Mold remediation services should be more than cosmetic fixes

Mold remediation services should always entail more than just cosmetic fixes, as surface scrubbing or paint-overs don’t address underlying causes, including existing moisture problems and living mold colonies. Failing to get to the bottom of mold contamination can lead to rapid regrowth, more property damage, and worsening health impacts and outcomes.

Indeed, mold exposure, particularly if continuous and long-term, can cause or exacerbate health problems, such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, 82 million people have seasonal allergic rhinitis triggered by mold or pollen.

Is It Possible To Save a House With Mold?

Yes, a house contaminated and damaged by mold is still salvageable. One of the crucial initial steps is to address and stop all excessive moisture sources (e.g., structural leaks affecting the plumbing and roofing system).

In many cases, saving a house with mold also requires proper, extensive cleaning with the help of a professional mold removal service.

Is It Okay To Live in a House With Mold?

Mold is virtually everywhere, even in well-sealed and insulated homes, as these microorganisms are ubiquitous. They’re present in indoor and outdoor air, soil, and water, being able to live and survive wherever there’s moisture and oxygen.

Living in a house with mold is therefore “okay,” provided it’s not actively growing inside and that mold spores just found themselves getting carried indoors by the wind. It’s not okay, however, if these microscopic fungi start growing in colonies and become odorous or visible.

When mold starts to colonize, it becomes noticeable with smell and sight because its multiplying spores grow into surface patches. They also release microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), substances responsible for mold’s characteristic and distinct earthy or musty smell.

Mold, therefore, becomes a property and safety risk once you start seeing and smelling it.

Why Should Mold Remediation Services Be More Than Cosmetic Fixes?

Mold remediation services should entail more than surface scrubbing and, instead, involve:

Finding and eliminating unwanted moisture sources causing or contributing to mold contamination
Assessing the existing damage
Sealing and isolating affected areas to contain existing spores for proper and safe removal
Cleaning and filtering the air with machines like air scrubbers and HEPA filters

A reputable mold removal specialist must also provide long-term structural protection as part of the remediation. It involves discarding unsalvageable, significantly contaminated materials and items. It also includes scrubbing surfaces and applying treatments (e.g., with disinfectants and mold-resistant finishes) to structural elements.

Mold cleanup services that only provide “surface” fixes won’t cut it and will likely only result in the following consequences.

Rapid Mold Regrowth

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes, drying water-damaged items and areas within 24 to 48 hours is crucial to preventing mold growth. It also notes that moisture control is key to mold control, so if your house has a mold problem, you need to clean and get the water problem fixed promptly.

Superficial fixes, which usually only involve scrubbing mold colonies off surfaces or painting over them, will not cut it, as it leaves the underlying moisture problem intact. As long as there’s excessive moisture inside a house, mold contamination and regrowth will likely occur again.

Further Property Damage

Mold concerns are already burdensome and costly, while remediation regulations and processes can be confusing, as noted by AAA Lead Pros in New Jersey.

Unfortunately, the complexities surrounding mold contamination and remediation can cause consumers to think they can delay or not need the help of professional mold abatement companies. They may also be unaware of the risks of superficial mold cleanup.

All that can result in more property damage occurring due to unaddressed moisture problems and the hidden spread and growth of spores (e.g., via air dispersal, which the naked eye can’t see). The longer you leave high moisture levels unaddressed, the more mold, structural damage, rot, and decay they can cause.

Worse Health Impacts and Outcomes

Comprehensive mold remediation must involve more than just surface cleaning, as mold colonies and their roots can penetrate deep into porous materials. Unaddressed moisture sources can then fuel new mold growth.

Constant mold exposure raises one’s likelihood of developing or worsening allergies, asthma, or both. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, states that research has found a link between people spending time in damp buildings and health problems, including:

Developing or worsening asthma
Allergic rhinitis
Eczema
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Respiratory infections and symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Signs of Mold Sickness?

The term “mold sickness” refers to any adverse health reactions caused by mold exposure, whether via:

Inhalation
Ingestion
Skin contact

The exact signs and symptoms vary from one person to another, but common indications include:

Sneezing
Coughing
Wheezing
Nasal congestion

Itchy or watery eyes and skin itchiness or rash may also occur.

In some people, mold sickness can manifest as neurological indications. They may, for instance, experience headaches and brain fog. Others may develop ongoing fatigue (a feeling of persistent exhaustion).

Is There Anything That Can Permanently Kill House Molds?

No, there’s no single chemical or spray that can “permanently” kill all house mold. There will always be mold spores floating around, as they’re everywhere and a natural part of the environment.

If someone tells you otherwise, it likely means they don’t understand mold microbiology. They may also be trying to sell you a mold-related product or service that will likely fail to produce promised results.

Still, there are several ways to minimize the risk of mold growth and contamination, including addressing excessive indoor moisture levels ASAP.

Get all plumbing, roofing, and HVAC water leaks fixed as soon as you notice them. Use a dehumidifier, too, or run your air conditioning when it’s hot and humid.

Get Prompt and Comprehensive Help With Mold Remediation

Remember: Mold remediation entails more than just surface scrubbing. It’s a comprehensive, multi-step process that involves addressing moisture sources and existing damage, and cleaning, scrubbing, and treating the air and affected surfaces.

Failure to complete all these critical steps can result in mold regrowth, more property damage, and worsening health outcomes.

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