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.
Have you ever asked yourself how and why are you seeing a dark spot in your wall that you recalled removing before? Has it come back again?
Molds are fungi that can be found practically anywhere in any environment. They thrive and multiply by spreading spores. Molds can and will come back in the same spot when the condition permits it. They are microscopic and often thrive in places we could not see and reach.
Preventive measures, like using mold-resistant paint, must be taken to eliminate the presence of mold. You should remove mold the instant you see or smell it. Watch out for warning signs like a musty odor, black spots or discoloration, or water stains.
Even if you use bleach or other cleaning products, mold will grow again when you don’t do the following to prevent it from coming back:
First, reduce the moisture level. Damp places are the most conducive places to mold survival and proliferation. A damp basement, leaky roof or plumbing, humidifiers, poorly ventilated rooms and/or wet clothes, and incidents of flooding are the most common sources of moisture. However, moisture buildup can be prevented by fixing leaky roofs, windows, walls, pipes, and faucets; letting fabrics dry properly (drying them outdoors is ideal); using a dehumidifier; maintaining good ventilation, especially in the kitchen, laundry areas, and bathrooms; and drying flooded or wet areas within one to two days.
Second, use the proper cleaner. Check your local cleaning supply store for cleaners designed to kill mold spores. There are even natural cleaners that are not harmful to your health. Spray the area carefully and thoroughly.
Third, get rid of objects that cannot be dried out. While some objects may be cleaned from mold, other objects like wood pose a challenge in removing mold. When these objects will possibly promote the growth of mold in your home, throw them out because mold will still thrive on them.
Lastly, call in the professionals. Mold must be removed as soon as possible. When you have already tried the above-listed remedies but still see mold coming back, it is time to have experts do it for you. Professional help is still better than doing it yourself because the problem might worsen if you don't know how to perform remediation properly. Getting mold out thoroughly and making sure it doesn’t come back is a job for the professionals of ServiceMaster by Wright.
ServiceMaster by Wright is equipped with the tools, training, and expertise to locate and remove mold, even black mold. Our mold remediation specialists will inspect the area, detect the presence of mold, repair the damage and thoroughly clean the affected surface. We even have 24/7 Emergency Services available with a fast response time. Our mold removal services use top-of-the-line products, updated knowledge, and excellent skills to guarantee the best results for your home. It will all be for an affordable cost.
