Water damage is a common cause of property damage. It can damage the structure of a building and the objects within. Mold growth is one of the most dreaded outcomes of water damage. In the natural environment outdoors, mold plays a significant role. It helps to break down dead organic matter. Tiny spores that mold release float in the air, and when they settle on moist surfaces they grow into mold. Mold needs moisture to thrive.
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Mold growth can occur indoors after water damage, especially if it goes unnoticed or unattended. This should be prevented as mold can cause structural damage to buildings and damage objects in them. Mold can also cause health problems. Professional damage restoration companies with expertise in mold remediation are usually hired to deal with mold growth. Suncoast Contracting is a full-service contracting company in Delray Beach, Florida. They are fully licensed and insured for all construction, electrical, remodeling, and general contracting services. They also possess South Florida Contractors licenses for mold remediator and mold assessor services. In this article, Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. explains the difference between mold inspection and remediation.
Mold Inspection
This is the identification of the presence of mold and the area in square footage affected by it.
When Is Mold Inspection Needed?
Sometimes mold is visibly present and the possibility of its spread is high. Mold can also grow in areas that are not easily visible. Mold inspection is helpful in certain situations, some of which are as follows.
Water damage of any kind creates a favorable moist environment for mold growth. Areas exposed to moisture are at risk of developing mold growth if the water removal, drying, and cleaning are not initiated within 24 to 48 hours. Mold inspection may be necessary after water damage if not acted on quickly.
Buildings that were unoccupied and closed for some time can have mold growing within when the humidity builds and there is poor ventilation. Such buildings need mold inspection before being used.
After mold remediation, its effectiveness must be assessed by conducting a post-remediation mold inspection.
When mold is noticed anywhere in a building, a mold inspection can be done to identify the presence or risk of mold growth in areas that are not readily visible.
Musty smells that persist and family members having health effects can be signs of mold in a home. A mold inspection can be conducted to verify this.
How Mold Inspection Is Done
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for providing licenses to mold assessors and mold remediators in Florida.
For mold inspection, a visual assessment is done by conducting a walkthrough to identify areas that may harbor mold growth. The exteriors of buildings, attics, basements, and crawl spaces, are all examined. Equipment that helps assess areas hidden from view is helpful in this process. For example, infrared thermography can be used to find indications of water damage, the presence of moisture, and construction defects. LED fiber optic snake cameras and digital moisture meters can be used to verify mold growth in spaces that are not visible and to check moisture levels within walls.
What Is Mold Remediation?
Mold remediation is a process involving several steps to eliminate all harmful mold growth. The process includes assessment, containment, mold removal, microbial growth inhibitor treatment, air scrubbing, cleaning and sanitization of mold affected surfaces and materials, and reconstruction if necessary. The source of mold infestation must be identified and located. Excess humidity will need to be controlled. The underlying cause of mold must be corrected. Mold remediation involves using antimicrobials to kill mold and its spores down through the roots. All areas and surfaces are cleaned and sanitized for mold removal. Unsalvageable materials should be replaced. HVAC systems may need to be cleaned professionally as air conditioning systems can be a breeding place for mold, and they can quickly spread spores throughout a structure. The Florida Department of Health helps with mold issues by providing technical assistance and advice to the public. It does not provide mold testing or support to professional consultants.
So while the mold remediation is done to eliminate mold, mold inspection is conducted to identify the presence of mold. A mold inspection can help determine if mold remediation is necessary. After mold remediation is done, mold inspection can verify how adequate the remediation was.
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In a hot and humid climate like Florida, mold growth can quickly occur. The incidence may be more in flood-prone areas exposed to water damage. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc has been operating in Boynton Beach, FL, and surrounding areas for almost 75 years. They are experts in all areas of restoration and construction, including mold removal and mold remediation. Suncoast Contractors has highly trained professionals who use the best methods for mold removal to restore homes and businesses affected by mold. They can be contacted at (561) 316-3989 at their office in Delray Beach, Florida.
