Mold damage is a serious problem that can cause significant health problems and expensive repairs, especially in a high humidity area like South Louisiana. Home and business owners need to be aware of the basics of mold in order to protect their property and themselves. Ignoring mold can lead to costly mistakes, so it’s important to educate yourself on the proper way to handle it. Read on for the top do’s and don’ts of mold removal.
Don’ts of Mold Removal
Wait to Address the Issue
Mold is a natural organism with one goal—to spread. The longer you wait to have mold safely removed from your home or business, the more severe the infestation will become, the more dangerous it will be for the structure’s inhabitants, and the more it will cost to remove. Mold will not go away on its own.
Let children or pets near the area
Mold can be toxic. Children, the elderly, and pets are especially vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. Keep the affected area secure to avoid mold spreading accidentally and the potential for medical issues.
Circulate Air
Mold spores can be dispersed throughout your entire home or business through its HVAC system. Limiting air circulation as soon as the location of the mold is determined can help prevent future infestations.
Attempt DIY Remediation methods
It can be tempting to use harsh chemicals, point a fan at the area for a few hours, slap some “mold fighting” paint on the area and call it a day. In many cases, harsh chemicals will cause spores to “panic” and spread faster. The fan may visibly dry the area, but in the process, mold spores can be dispersed throughout your entire home. Mold-proof paint may have some preventative properties. However, covering up the issue will only lead to a larger problem down the road when the mold has had time to develop in the walls. Considering the health and financial ramifications of an ineffective mold remediation job, we highly recommend mold removal be left to professionals.
If you live in South Louisiana, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of mold and take steps to protect your home and business. It’s important to check your insurance coverage before there are any issues and address any signs of mold immediately. Mold can grow quickly, and cause extensive damage and health issues. Contact our mold remediation experts if you suspect there is mold in your home or business for immediate assistance.
Do’s
Get your Roof Inspected Annually
We see this series of events a lot in our industry in South Louisiana: roof damage from a storm or general wear and tear causes a water leak which leads to mold growth. Your roof is the first line of defense for your home. Though water leaks can occur from other sources, getting your roof inspected annually prevents the storm damage cycle that leads to mold growth. Continuum offers free roof inspections and estimates.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Because mold is often the result of water damage, it can be difficult to determine if mold is covered by your insurance policy. Mold remediation is usually only covered when the source of the mold is an issue already covered by your policy, such as water damage. Even so, there are some cases in which mold removal is not covered by homeowners insurance. For example, if there is a long-term shower leak that results in a mold infestation. The worst time to learn about your insurance coverage is while filing a claim. Be proactive and get a full understanding of your coverage.
Find the Source of the Moisture
Mold needs moisture to continue to live and grow. By removing the source of the moisture, you can slow the spread of the infestation. Fixing a leak, tarping a roof, and weatherproofing your windows are all great ways to slow the spread of a mold infestation. Avoid the use of a fan, however, as it will spread spores throughout the structure.
Call the Professionals
Because toxic mold can develop in homes within 48 hours of the area getting wet, water needs to be removed quickly and completely. If it isn’t removed properly, mold and its spores can spread unseen throughout the structure and result in a larger mold remediation job down the road. After reading the do’s and don’ts of mold removal, call Continuum Restoration’s expert remediation staff. We work with powerful dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the mold and all of those pesky spores. Don’t mess with mold, call the professionals immediately.