Why Do Mold Remediation And Moisture Removal Go Hand-In-Hand?
Mold remediation can be a complex topic. If you've recently experienced a flood in your home, there's a good chance you'll have mold in many places throughout the structure. Mold colonies can quickly take hold once the right conditions exist, and moisture is often the only missing ingredient in a typical residential setting.
Unfortunately, the presence of mold spores nearly everywhere means that any event that significantly increases moisture levels in your home will also create mold growth. This growth can range from unsightly to hazardous, so it's necessary to deal with the problem immediately. However, removing mold is about far more than simply cleaning affected surfaces.
What's Involved in Mold Remediation?
Mold remediation processes will vary between restoration contractors, but most will follow the same general steps. These steps typically include identifying current moisture issues, locating and identifying mold, cleaning surfaces, applying protective paints or sealants, and eliminating any excess moisture. Each part of the process can be potentially involved and labor-intensive.
Surprisingly, identifying moisture isn't always as easy as simply pointing out the flooded parts of your home. Water will tend to move along paths of least resistance, finding its way under cabinets and through the flooring. While standing water may seem relatively stable, it's likely soaking into porous surfaces and dripping through openings at a barely perceptible rate.
As a result, a large portion of mold remediation involves demolishing severely affected walls or floors to look for additional sources of moisture. Identifying these problem areas is crucial because any parts of your home that remain wet will provide an excellent location for mold to take hold. Hidden mold is often particularly problematic because the spores can spread throughout your home.
Why Can't You Skip on Moisture Removal?
You might be eager to get back into your home, but mold remediation teams must take the time to locate and thoroughly dry any moist locations. This part of the process can often be lengthy and involve heavy-duty fans and other commercial-grade equipment, which can often be disruptive and prevent you from moving back into your house.
However, it's important to understand that you can't resolve a mold problem without removing the moisture. While cleaning and anti-fungal sealants can help remove mold and keep it from returning on some surfaces, it's impossible to cover your entire home in these products. Any remaining mold will continue to produce spores, which can impact your health and allow mold to continue spreading.
The only way to fully remediate mold in any structure is to eliminate the moisture needed to survive. Once your mold remediation contractors have fully dried your home, you'll be able to rest easy in the knowledge that mold won't be able to take up residence in hidden areas, creating a problem that will continue to return in the future.