Myths About Mold Remediation Busted

There has been plenty of media coverage on how mold spreads as well as its inherent risks. This has led more people to become aware of what is within their homes and the dangers of allowing mold infestations to grow and spread. Perhaps, that is why you are reading this article.

The importance of hiring mold testing and other remediation professionals cannot be understated. They will help you deal with the issues of removing mold – which is quite tough.

However, even with the spread of this information, numerous myths still surround the practice of mold remediation and even mold itself, unfortunately. These myths also include the prevention and management of these colonies, forming.

To know the truth about mold, it is important to educate yourself – and we hope that this article will go a long way toward achieving that.

Mold Only Affects Dirty Homes

Many people think that mold issues are a sign that you don't take care of your home or that you leave it dirty. This also keeps people from calling in professional remediation services because they think people will judge them.

The truth is that mold can grow anywhere as long as its conditions are met. In particular, high humidity levels are mold's best friend, aside from organic matter (which acts as a food source), oxygen, a dark place (as they cannot grow in ultraviolet light), and the correct temperature range.

Whether your home is dirty or clean, is not the issue here.

Mold Inspections Are Intrusive

The problem with mold is that it often grows where you can't see it easily (at least most of the time). Many times, you will find mold behind your walls or growing under your cabinets and furniture.

Since this is the case, people might assume that calling in mold inspection teams will lead to the destruction of your home and a lot of mess to clean up.

There is some good news that can help you stop worrying about this, though. Since technology is continuously advancing, these advancements are spreading to the field of mold inspection, testing, and remediation.

Inspectors now utilize technology such as cameras that use thermal imaging techniques. This allows them to confirm the mold presence without ripping up or poking holes in anything.

You Must Vacate The Premises

If the mold infestation is severe, you will need to remove the drywall and clean up the home entirely. It can even force you to replace various structural materials. Due to this, numerous people might assume that you must leave your home when the remediation is underway.

However, this is not always the case – the choice is yours to leave or stay.

To prevent the spread of the current mold colonies that are present, the mold remediation professional will isolate the area using duct tape and plastic sheets. They can also use specialized equipment such as air scrubbers, or even 24-hour filtration systems to ensure the prevention of spore spreads around the home.

Can Cause Additional Health Problems

If you are calling in a professional mold remediation team, they will use mold removal agents that are non-toxic. In addition to this, you can look for companies that only use removal methods that are chemical-free and biodegradable.

Not a Problem in Dry Climate

Mold infestation issues can happen anywhere, regardless of the climate. As we mentioned earlier, mold will only require oxygen, food, the optimum temperatures, and moisture to grow.

Your indoor plumbing can be the water source, and the drywalls will be the food source.

Something to note is that people in drier climates use air conditioning systems a lot. This cooling equipment can easily provide an excellent breeding place for toxic mold, as well as air ducts.

Moreover, some states with arid climates will have flat roofs, which are more vulnerable to leaking and water damage compared to slanted roofs.

Bleach Solves All Problems

Bleach actually makes mold situations worse. This is because the ion structure of chlorine (the main ingredient in the bleach) stops the chlorine from penetrating the surface of porous materials like wood and drywall.

The roots of mold grow within the porous material, so the bleach becomes ineffective. The water that makes up the bleach enters these porous materials, though, and the result is even faster mold growth.

Therefore, bleach makes mold problems worse. Furthermore, bleach tends to discolor surfaces or whiten them temporarily. This might lead you to assume that you have solved the problem – until you eventually discover later on that the mold is still there.

Fix it Alone or Call the Experts

When it comes to remedying the issue of a mold infestation, you can choose to do it yourself or call in professional mold remediation services. However, keep in mind that both scenarios can be harmful if done incorrectly.

If you are dealing with a small infested area, then it can be done if you are an experienced DIYer, but toxic mold types need greater caution. Regardless of whether you call in someone or do it yourself, you must observe the regulations of proper removal of infested items and containment.