mold remediationWhat is Remediation?

Remediation is the process of cleaning the mold and eliminating the moisture problem. This process is determined by the size of the remediation and whether occupants are experiencing any adverse symptoms that may be related to the mold. Since mold, destroys the surface materials it is on, remediation can preserve the structural integrity of the building. Failure to address a mold problem, ultimately can result in high replacement and rebuild costs.

cleaning the mold

Why Does Mold Need to Be Remediated?

  • To reduce or prevent adverse health problems
  • To preserve the integrity of the structure
  • To avoid high replacement costs if addressed early on
  • To retain the beauty and cosmetic appeal of the structure
  • To be able to utilize the room(s) once again
  • To preserve resale value of the property

Where is Mold Commonly Located?

  • Basements near walls that have seepage problems
  • On attic walls, insulation, and ceilings near rook leaks
  • On and around wooden joists near pipe condensation
  • Under or around leaking air conditioning units
  • Near broken windows or broken window frames
  • Underneath wallpaper in poorly insulated/paneled areas
  • Near foundation cracks
  • On and around faulty external vents
  • Under linoleum near a sink leak
  • Under leaky sinks
  • On and around building infestation problems
  • On the underside of moist carpeting
  • Under wall paneling
  • Under wallpaper
  • Behind wallboard
  • Wet papers
  • On anything that contains cellulose, a food source for mold
  • Many more sources

Mold growth indoors may not always be in plain view. If a building smells moldy but you cannot see the source, or if you know there as been water damage and building occupants are reporting health problems, there may be hidden mold.

Mold can be hidden in the following locations:

  • The back side of dry wall, wallpaper or paneling
  • The top of ceiling tiles, and the underside of carpets and pads etc.
  • Pie chases and utility tunnels
  • Walls behind furniture
  • Condensate drain pans inside air handling units
  • Porous thermal or acoustic liners inside ductwork, or roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to rook leaks or insufficient insulation)
  • Materials such as dry wall with vinyl wallpaper over it or wood paneling can act as vapor barriers which trap moisture underneath and provide a moist environment for mold
  • Behind wallpaper
  • Basement walls

 

What Are the Major Types of Mold?

Stachybotrys mold

 

Stachybotrys is one member of a group of molds. These molds produce airborne toxins. These molds can cause breathing difficulties, dizziness, memory and hearing loss, and flulike symptoms.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium and Penicillium are more commonly found molds but these molds can cause allergic reactions, asthma, breathing problems, sinus infections, headaches, coughing and eye and throat irritation.

Memnoniella mold

Memnoniella and Aspergillus versicolor are two types of mold that can produce airborne toxins. They produce mycotoxins and can cause even worse problems. These problems are chronic fatigue, loss of balance and memory, irritability and difficulty speaking.

 

Why Choose the Caltex System?

  • Quick effective remediation process that kills the mold and retards its regrowth
  • Ensures elimination of the moisture problem
  • Educated, experienced, and fully trained remediators
  • Protects others areas of your home from mold via partitioning and safety measures

While elimiating all mold spores in the indoor environment is not realistic, it can be controlled indoors by controlling the moisture levels and removing already present mold. Mold has been an ever increasing concern to the public as they have become aware of the variety of health effects and symptoms that can result from mold exposure. There are many types of molds and all of the types have a distinct potential to cause health problems. Molds can produce allergens which can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attackers in people who are allergic to them. Other molds can produce toxins and irritants. One of the major reasons to prevent mold growth, remediate (clean up) mold, and prevent recurrence is to avoid the potential health problems.

Molds can be found virtually anywhere because they can grow on almost any organic surface as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, food, insulation, and more! Mold growth often occurs because there is excessive moisture in a building, such as a leak or an unaddressed moisture problem.

How do molds spread?

White-Mold-In-BasementMold reproduces by creating spores that cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. The spores can float through the air until the spore lands on a moist location and begins to grow and devour the surface,destroying it.

Some moisture problems have been linked to changes in building construction practices in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Some of these changes have resulted in buildings that are tightly sealed but lack adequate ventilation. This can lead to moisture buildup.

Drywall often does not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems may also include roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building and unvented combustion appliances. These cause mold buildup which then requires remediation.

Call for further information: CT: 203.687.1303 RI: 401.207.6575

before and after
basement mold before remediationbasement mold after remediation

patio before mold remediationpatio after mold remediation

ceiling beforeceiling after

Rafters beforeFafters after

white mold beforewhite mold after

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