THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MOLD REMOVAL & RREVENTION
We all want to feel safe and comfortable in our own homes. But the presence of toxic mold is more than just unsightly, it can damage your property and a range of health problems from fatigue and skin rash to infection and lung disease.
Whether it's cold and damp or hot and humid, mold can survive and thrive wherever moisture is present. It often presents as visible patches on walls, hidden behind walls, or spores floating through the air, too small to see with the naked eye. Molds are often hard to detect, identify, and safely remove.
While you might not feel the effects right away, prolonged exposure can impact even the healthiest healthy individuals and be life-threatening for those with severe allergic reactions.
If you’ve discovered or suspect mold growing in your home or business, get professional testing services done by a certified mold removal specialist.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE?
While the presence of mold is never a good sign, the better you understand it, the better equipped you'll be to have it safely removed, and prevent it from returning.
Mold Removal Calgary has developed the ultimate guide to mold removal and remediation for those looking to arm themselves with the knowledge needed to fight this ugly foe.
WHAT IS MOLD?
Before going any further, it's important to understand exactly what mold is, and some of its key characteristics. Ya know, the whole, ‘know your enemy' thing and whatnot. The better you understand it, the better prepared you'll be, and the higher your chances of success.
Mold (or mould) are neither plant nor animal but are naturally occurring fungi in the same family as mushrooms and yeast. They play an essential role in a balanced and healthy ecosystem by recycling dead organic material. This recycling may be good out in nature, but it's not very good for humans.
Thriving on a source of moisture, molds grow naturally on plants, wood, food, and other organic and inorganic materials. While the exact numbers are unknown, experts estimate that there could be tens to hundreds of thousands of different types out there. Crazy, right?
Not all types are dangerous to us humans (phew!), but many common types including black mold, are toxic and pose significant health risks if inhaled or ingested.
HOW DOES MOLD GROW?
Mold grows and spreads through spores that travel through the air and into your home. Spores are microscopic and nearly invisible, and you'll need a microscope to see them with your eye.
Unfortunately, stopping the spores from entering your home is nearly impossible. You're likely breathing in mold spores right now. But don't worry! For most people, spores travel around in low enough quantities to not be dangerous or trigger allergic reactions.
When these spores find a nice, warm, and damp surface, however, they move in, set up shop, and won't leave without a fight. And that's when your mold issues begin.
So now you have moldy surfaces, and a spore factory growing bigger and stronger every day. These factories release ever higher concentrations of spores throughout your home. The more of these spores you breathe in, the higher the risk of developing health problems.
Let's go over a few common causes of mold growth.
- Temperature - Temperatures between 25-30 degrees celsius, and cannot grow in temperatures below 4.4 degrees.
- Moisture - Damp, humid, and moist environments, and often accompanies water damage or water leaks.
- Oxygen - Like us, mold needs oxygen to survive.
- Food - Eats and metabolizes nearly all organic matter and many types of synthetic materials.
- Darkness - Prefers to grow in dark locations
- Time - 24-48 hours in optimal conditions to begin growing
WHAT DOES MOLD LOOK LIKE
Molds come in a wide variety of shapes, patterns, sizes, and colors. As we mentioned before, the individual spores are nearly invisible and can only be seen under a microscope.
But when these spores find a home and begin a colony, they form visible spots on the surface it lives on. The appearance depends on multiple factors including the species type, age, and nutrient source. The color can be black, blue, green, red, orange, white, or a combination.
Mold Vs Mildew
Mildew and mold are often used interchangeably. But while they do share some similarities, there is a noticeable and important differences.
- Mold often has a fuzzy or slimy appearance and is irregularly shaped. Look for signs of rot as surfaces begin to break down.
- Mildew (which is a different type of mold) on the other hand usually appears in patches of white or grey and has a flatter, more powdery appearance.
The reason it's so important to call in mold remediation professionals is that many types look quite similar. Some toxic varieties - like Stachybotrys (black mold) - can be hard to distinguish from other varieties.
Only through laboratory analysis can you be 100% sure what variety you're dealing with, how dangerous it is to your health and determine the best mold remediation methods possible.
Identifying Black Mold
particularly important to understand as it's one of the more dangerous.
Black mold in its younger state may look green or grey in the center with white around the edges. As it matures, it develops its characteristic black color. Most black mold is found at full maturity but can be found in its early stages as well.
If you find or suspect it in your home, call in black mold removal professionals.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOLD
Ok, so now we know what mold is, how it grows, and what it looks like. But it's important to know the common kinds of mold out there, and which are the most dangerous.
There are many different types of mold in your home or business. In general, there are 3 main categories.
Allergenic
Allergenic molds are the least harmful type, however it can still cause problems for those with asthma or allergies. Some types of allergic varieties include:
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
Pathogenic
Pathogenic molds are a more dangerous type that can cause infections and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Some types of pathogenic varieties include:
- Aspergillus species A. Fumigatus & A. Flavus
- Cryptococcus neoformans
- Histoplasma capsulatum
Toxigenic
These molds are the most serious species that can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening health problems. These types produce mycotoxins that cause toxic body responses.
Several species of fusarium, penicillium, and aspergillus molds are toxic, as well as the Stachybotrys chartarum otherwise known as the black mold.
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MOLD
When dealing with exposure and looking at a mold remediation process, it's important to note the different levels of mold damage.
- Level 1 - Damages are 10 square feet or less. A small areas is relatively small, contained and easy to remove. This level can often be taken care of with household mold cleaners using protective equipment. However, even small amounts of of dangerous mold should employ the professional & effective mold remediation services.
- Level 2 - Damages are 10-30 square feet. May indicate more significant and underlying damages and growth.
- Level 3 - Damages are 30-100 square feet or more. Damage is systemic and widespread. Professional mold remediation services are needed to avoid considerable health and safety risks.
WHERE DOES MOLD GROW?
Mold grows on anything it can digest. You can find signs of mold including mold stains almost everywhere. While you can't control exposure outdoors, there are some common places to find mold inside and take measures to control and prevent it.
Some of the most common places molds grow:
- Bathroom tile and grout
- Kitchen
- Bedroom
- Living room
- Attic
- Basement
- Garage
Other places mold is found:
- Walls
- Carpet
- Furniture / upholstery
- Fabric
- Washing machine/dryer
- Air conditioner / Heater
- Porous surfaces or porous materials like drywall
One of the most dangerous aspects of mold is that it often grows in places you cannot see such as behind walls, underneath floorboards, and inside vents and air conditioners. It can be hard to detect when not visible, which lets the mold grow and spread throughout the home before it's detected.
It's important to have these areas and your HVAC systems regularly inspected and maintained.
We use a variety of air sampling and mold inspection equipment to find visible and hidden mold sources. Contact a professional mold remediation contractor.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD
While mold can damage your property and belongings, the risks to the health and safety of you and your family are much more significant. The harmful effects of mold exposure is linked to several mild and serious health concerns in humans, animals, and plants.
Molds produce both allergens, irritants, and dangerous mycotoxins which if inhaled can cause a range of reactions ranging from mild to severe.
The symptoms and health effects of mold exposure vary widely and depend on the type, severity, and sensitivity you are to it. Some people are more sensitive than others, including babies, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, respiratory problems, skin problems.
Reactions can be immediate or delayed by weeks or months. Repeated exposure to increasing concentrations of spores can result in becoming increasingly sensitive to those spores.
Exposure to mold reactions and health effects may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
Breathing mold spores can also result in more serious complications and reactions including:
- Difficulty breathing (respiratory issues)
- Infections
- Skin Irritation
- Severe asthma reactions
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Kidney or liver failure
- Shock
- Bleeding of the lungs
For more detailed information on mold and health issues, contact:
- A mold removal specialist
- Health Canada mold guideline
MOLD REMOVAL VS MOLD REMEDIATION
You might hear words like removal and remediation when discussing mold services, but what exactly is the difference between removal and remediation?
Removal - physically removing all traces of mold and spores from moody surfaces and the air.
Remediation - returning amounts to normal and natural levels.
Removing 100% of mold spores inside a property is not possible. There will always be some spores floating around, thus all treatments are technically remediation. Treatments are designed to remove as much as possible and reduce the levels to such that they no longer pose a health and safety risk.
DIY MOLD REMOVAL OR PROFESSIONAL MOLD REMOVAL?
Ok, so there's mold in your home, now what? Do you call in the experts, or try to remove it by yourself?
While some DYI projects are fun, mold detection and safe removal is not something to play around with. If you make a mistake painting your home, or remodelling your bathroom, it may cost you some extra time and money. But improper removal can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening issues for you and anyone around you.
It's always best to leave the removal of hazardous and contaminated materials including asbestos, to the professionals.
In saying that, there are ways to safely remove mold at home using the proper equipment and tools, but it's important to state this right away - DYI mold removal is not recommended if the area covered is more than 10 square feet. Why?
Because visible mold is often only the tip of the iceberg. Meaning, if you have visible patches more than 10 square feet, the problem is likely coming from or spreading to, other places. These places can be hard to reach, and even harder to detect. Like water damage, the place where it shows up is not always the same place as its source.
Only with specialized equipment and years of experience can you be 100% certain that you've detected the source of the mold, and safely and completely removed it.
If you've decided to tackle removal yourself, you'll need the right equipment to do the job properly. This includes safety equipment like N95 masks, goggles, and protective gloves. You'll also need the right tools and equipment such as a shop vacuum, drywall saw, fan, cleaners, plastic sheets, painter's tape, spray bottle, and more.
How To Clean Mold - DIY Mold Removal
If you’ve decided to tackle mold removal yourself, you’ll need the right equipment to do the job properly. This includes safety equipment like N95 masks, goggles, and protective gloves. You’ll also need the right tools and equipment such as a shop vacuum, drywall saw, fan, cleaners, plastic sheets, painter's tape, spray bottle, and more.
A certified mold removal specialist has the equipment, tools, and expertise needed to do the job safely and effectively. This can save you both time and money as you won’t have to buy all the required equipment or risk damaging parts of your home in the removal process.
YouTube or other instructional videos can be a good place to start, but keep in mind that following general advice from a video that cannot assess or tailor treatments to your situation can be dangerous. The person in the video may demonstrate how to remove mold from their home, but the advice is for a specific type of mold, location, climate, severity, and other unique factors that may be different for you.
MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN REMOVING MOLD
It's important to avoid these common mold removal mistakes when attempting to clean mold yourself.
Never Use Bleach
Contrary to popular belief, bleach should never be used to clean mold. According to the EPA, bleach only killers surface growth and not the membrane underneath. Other mold remediation products claim to solve the problem but only clean the surface.
So the lesson here is that looks can be deceiving. Not only will bleach not kill it, but bleach opens up the pores of materials like wood and drywall causing it to grow even faster and penetrate deeper.
Never Paint Over Mold
Another popular belief is that you can paint over mold to hide or limit its growth. Mold-resistant paints exist but not as a means to cover up an existing problem, only that they contain materials that actively fight against growth.
PROFESSIONAL MOLD REMOVAL PROCESS
A certified mold removal technician can handle your mold remediation problems safely and effectively. They use strict procedures and checklists to ensure each job is done right the first time. A professional mold removal process includes:
Mold Assessment
- Air quality test and mold testing
- Identify and determine the type of mold
- Locate the moisture source (poor ventilation/moisture/water leak)
- Recommend treatment options for removal
Water & Mold Removal
- Take humidity measurements
- Contain the area to avoid cross-contamination to surrounding areas
- Remove any water that may cause further damage
- Remove airborne contaminants with air purifying equipment
- Cleanup - Removal of surface mold by hand using antimicrobial treatments
Drying & Cleaning
- Dry the area and remove excess moisture using dehumidifiers, fans, air scrubbers, and air movers
- Bring the moisture down to a safe level so mold cannot thrive and return
Prevention & Restoration
- Complete a post-completion report detailing the root causes
- Give tips for ongoing maintenance and how to prevent future growth
- Water damage restoration - Restore any property damaged by water or mold, or properly dispose of items that are damaged beyond repair
WHY CHOOSE PROFESSIONAL MOLD REMOVAL SERVICES?
When dealing with something as dangerous as mold removal, it's always a good idea to call in the professionals. Here are some of the main reasons to hire professional mold removal services.
- They will remove all traces of mold, including visible, hidden ( like behind walls), and airborne
- They can detect and identify multiple varieties and inform you of health and safety risks
- They have the industrial equipment needed to do the job
- They have years or decades of experience in identifying, locating, and removing molds
- They save you time and money not having to buy all the tools and equipment
- They prevent future outbreaks by ensuring all traces are successfully removed and moisture levels are reduced so it cannot return and avoid mold damage scenarios.
MOLD PREVENTION
The old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This certainly applies to a mold situation. The best way to avoid a problem is to prevent it from forming in the first place. But don't worry if you currently have an infestation. A professional removal company can safely remove and remediate your situation and give you advice on how to prevent it from returning.
Here are a few mold prevention tips to follow:
- Prevent moisture - keep your home or business low in humidity.
- Prevent leaks - the most common cause is a plumbing leak. Check your premises frequently and schedule an annual professional home inspection.
- Don't leave wet clothes lying around - remove clothes from the washer right away
- Clean bathrooms with high-quality mold killing products
- Open windows or doors when you can to promote air-flow
- Use a strong vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove as many spores as possible
- Get annual mold testing and inspections done to assess and monitor levels.
WHY TEST FOR MOLD?
Those dark stains, weird smells, or discoloration may in fact not be mold at all. Often symptoms that may seem like common illnesses may be due to mold exposure.
If you are experiencing any symptoms or see spots that look like mold, the best thing you can do is call in the experts. Professionals will confirm the presence or absence of dangerous substances. These services are worth the money and for the peace of mind to know that if there is a problem, professionals will be there on hand to offer the proper remediation.
Mold doesn't have to be a problem for you and your family. Contact Mold Removal Calgary today to schedule your appointment today.