Mold Remediation

Dry Quickly to Avoid Mold!

2.  Hire Premiere Restoration

Hire a reputable restoration company to clean up the water and repair your house as needed. A thorough and fast cleanup will help avoid mold growth. If you wait too long and mold growth starts, cleanup costs will increase significantly. This is what you should be looking for:

Speed
Mold grows quickly, so you need us in your house promptly.

Knowledge
Premiere Restoration is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) and trained in water damage restoration and mold remediation.

• Identify the source
• Stop the damage

Competence
We follow basic, good clean-up practices after your water damage. Here are some things to look for:

• The moisture source is stopped
• Wet items that can’t be salvaged are removed
• What can’t be removed is dried quickly
• Ideally, drying is initiated within 48 hours (to minimize mold growth)
• No reconstruction is done until the area is thoroughly dried

You’ve Got Mold

If you already have extensive mold, for example, you’ve had water damage while you’ve been away for two weeks or there was a long delay between the water damage and our arrival, and then we will have to discuss the following points:

1.  Drying the damaged area

2. Removing the mold safely

• Premiere Restoration follows certain procedures to protect our staff, you, and your family from exposure to mold. Here are some things we do:
• The affected area will be sealed off from the rest of your house.
• The workers will be wearing protective gear.
• An exhaust fan will be needed to remove air from the affected area to the outdoors.
• No chemical disinfectants such as bleach should be used during clean-up; only pet and people-safe cleaners.
• If transported through your house, moldy materials will be sealed in plastic.

3. Inspecting for mold

We will inspect:

• Areas adjacent to the mold growth
  Behind wallpaper -if warranted
• In areas where water may have seeped, such as wall cavities, basement subfloors, crawl spaces, etc.
• Under wall-to-wall carpeting -if warranted

Mold Remediation Residential

Mold is everywhere we look. It’s one of the most effective decomposing agents in our world, existing off moisture, oxygen, and a source of food. The drier you keep your home, the less likely it is that mold will colonize. However, in homes with high humidity or a specific moisture source, mold can colonize as quickly as 24 hours. Afterward, it can be difficult to keep contained, especially if it travels through your home’s ventilation system. Once the spores have spread, you could have a bigger problem on your hands than you originally experienced.

Mold Hazards

No matter what species of mold you have, if you have sensitivities to it, it can greatly affect and/or damage your health. Symptoms of mold exposure can include headaches, runny nose, congestion, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, irritated throat, coughing, sneezing, and many more. Prolonged exposure can cause the development of chronic illnesses, as well as respiratory infections like bronchitis. Needless to say, mold can severely affect the health and happiness of your home or workplace occupants.

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home

Keep humidity levels down

Air conditioning systems and dehumidifiers can help prevent mold growth by keeping moisture levels down. If possible, in a dry climate, open a window to release accumulated moisture in the bathroom. A dry home is not a home for mold.

Proper Ventilation

Stagnant, damp air can cause the necessary moisture for mold to colonize. Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated. Opening windows and properly installing exhaust fans will prevent mold growth. Ensure your dryer vent exhausts outside; if the moisture is being directed into the attic or another enclosed space, you could experience a major problem.

Fix Outside Leaks

Mold has a very hard time colonizing and growing when deprived of its source of moisture. Bring an inspector in to identify the areas of the home that are exposed to outside elements and get them repaired. This way, you can eliminate mold at the source.

Hidden Sources of Dampness Leading to Mold Growth

Water damage from putting out a fire or flood is obvious and should be treated as part of an overall restoration project.  But dampness that allows mold to grow can be elusive, especially when it lurks within concealed spaces. Here are some scenarios where dampness might be less obvious:

1. Wet Insulation in Ceilings:

• Insulation materials like fiberglass or foam can absorb moisture over time.
• Leaks from the roof, plumbing, or condensation can lead to damp insulation.
• Signs include sagging or discolored ceiling panels and a musty smell.

2. Moisture in Building Materials:

• Drywall: Water infiltration can cause drywall to become damp. Look for soft spots, discoloration, or bubbling.
• Wood: Hidden leaks or high humidity can lead to damp wood. Check for swelling, warping, or mold growth.
• Concrete or Masonry: Cracks or capillary action can allow moisture to seep into walls or floors.
  

3. Crawl Spaces and Basements:

• These areas are prone to dampness due to ground moisture, poor ventilation, or leaks.
• Inspect for dampness, mold, or efflorescence (white powdery deposits on concrete).
  

4. Hidden Plumbing Leaks:

• Pipes within walls or under floors can develop leaks.
• for water stains, peeling paint, or a sudden increase in water bills.

5. Condensation Behind Walls:

• Warm indoor air meeting cold exterior walls can cause condensation.
• Insufficient insulation or vapor barriers can exacerbate this issue.

Remember to address dampness promptly to prevent mold growth, insect infiltration, structural damage, and health risks. Call Premiere Restoration for a professional inspection and mold remediation if you suspect hidden dampness.

Preventing Mold Growth

• Have your maintenance crew fix plumbing leaks: Excessive moisture can create a prime environment for mold growth. Leaky pipes are the first culprit for mold to form and the easiest to fix.
• Be aware of condensation: Condensation may seem harmless, but it’s a powerful source of moisture. Mold only needs 24-48 hours to spread. You can prevent moisture in the air by adding dehumidifiers or increasing the circulation throughout the space. This can be done with additional fans or ventilation in the HVAC system.
• Keep HVAC systems running smoothly: Have your maintenance crew check any drip pants to ensure they are being emptied correctly. Moisture can accumulate and create conditions for mold growth if not. Also, have your crew check for obstructions in the HVAC system to ensure condensation is not accumulating where it shouldn’t.
• Vent moisture outside: If you have equipment such as dryers, boilers, or heat-generating equipment, make sure that any steam or condensation is vented outside. This way, moisture will not become trapped in the walls.
• Low humidity is key: Ensure the humidity levels are below 60% within the building. Ideal ranges would be 30-50%, if possible. Dehumidifiers can help keep the moisture levels down.
• Keep foundations dry: One area that is commonly missed is the foundation of the structure. If this area is wet due to ineffective drainage, mold can start colonizing and grow right at the base of the building. In order to prevent this from occurring, a slope should be built to provide drainage to drain away from the foundation.