When is Mold Removal Necessary? - Escarosa

Mold is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Dark, damp, and dangerous, mold often grows in hidden places like crawl spaces and vents. If you’ve discovered mold in your home, you may be wondering what to do. You know you need to clean it up, but how? How much mold is too much? And how do you know when professional mold removal is necessary?

As a full-service cleaning and restoration company, we provide mold removal for our clients, and we know precisely what good remediation requires. In this blog, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of mold removal, how to know when expert remediation is necessary, and when to call a pro in Pensacola, Florida.

Let’s dive in.

What Causes Mold?

Mold is part of the natural world. It occurs everywhere – both indoors and outdoors.

Problems arise, though, when mold spores reproduce and proliferate, which they need moisture to do. If you have mold growing in your home, leaky pipes or water damage are likely culprits.

Since mold thrives in damp environments, it will grow anywhere moisture exists. What’s more, it can start to develop quickly – in as little as 24-48 hours after water damage.

The Different Types of Molds

While there are thousands of types of molds in the world, these are the most common strains found in homes:

• Alternaria. Alternaria is one of the most common molds found both indoors and outdoors. It grows in dark, damp areas like the space under the sink or around the shower. When inhaled, Alternaria can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

• Aspergillus. This common mold can induce respiratory infections, inflamed lungs, and allergic reactions upon exposure.

• Trichoderma. Another damp area mold, Trichoderma, tends to grow on wet carpets, waterlogged wallpaper, and similar surfaces. It can cause sinus infections, allergic reactions, and more.

  

  While mold often grows in hidden places, the varieties listed above will cause respiratory symptoms over time. If you or your family members have noticed new allergies, coughs, or other symptoms, it could signify that you have mold

How Can I Prevent Mold?

When it comes to mold, prevention is easier than response. Follow these tips to prevent mold growth in your home:

• Reduce indoor humidity. Keep the humidity levels in your home as low as possible, ideally lower than 50%. Buy a humidity meter to keep tabs on your home’s humidity levels and install a dehumidifier if needed.

• Ensure ventilation. Ventilation is key to preventing mold. We recommend using exhaust fans that vent outside your home, keeping ceiling fans running, and using vent fans in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other damp areas of the house.

• Fix sources of moisture intrusion. If you have leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or pipes, fix them immediately. Even a slow leak can cause extensive water damage, creating the perfect habitat for an out-of-control mold problem.

5 Signs You Need Professional Mold Removal

So, you’ve identified mold in your home. Now, you’re wondering if you need professional remediation.

When it comes to mold, it’s essential never to attempt DIY removal. Mold removal can be dangerous to your health. Additionally, the mold will grow back unless you remove all of it, which it’s impossible to do without professional equipment. If you have mold in the home, you need a professional team to remove it completely, safely, and quickly.

Here are five signs it’s time to call the pros:

1. You’ve noticed a strange odor

Your once fresh home now smells musty and damp. What gives? Since mold grows in wet areas, this damp smell could indicate new mold growth.

If you can follow your nose to the source of the small, you may be able to identify mold visually. If the smell is coming from a hidden area, such as behind a wall or under an appliance, call a professional for a full mold inspection.

Keep in mind that, under Florida law, the company that inspects for mold must be different from the company that you hire to remove it.

2. You see discoloration on your ceilings, walls, or floors

Mold often manifests as spotting or brown or black discoloration. Look for these signs in damp areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. If you can spot discoloration, contact a mold removal expert immediately. Mold that’s visually apparent could already be harming your family’s health.

3. You’ve had recent water damage

If your home recently flooded or experienced water damage, get ahead of the curve and call a mold removal expert. Even if the water damage just happened, mold can start to form within 24-48 hours, so it’s essential to act fast to stop mold in its tracks.

4. You’ve noticed condensation in your bathroom or kitchen

If your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room is subject to frequent condensation, it could be causing mold growth. When areas aren’t well-ventilated, moisture builds up and creates the ideal environment for mold. Contact a mold removal expert to identify and remove any mold that may be forming.

5. You’ve noticed new health symptoms

If you’ve noticed new respiratory symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, runny noses, or new or worsening asthma symptoms, it could be a sign that you have mold in the home. See a doctor immediately and contact a professional mold removal company for mold removal and remediation services.

Escarosa Cleaning and Restoration: Your Complete Mold Removal Destination

We know that nobody wants to live with mold, and we believe that nobody should have to. At Escarosa Cleaning and Restoration, we provide comprehensive mold removal, remediation, and more, including water damage restoration services.

If you’ve experienced leaky pipes, water damage, or another disaster in your home, our team is here for you. Serving Pensacola, Florida, and the surrounding areas, our team is here to resolve your mold problems, remove all traces of dangerous mold in your home, and help you get back to life as usual.

Contact us today to learn more about our team, our services, and how we can help you reclaim your space.