Does Your Home Have a Mold Problem?

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can spread on surfaces in as little at 48 hours

Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and out.  This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business.  Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level.  Some restoration businesses advertise "mold removal" and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.  Consider the following mold facts:

* Mold spores are present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

* Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems.  They even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or pet.

* Mold spores thrive on moisture.  Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.  These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.  If you sustain a water damage in your home or business, the faster you dry it out, the less chance you have for mold growth.

* Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed.  Otherwise, the mold may return.

* Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth.  Keep indoor humidity below 45%.

In the State of Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates businesses that test for mold, or perform mold cleanup (remediation).  A licensed Mold Assessment Consultant evaluates whether mold growth is present and to what extent.  A Mold Remediation Contractor performs the mold cleanup following a protocol written by the consultant.  SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is a licensed Mold Remediation Company, and has two licensed Mold Remediation Contractors on staff.  To prevent conflicts of interest, the Rules prohibit a licensee from conducting both mold assessment and mold remediation on the same project.

For more information regarding the State's rules and regulations for mold assessment and remediation, please visit their website at https://tdlr.texas.gov