratory issues. These symptoms can develop quickly, or over time.
  • People at risk: The very young, the very old, people with compromised immune systems. Mold can be deadly among these groups of people. It can also precipitate issues in otherwise healthy individuals as well. Remember mold removal can be prevented.

If you find that you are dealing with an unhealthy environment due to excess moisture or the spread of any type of mildew or mold, call the professional mold experts in Chicagoland, The CleanUP Guys!

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