Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
WHAT IS MOLD?
Mold is a fungus that thrives on moisture and creates lightweight spores that travel through the air. Mold can grow on hard surfaces, carpet, on and in walls, and is most commonly found in damp problem areas, including basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Dirt caused by outside elements, animals, insulation, and construction materials adds to the risk of mold growth. Some mold can cause adverse breathing symptoms and illnesses. If mold is a problem in your building or home, mold removal and remediation services is crucial to prevent future growth and create healthier indoor environments.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLD AND MILDEW?
The best way to distinguish between mold and mildew is to look at the color of the fungi. Mold is typically found in moist areas of your home. Mold is usually a fuzzy texture and can be yellow, green, or black Mold can cause damage to your home and your family’s health. Mildew is usually a grey or white fungus. Mildew tends to grow in a flat pattern and it can be easily removed with a scrub brush and a household cleaner.
SHOULD I DO A MOLD TEST WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME?
While every home-buying situation is different, we strongly recommend getting a mold and moisture assessment and if necessary mold testing by a certified mold inspector before buying a home. The reason for this is because mold is a sign of water and moisture, this typically means that there is structural damage to the home as well as mold damage. This is not information that a new homeowner wants to find out after they own the home. Alliance Restoration specializes in attic mold remediation and basement and crawl space mold removal and clean up services.
FAQs About DIY Mold Removal
CAN I PAINT OVER MOLD TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
When you paint over mold, you’re not getting rid of a problem, you’re hiding it. Mold will typically grow through most household paints and primers. If mold is painted over, it will continue to grow. To avoid a worsening mold problem you should identify the source of poor ventilation, stagnant or humid air, or cracks and leaks that are causing standing or running water problems. Alliance Restoration professionals can evaluate and inspect your property and provide with mold prevention solutions, including:
- Crawl Space Encapsulation and Dehumidifier Services
- Basement Dehumidification and Moisture Control Solutions
- Foundation and Crack Repair
WILL BLEACH KILL MOLD?
While bleach may kill mold on hard surfaces, it’s ineffective when used on softer surfaces. Bleach may cause adverse health symptoms and may damage treated surfaces. The EPA does not recommend using bleach as a routine practice to kill mold. If you are experiencing a mold and it is causing damage to the structure of your home and/or health, professional mold removal and remediation services can help you to eliminate existing mold spore and fix moisture and ventilation problems.
FAQs About Mold Sensitivity
WHAT ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MOLD EXPOSURE?
Individuals that experience adverse health effects related to mold typically experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- a runny or blocked nose.
- watery, red eyes.
- a dry cough.
- skin rashes.
- a sore throat.
- sinusitis.
- wheezing
- memory loss
People who are highly sensitive to mold and mold spores may have allergic reactions or asthma attacks and experience shortness of breath. If you believe that a mold problem or airborne mold contaminants are negatively affecting your health, and you’ve spoken with a medical professional, contact Alliance Restoration about our medically-sound mold remediation services that focus on scrubbing the air and filtering ultra fine particles of mold from your home.
FAQs About Floods & Mold Growth
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MOLD AFTER A BASEMENT FLOOD?
If you experience a flood in your basement or have a history of standing water accumulating in your crawl spaces, it is important to respond quickly, eliminate the excess moisture, and circulate air in the area to slow the growth of mold spores. There are a number of steps you can take before you contact a professional mold remediation company for further consultation.
- Turn off the electricity.
- Pump the water out of your basement. Once most of the water has been removed and you are able to get back into your basement, you can then try utilizing your sump pump and have it pump the remainder of the water out. Wet/dry vacs are also effective in removing standing water. Remember to remove your vac’s filter if it has one.
- Remove all your wet items. Ideally, within 48 hours, move everything out of your basement to a dry location.
- Clean the walls and floor. Use warm soapy water and clean the walls and floors, be sure to give them a good scrub down to remove any dirt and grime.
- Remove wet carpet and padding. The underside of your carpets can act like a sponge and hold water.
- Get the air moving using fans or rent high powered air movers to remove excess moisture.
- Dehumidifiers can also help remove the excess moisture from the air. Be sure to change your dehumidifier pan regularly. A dehumidifier will help you to manage moisture levels and create a dry environment that naturally prevents mold.
- Look for mold. After a few days you know if you have mold either by seeing or smelling it. If you do find mold then you will want to contact a mold remediation company right away.
If you have a mold problem in your basement or crawl space after a flood, contact Alliance Restoration. We are Clean Trust Certified in water damage restoration and mold remediation. Our professional remediation contractors will inspect and provide a solution to help your basement stay dry and mold-free.
HOW LONG SHOULD I RUN FANS AFTER A FLOOD?
It is best to run fans for several days or until you can determine that the moisture and humidity levels are acceptable for the climate that you live in.
