Probably for some, living in Florida is like living in paradise, while for others it is the other way around, especially if they are living in a flood-prone area where a storm or hurricane may hit anytime.
Whenever the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issues a storm warning, the first thing that may pop into your mind may be one of the worst things that occur after a storm—mold. Molds are the tiny, lightweight spores that thrive on moisture and travel through the air. Some consider them a paradox of nature, while others view them as a menace.
Mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a wet or watery spot in your home, they can reproduce exponentially and be potentially harmful to anyone’s health, especially for people with respiratory problems. However, this can be prevented by getting to know more about their nature and how to cope with them.
First off, know how long it takes for mold to grow after a flood. Scientifically, the most accepted theory is that they grow from 24 to 48 hours after an object or surface has become wet. This is the reason why when you spot mold on a part of your house or when you have classified your house to be mold-prone, a mold removal company can help you decide and remove it at the earliest possible time.
Areas Prone to Mold after Flooding
Water is a major factor in the growth of molds. All areas of the house that have been covered by a flood are potential mold growing spots. Several things or objects such as wallpaper, drywall, carpet, wood, and many others are the perfect food for mold.
Professionals are equipped with the right equipment and devices to handle your mold problem. Your next-door plumbers or all-around guy don’t have this specialty equipment. The first thing professionals do is checking all mold-infested areas of your property. They will then remove all the water, usually using a pump. Every part of the house where they can find water, including under the floor tiles or carpet, behind the walls and behind baseboards, will be dried.
Water Restoration experts have special dryers in all the right places before the molds start to grow and develop. When your house investment is at risk of water damage, it is always a smart thing to call in the professionals especially if you have doubts about how to deal with the mold situation on your own.
Mold Testing
Professional mold testing companies use mold testing to determine if you have a mold problem. Though you can buy the kit over the counter, the testing itself is recommended to be performed by qualified mold professionals. They can give you the proper and accurate results for your mold problem.
If you suspect or notice molds, such as a musty smell or mold exposure symptoms, mold testing can:
As per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), any moldy areas less than 10 square feet (about 3 feet by 3 feet) can be remediated by the homeowner, but beyond that, it is better to call in the remediation contractor for safety and health concerns, especially for homeowners or residents.
Although any homeowner can perform Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mold removal, the possible lapse is that there is no guarantee that the molds have totally been removed. Since molds are everywhere, they can be on hard-to-reach areas, and what is worse is missed mold that could multiply again, making you redo your work. It is best to hire the nearest mold remediation company and have your home cleared of mold once and for all.
During this hurricane season, have your back covered by experts and professionals in mold damage restoration, disaster clean up and repair.
ServiceMaster by Wright has the expertise, experience, and state-of-the-art toolsand specialized equipment to resolve mold growth and its related problems. We are experts in mold removal for both residential and commercial buildings. We carry all the appropriate licenses and insurance to perform mold remediation in Southwest Florida.
ServiceMaster by Wright offers services ranging from mold testing to mold damage repair, which includes:
Mold Inspection
Mold Detection
Mold Testing
Mold Removal
Mold Remediation
Mold Damage Repair
Contact us at 239-431-9947 or message us through our contact form for any emergency involving water, fire and mold damage restoration as well as disaster clean-up services in Southwest Florida.
We are also a complete restoration and cleaning company, offering:
Water Damage
Fire Damage
Mold Remediation
Cleaning Services
Commercial Services
Storm Damage
Repairs
Disinfection
Get to know more about us at https://www.servicemasterrestorations.com/ or visit our service area offices at Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Englewood, Fort Myers, Longboat Key, Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Venice.
When we see mold growth in our home, this causes us to panic. Yes. mold can be removed through mold detection, mold removal, and mold remediation by an expert mold remediation company in Florida. However, once mold starts to spread, this can give us a much larger problem. One of them is sickness caused by molds.
Let’s first discuss what mold is.
What is Mold?
Mold is a different type of fungi that grows in moist environments. It is a common type of fungus that thrives in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. There are hundreds of species of mold. Some of those species are less dangerous, and some are really dangerous. One of the dangerous kinds is called “black mold”.
Black mold can thrive in warm, frequently moist environments. Many black molds are toxigenic, meaning that they release toxins that can be irritating or even harmful for people who have preexisting conditions.
Health problems can arise from inhalation of mold spores as well as sensitivity to mold.
Symptoms of Mold Sickness
Molds produce allergens and irritants. Allergens are substances that can cause allergic reactions. These allergic reactions can stem from inhaling or touching mold or its spores. Here are some allergic reactions that you can experience when you are affected by mold spores:
Wheezing/shortness of breath
Rash
Watery eyes
Runny nose
Itchy eyes
Coughing
Redness of the eyes
Long-standing or frequent sinusitis
You can also suffer from serious pain and neurological symptoms, such as:
Headaches and migraines
Joint pain
Muscle cramping, aches, and pains
Persistent nerve pain
Numbness, tingling or tremors
Vertigo/Dizziness
Frequent colds and flu
Fatigue and weakness
Poor memory, brain fog, difficulty with focus
People more sensitive to mold, such as those with allergies, and the elderly, are the ones most affected by it. Individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and asthma, may experience difficulty in breathing. Mold removal is a must as exposure to mold and its spores is a health risk.
What Are The Signs Of Mold In Your House or Building?
A very common tell-tale sign that mold is present in your home is if you see it physically growing in any part of our home. However, if we can’t see it with our naked eye, how do we check for signs of mold?
You should watch out for:
Musty odors
Allergic Symptoms from Mold
Black spots on damp areas
Discoloration of walls or water stains on ceilings
Recent water damage
Excessive humidity
Signs of Water Problems
Landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building
Condensation
Past Flooding
Where Can You Find Mold?
Mold growthspeeds up when it’s indoors and in a moist place. Spores, mold’s tiny reproductive cells, are easily released into the air, and an enclosed space, such as indoors, amplifies their ability to make contact with one another.
Mold likes moisture and damp places, and a recent flood or water damage can encourage it. Leaks from burst pipes or HVAC systems can also promote mold growth.
You can also find mold in these places:
Bathroom
Kitchen
Cupboard
Cabinets
Basement
Water pipes
Gutters
Any damp or soggy place inside the home
How To Get Rid of Mold?
You may never get to notice mold damage invading your home even years after mold has grown or spores have been produced, thereby leaving allergens active for long periods. A professional mold remediation companyis always ideal for mold removal.
ServiceMaster by Wright is your best bet for mold detection, mold removal, and mold remediation! At ServiceMaster by Wright, our mold remediation experts have the tools, training, and expertise to locate and remove all mold spores from your home or business.
Check us out or contact us at 239-431-9947 for more details about mold remediation. We are serving businesses and homeowners throughout Port Charlotte, Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Englewood, Fort Myers, Longboat Key, Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice, Florida and surrounding areas.
