Moisture and Mold Remediation
Trusted Moisture Remediation for Your Residential or Commercial Property
The quality of your flooring installation depends on the amount of moisture that accumulates on its surface. Before you can install any type of flooring product, a test to identify the amount of moisture and vapor emissions is imperative. If you have a high degree of moisture, it can lead to mold and mildew growth and over time, bubbling and curling, which will eventually require you to rip out the flooring for repairs.
Making Sure You Meet Your Moisture Requirements
Also, installation warranties and product warranties require a certain minimal level of contamination, emission levels, and moisture content before, during, and post-installation. If these requirements are not met, then the flooring warranty will be null and void. Therefore, you must know the moisture content and vapor emissions before investing in installing new flooring, or you could just be throwing money out the window.
Fungi is a natural part of the environment and is necessary for the breakdown of organic material outdoors like dead trees and leaves, but when it’s indoors, it can jeopardize your family’s health and wellbeing. A fungus reproduces via microscopic spores that can become airborne and circulate in your home. Although they’re invisible, they can get trapped in your ductwork and wreak havoc on your indoor air quality and health. Fungi spores are attracted to wet surfaces and land where they reproduce; therefore, without moisture and water, they cannot grow.
Fungi spores only become problematic when they land on wet or damp surfaces around your home where the spores can multiply and grow. Some fungi have the potential to lead to serious health concerns, like causing allergic reactions and irritation, and in extreme cases, they can be toxic. Some symptoms of fungus exposure are consistent with hay fever: sneezing, skin rash, red eyes, and a runny nose.
How Do You Get Rid of Fungi?
It is impossible to remove fungi from your home entirely. The key is to remove moisture and water so that as the fungi spores circulate, they cannot grow. Therefore, if you control moisture, you can eliminate fungus growth. If you already have a fungus growing in your home, you first have to eliminate it, and then fix the moisture or water problem. If you only remove the fungus and do not take steps to eliminate moisture and water, the fungus will return.
Fungi Clean-Up
If you have fungi growing in your home, it is critical that you clean it up quickly. If you ignore a fungus problem, it will only get worse and lead to potentially more damage to your home and health.
First, determine the size and scope of the problem. If fungus growth is less than ten square feet, it might be possible to remove it yourself. However, if it is any larger, calling in a moisture and fungi remediation service is imperative!
Before hiring a moisture and fungi remediation contractor, make sure that they have the necessary training and experience to properly handle fungus remediation according to fungi and remediation guidelines set by the government or other professional organization.
The following techniques might be necessary to clean up your fungus issue:
- Fix leaky plumbing or other problems and dry it out completely
- Scrub surfaces with water and industry-approved solvents
- If you have porous or absorbent materials, such as carpeting, that have become infected, remove them. Once a fungus gets into the crevices of a porous surface, it is nearly impossible to get rid of
- Do not caulk or paint over fungi. It will most likely peel off
- For valuable items, specific restoration, repair, or cleaning techniques might be necessary
Is Testing or Sampling for Fungi Necessary?
When you see fungi growth, taking a sample is not necessary. The EPA currently has no set guideline or threshold for fungi spores, so sampling will not help with any compliance with federal fungi standards. Sampling surfaces, however, might be a good way to verify if an area has been thoroughly remediated. Only a trained professional should do the sampling because they are familiar with fungus sampling methods, protocol, and interpretation.
What About Hidden Fungi?
If you suspect a fungus due to odor, but aren’t sure if it is present or where, finding it may require a professional. Fungi can hide on the backside of wallpaper, walls, and even paneling. Other places it can hide include ceiling tiles, carpeting and carpet padding, furniture, ductwork, and even roofing material
Finding hidden fungi problems is often complicated. Once you discover fungi, you have to remove all of the damaged material, but that can lead to spores becoming airborne, which can cause contamination. Therefore, it is always best to hire a professional fungus and moisture remediation service to ensure that you aren’t unleashing fungi into your home or air.
At Precision Pest & Home Services, we have the experience, certifications, and training to successfully remove moisture and fungi from your home to make your home safe. We follow strict federal guidelines to ensure that fungus remediation is done correctly.
