THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MOLD REMOVAL & RREVENTION
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?
WHAT IS MOLD?
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.
- 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
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.
Identifying Black Mold
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOLD
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
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MOLD
- 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?
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
HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD
- 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
DIY MOLD REMOVAL OR PROFESSIONAL MOLD REMOVAL?
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
Never Paint Over Mold
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?
- 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
- 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.