Do You Need Mold Removal or Remediation? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re concerned about mold, it might be time to take action. There’s a lot of confusion about mold, whether or not it’s dangerous, and the best practices for getting rid of it.
So we decided to shed some light on people’s most common questions about mold. Read on to discover more about mold remediation or removal and which procedure suits your case.
If you have any questions, Jurassic Mold is always happy to come and perform a consultation that quotes for your situation.
Some Basic Mold Terminology
Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. There are many different mold species that come in many different colors. Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew.
They are found both indoors and outdoors in all climates during all seasons of the year. Outdoors and molds survive by using plants and decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves, as a source of nutrition.
To grow indoors, molds need moisture and a carbon source from building materials or building contents.
Mold grows best in environments with high humidity (at least 60%), moderate temperatures (between 40° and 75°F), and low ventilation rates (less than one air exchange per hour). Mold needs water to grow so that it can be found anywhere there is moisture: on ceilings, walls, furniture, clothing, books… even inside your body!
What’s the Difference?
Simply put, mold removal physically removes all mold spores, while mold remediation focuses on returning mold levels to normal, natural ones. Mold remediation and mold removal are interchangeable; however, achieving the latter is impossible since airborne mold spores are microscopic and abound in outdoor and indoor environments.
To return mold levels to an acceptable, natural level, a professional mold remediation service is recommended when there is an extensive (equal to or greater than 10 square feet) outbreak.
Property owners can otherwise typically clean up minor mold issues themselves. However, property owners should recognize mold issues and consider consulting with a professional mold remediation service.
The Three Categories of Mold
Mold is a problem that can affect all of us.
There are three categories of mold: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic. Each type impacts your health in different ways, and their presence can pose a threat to you and your home or building.
Allergenic molds cause hay fever-type reactions like itchy eyes, runny noses, congestion, and more. These molds can get into your home’s air from familiar sources like Cladosporium that have seeped into your home’s air.
Pathogenic molds like Aspergillus have been linked to more severe health issues impacting the nervous system. Studies have found a link between pathogenic molds and Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.
Toxic molds like Stachybotrys can destroy the immune system of even a healthy person if exposed for an extended period of time. A simple answer is that there isn’t any type of mold you want in your home, but some molds are worse than others.
Making a Jurassic Difference
Request a reliable, professional inspection and indoor quality test.
Mold Remediation
Mold remediation is the term used to describe all the processes involved in eliminating harmful mold growth. Depending on the type and location, it includes mold testing, removal, demolition, sanitizing, containment, and mold cleaning. A professional restoration company that understands mold growth’s critical nature will offer remediation to get the mold levels in your home back to a harmless point rather than a false promise of complete mold removal.
The mold remediation procedure is unique to each mold growth scenario. Different cases will usually require other solutions. However, the fundamental mold remediation procedure covers the following:
- Testing for molds
- Removing any contaminated building materials
- Cleaning up the area with a HEPA filter vacuum and disinfectant
- Containing sites where moisture can collect by using plastic sheeting or fans
Mold Removal
Mold is a naturally occurring feature of our ecosystem. It can be found in all indoor and outdoor spaces, regardless of whether your windows are open or closed. Mold spores are present in the air we breathe, but they don’t become active until they land on something wet.
Mold removal is removing mold from an area of your home. However, it’s important to note that just removing the mold won’t solve your problem—you need to address the source of the mold growth as well.
The best way to do this is with a professional mold remediation company that can help you identify the source and remove it before it spreads further than necessary.
Which One is Best for You?
Mold remediation and mold removal are viable options for dealing with a mold problem in your home. However, the price of each service varies depending on the company you hire.
If you want to save money, consider looking into methods for removing or remediating mold in your home. You can try using bleach or vinegar to kill off mold and then get rid of the dead spores by vacuuming them or scrubbing them away. But from our experience, this usually does not get the job done.
However, if you have a severe case of mold that requires professional assistance, then hiring a company like Jurassic Mold may be your best bet. A professional can tell you what would work best for your particular situation and help you decide whether remediation or removal is right for your needs.
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Choose Jurassic Mold
At Jurassic Mold, we follow a strict process to handle any mold damage.
Our certified professionals will inspect and test the air quality to determine the type of mold and how severe the damage is. We’ll implement hygienic practices, set up containment barriers, scrub away visible mold colonies, recycle the remaining debris, and start thoroughly drying your property.
After the remediation or removal process has been completed, we will ensure that all parties are satisfied with our work before leaving your property. With Jurassic, you can always count on an experienced opinion and high-quality work.