Found outdoors most often, mold has the essential process of destroying dead plant matter, which would quickly overwhelm society by the end of each autumn without its assistance. Mold, typically, lives in soil, on plants, or on dead/decaying organic matter. Mold is different from other plants as it reproduces via airborne spores, which will begin to grow when they land upon a damp surface. Unfortunately, mold does not restrict itself to outdoor areas.
Mold can be found just about anywhere; capable of growing on virtually any organic substance, it will find its way into any place that one could imagine, as long as both oxygen and moisture are present. When excessive moisture accumulates within structures, mold growth often begins quickly, and will spread just as fast, especially if there is no prior knowledge or attempt to address the moist conditions. Mold is incredibly versatile and comes in a great many varieties, this fact that makes it nigh impossible to completely eliminate all molds and mold spores found in an indoor environment. However, it is possible to effectively control mold growth and prevent future spreading. The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture, since its “food” or the surface it’s growing upon will always be present, water is the controllable variable.
Remediation
The first step in any mold remediation is to address the source of the moisture; this could be a leaky roof, perforated pipe, ground seepage, flooding, high levels of humidity, and other similar causes and conditions. This is the first reparations that are to be completed in any mold remediation, without removing the water source – mold removal would be a fruitless endeavor, as it would simply grow back.
The second step is the mold inspection and analysis; an investigation will be performed to assess the extent of damage caused by the mold. The course of corrective action will be discussed, planned and decided upon at this stage. Since mold is capable of weakening a building’s structural integrity, this step is essential in determining what, if any, type of remediation can and will be performed at the location.
The final step is the cleansing of any wet or affected areas. The appropriate cleaning and drying methods for the area depends upon both the material itself, and the sheer quantity of mold present upon it – moldy and already wet materials will be removed from the premises in the appropriate manner by trained and qualified professionals – dry and salvageable materials will be cleaned and monitored by the same.
At no point does Environmental Management Solutions recommend an individual begin any of these steps on their own. It is always preferable and beneficial to hire a trained and certified mold handler to deal with identifying and cleaning affected spaces.