According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all molds have the potential to cause serious health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Stachybotrys (black mold), Aspergillus, and Penicillium are three of the most dangerous and commonly found indoor toxic molds. Mold can even grow inside your lungs!

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If you think you have mold, there are 2 ways to discover it, visually and air testing.

Visually – If you see it, you have it.  The need to test the air becomes obsolete and a waste of money.  Mold usually grows in places with reduced air flow, like behind doors, inside cabinets, behind furniture, corners of the walls and behind appliances. Mold can show in a variety of colors, black, yellow, red and every color in between; it is not possible to identify the mold just from a visual sign. The species really does not matter at this point; the only thing that matters is getting rid of it. We prepare a detailed estimate using the software preferred by most insurance companies. Air testing is completed at the end of the remediation process to ensure the air quality meets industry standards, and to give you a laboratory analysis verifying that the mold was correctly eliminated.  We strive to do the best and we complete all jobs with properly, efficiently and effectively.

Odor- A second indicator is a musty smell. Sometimes this is accompanied by a physical discomfort in a person's eyes and/or throat. Tracking down odors becomes a bit more challenging to pinpoint an exact location without tearing out walls to find it. This is where air testing can be a very valuable tool. Air testing, at this point, will identify the quantities of mold spores present that give us "clues" as to where the mold may be hiding. We sometimes use an Infrared Camera that will find moisture inside the walls. Once the source is discovered, remediation is the next step. Again, final air quality testing becomes a necessity to ensure the air quality is satisfactory. Also, air testing is very important for your health and safety.

Most times the cost associated with air testing; usually ranges from $350 to over $600, depending on how many samples are needed to investigate the affected areas.

Mold Remediation

Global Restoration Services is licensed and certified in mold remediation and mold prevention. You can be assured that our specialists at Global will prevent mold growth by immediately drying your home or business completely after all the water is extracted. However, if you have a mold problem already, we are fully equipped to provide the proper containment necessary to prevent further contamination.

Analysis

The first step to proper mold remediation is to thoroughly analyze the type and extent of the problem.

• A visual inspection of the affected area will be conducted to discover the extent of the mold problem and document the type of mold-damaged materials.
• The use of specialized equipment may be necessary to inspect and take air samples in ductwork or within walls or to detect moisture in building material.
• Surface and/or bulk sampling may need to be collected to identify specific fungal contaminants and to establish the appropriate remediation protocol.
• If an active leak is present, the original source of the water damage must be located and stopped in order to proceed with the remediation process.

Containment

The purpose of containment during remediation activities is to limit the release of mold into the air and surroundings in order to minimize the continued exposure of remediation technicians, building occupants, and contents to mold spores.

Removal 

Successful mold remediation requires total mold removal from the indoor environment. This may require the entire removal of the contaminated materials. In most cases, the use of specialized professional equipment will be required to remove and safely contain the contamination without causing further contamination to the indoor environment.

Restoration

The work area and areas used by the remediation technicians for egress must also be decontaminated. It is advisable that all areas remediated be cleared for reconstruction by an independent industrial hygienist.

While mold contamination can become a serious problem for homeowners, insurance companies, commercial building owners and public institutions like hospitals, universities, and libraries, the best answer to the problem is prevention. When you experience any form of water damage be sure to utilize the 24 hour services of Global Restoration Services, as your restoration contractor so we can contain the problem and reduce your costs.

If you already have a mold problem contact Global Restoration Services immediately to begin the safe investigation and remediation process so that your damages, health dangers, and liabilities do not continue to grow.

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