Mold is a common issue in both residential and commercial properties. It can grow on various materials, from ceiling tiles, wood products, and upholstery to insulation, drywall, and carpet.
Mold can sometimes be a sign of water damage when growing on ceilings or walls, but can also be caused by excess moisture from everyday activities, such as using a humidifier, drying clothes inside or cooking with uncovered pots.
Whenever mold is present indoors, it should be quickly dealt with. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes even toxic substances, and inhaling or touching mold spores can cause reactions and respiratory issues.
Mold removal and mold remediation are two processes used to combat mold within a property. Removal involves physically removing the mold, and remediation addresses the root cause of the mold to prevent reoccurrence, but when is mold remediation necessary, and how successful is the process?
Is mold remediation necessary?
Since mold often thrives in dark, humid areas, you may not see any growth around the property. Mold can grow inside attics, basements, under sinks or even inside walls. In these instances, you need to look out for other warning signs that may indicate a mold problem, such as:
- Unpleasant, musty odors
- Condensation
- Discoloration of surfaces
- Unusual allergic reactions
Small instances of mold can often be removed with fairly straightforward cleaning procedures, but the problem with simply removing mold is that it’s likely to come back if the root cause isn’t addressed. Smaller mold patches may not always be a sign of serious concern; however, if you have a mold outbreak covering over 10 square feet of your property, it’s recommended that you undertake mold remediation.
Does mold remediation require a permit?
You can legally carry out mold remediation in Texas on your own property. Still, companies and individuals offering a mold remediation service must be licensed by TDLR (under the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules).
Despite being able to tackle the problem yourself, it’s recommended to enlist the help of a mold remediation specialist to remove and prevent mold within your property. It’s not always easy to identify why mold is growing, and although DIY remediation methods can sometimes be successful, the mold will regrow if not handled correctly.
A mold remediation specialist will have a wealth of knowledge and experience in sourcing the cause of the mold and implementing measures to reduce the moisture level in the area.
Does mold remediation really work?
Mold remediation is a thorough process.
The specialist will begin with a survey of the area to assess the extent of the problem. The cause of the mold will be identified, and whether that’s poor ventilation, leaking gutters, or plumbing issues, it will need to be resolved before continuing. The affected area should then be isolated, and any items or materials with mold will be disposed of to clean the area properly.
Once the mold has been removed, the affected area will be sprayed with a whitewash or special paint to encapsulate any remaining mold spores, which are invisible to the naked eye, preventing them from growing. A final inspection will be carried out where moisture and humidity readings will be checked, as well as looking for any visual clues indicating that the problem hasn’t been fully resolved.
If the correct cause of the mold has been addressed, then the remediation will be successful, and the mold shouldn’t return. However, it’s important to remember that mold can regrow in the same area due to a separate issue. The original cause may have been rectified, but if moisture can build up again for a different reason down the line, the mold may return.
Always consult a professional for your mold remediation. A professional will have all of the necessary tools, equipment, and expertise to carry out the process with the highest chance of success.