Mold is commonly found in damp, dark, wet areas. It is a fungus that spreads over areas via spores that travel by water and air. They can cause problems inside of homes or businesses that experience water damage if they aren’t addressed and eradicated quickly.
Mold has a few telltale signs to warn homeowners and business owners of its presence. The signs to look for include:
- Strong, musty or mildewy odors
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Peeling caulk or grout
- Dark spots on walls, flooring, and ceilings
- White, green, or black fuzzy patches on textiles
- Sudden respiratory issues or allergy flare-ups
Mold spores can begin growing into colonies in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a structure has experienced water damage. Water damage can occur from numerous different sources. Common sources that property owners experience can include:
- Burst pipes
- Leaks
- Flooding
- High humidity levels and poor ventilation
- Standing or hidden water
Tip Top Restoration of Bakersfield understands the importance of a safe, clean environment. Safely removing mold and other fungi is a task best left to a professional restoration team. Our experts utilize the latest technology and most advanced equipment to thoroughly assess the extent of mold present, contain all affected areas, and safely remove and remediate the contaminants.
Moisture meters and infrared cameras are important tools our team uses during the assessment and throughout the restoration. These identify locations of hidden water, ensuring the team has access to extract and dry out the entire affected area. Air scrubbers are utilized to filter the air, catching any airborne spores to ensure the air quality is safe to breathe.
After the mold has been removed and a third-party testing company has confirmed that clearance testing passed, the next step is reconstructing the home. Restoration can range from minor repairs, such as replacing the drywall and adding a fresh coat of paint, or the reconstruction can require more significant structural rebuilding in more severe cases.
After the clearance testing has passed, the first thought many homeowners have is how to prevent another outbreak from occurring. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30-60%. Some home tips for maintaining humidity levels include:
- Utilizing proper ventilation in rooms that encounter high levels of moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Dehumidifiers are small machines that can be set up in a room to regularly pull excess moisture from the air. The reservoir needs to be regularly emptied for this to work as intended.
Insurance policies vary when it comes to mold remediation coverage. Often, standard homeowners insurance will only cover mold when it is a result of a covered peril. These typically include sudden, accidental events such as a burst pipe. Flooding, however sudden it may happen to a homeowner, is often excluded from general policies and it is generally advisable for those in high-risk areas to consider purchasing additional, separate flood insurance policies. Long term issues and problems that originate from wear-and-tear are typically not covered. Reading an insurance policy carefully and thoroughly with your insurance agent is a great way to fully understand the ins and outs of your specific policy.
