Progressive Leaks and Moisture Create Mold Hazards
Mold is a problem in homes that can creep up on you and cause serious health and safety issues and costly repairs. If there is a long-time leak that goes undetected, it can cause extensive damage before you are even aware that you have a problem. Preventative mold inspections are ideal to prevent a problem before it exists, but it is not always possible to do this.
Mold develops from increased moisture levels in your home that can be caused by a number of factors: a leak under a sink or toilet, behind a dishwasher or refrigerator or in a bathroom. All of these are caused by general use such as cooking, heating, cooling or showering which are everyday occurrences. As the leaks progress, it creates bacterial growth which does not necessarily become toxic but can cause musty odors and aggravate allergies.
Long-term leaks and bacterial growth can cause floors to squeak or paint to peel on walls and develop stains on ceilings or walls. This can lead to further deterioration of your house through rot and fungus growth that will lead to health concerns. Long term exposure to sprinklers on the outside of the house can also cause problems inside if there is too much moisture that seeps through the walls of the house or through windows or doors.
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If you are concerned about leaks or possible exposure to mold or other problems, you should have a certified professional do a thorough investigation to determine any issues and make recommendations on repairs and/or remedial action. These professionals will examine your roof and determine if there are any missing materials such as tiles or shingles and make note of possible leaks or safety concerns. The roof’s drainage system from the roof to the ground is examined including the gutters and downspouts to ensure they aren’t clogged or damaged. Windows will be checked to ensure that all are in working condition and there are no possible leaks from flashings or trims that have deteriorated.
Decks, balconies or porches are checked for cracks or areas that might be causing leaks and the structural foundations are checked for possible leakage or deterioration. Built in appliances, sinks and showers are all checked as well as ceilings and walls for evidence of spots or other indicators of problem areas. The attic area is checked to determine leakage. All plumbing, drains and water supply systems are all examined and the water heater checked as well as vents, flues and chimneys.
If you suspect or have already determined that you have a leak, you should have a comprehensive inspection done that will include a visual analysis as well as moisture testing with a digital moisture meter so that they can do leak detection and a sample collection for laboratory analysis. After analysis then recommendations are made and remedial steps taken to remedy the situation.
Following are some of the types of mold sampling that can be done to test your home for mold: Surface Sampling
This type of sampling is done with sterile swabs or cellophane tape. Sterile swabs are swiped and then stored in an ice chest or frozen gel pack to preserve the samples for shipment to a laboratory for testing. Clear adhesive cellophane tape can also be used for this type of sample. Surface sampling allows for spore identification and is non-destructive. Bulk Sampling
If you think that you have a major problem behind a bathroom wall or kitchen area for example, then bulk sampling may be required. This requires removal of whole wall sections that will allow sampling of organisms that might be growing in porous materials to be identified accurately. These samples are cut out and placed in plastic bags and sealed into an insulated ice chest or frozen gel pack for shipment to the laboratory for testing for spores or cultures. Air Sampling
This type of sampling uses Air-O-Cell cassettes to capture the particles by having ambient air pumped into the cassette by means of a vacuum pump which collects the particles. This cassette is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. Mold Remediation
If mold is identified in any area of your house, it must be removed immediately. This is a major undertaking that demands a controlled environment to isolate the remainder of the house from the site of the fungal contamination to avoid expansion of the mold to other unaffected areas. It is important to seal off this area completely by covering vents, doorways and other accesses. The affected area is then demolished and all contamination is removed using air filtration devices and special power tools that have been fitted with HEPA filters. All the surfaces are then vacuumed and cleaned to remove any additional contaminants that may still be present.
Once the affected area has been cleaned, it is then treated with a special solution and the area is then dried thoroughly. It is then tested again by the mold remediation experts to determine if further treatment is necessary for any lingering contamination. If so, then the process is repeated until the site is clear of contamination. Once that is completed then the area can be restored or rebuilt as necessary. This could include framing, plumbing, sheet rock, painting, texturing and appliance and fixture installation as necessary.
Restoring a kitchen or bathroom or other area that has been affected by mold contamination is an opportunity to ensure that you never encounter this problem again. It is also a chance to examine all areas of your house to make you feel that your home is clean and safe and a healthy environment for all. Listening to the professionals that inspect and then remediate your home and taking the measures required to get everything shipshape again will give you and your family peace of mind. Preventive actions in other areas that could be susceptible to this type of contamination will be a step towards restoring your confidence in your household and keeping your family safe and mold free.
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Preventative mold inspections are ideal to prevent a problem before it exists, but it is not always possible to do this.