Signs of Mold Infestation

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of NRH is a Texas-licensed mold remediation contractor. Call us anytime for mold removal help.

What is Mold?

Mold, a fungus that prospers indoors and outdoors, rapidly spreads through air-borne spores in moist conditions. It progressively weakens the structures it grows on and generates foul odors.

Though a natural and unpreventable aspect of the environment, mold can become problematic when it proliferates excessively inside buildings. We recommend familiarizing yourself with sure telltale signs of mold growth in buildings and other indoor zones to quickly identify and address the issue.

Signs of Mold Infestation

One noticeable sign of mold growth is a musty or unpleasant odor. The scent of mold is unique and has typically been described as damp, earthy, or stale. Even when mold is not visible, its pungent odor emanates due to the exudation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the microbial activities of molds.

Discoloration or staining on walls, roofs, or floors highlights another unmistakable sign of mold growth. Usually manifesting as clusters of black, brown, or green spots, mold may also cause fuzzy or cotton-like textures on surfaces, further indicating its existence. It is also seen that molds cause discolorations and staining on fabrics such as curtains and upholstery.

Investigating for signs of mold growth after experiencing water damage like leaks or flooding is essential, and such scenarios provide conducive conditions for molds to thrive. In such cases, it is necessary to engage professional water-damage cleaning services to minimize mold harboring promptly.

Suppose any of the above signs of mold growth are evident. In that case, it is advisable to immediately seek the services of professional mold remediation specialists to examine, contain, and eradicate them wherever necessary. 

Who to Call for Mold Remediation

Mold remediation contractors are professionals with specialized expertise who are entrusted with removing mold from indoor environments and buildings. These specialists possess extensive knowledge of how different types of mold thrive in moist surroundings and have the necessary equipment and materials to efficiently and promptly mitigate mold-related problems.

In Texas, mold remediation contractors must be licensed to perform mold removal services, and technicians present during the mold remediation process must also be certified. This emphasis on certification ensures that mold remediation professionals have undergone the required training to effectively carry out their work and offer their clients a high level of service.

Notably, any mold that extends over an area of 25 contiguous square feet should be reported to the relevant Texas authorities. It is imperative to select a contractor with expertise and experience in the remediating mold of this size, and they should agree to handle all required paperwork.

Choosing a qualified mold contractor necessitates thorough consideration beyond licensing and certification. Verify that state licenses are in place, ensure that certified technicians are present, and remember to take advantage of a contractor's knowledge in navigating state and local paperwork related to mold remediation. Ensure the contractor can act as a partner, assisting you in navigating the remediation process while dealing with all mold-related paperwork.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hill's Mold Remediation Process

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is a highly professional mold remediation contractor that employs a comprehensive process for identifying sources of mold growth. We conduct a rigorous visual inspection of the property to detect all signs of visible mold growth. SERVPRO meticulously examines every aspect of the property to identify even the most subtle trace of mold growth.

To further support our inspections, SERVPRO employs advanced equipment and techniques to identify and detect mold growth sources that are not visible. For instance, moisture meters are utilized to detect moisture levels in a suspected area, as high moisture levels generally indicate the presence of mold. Similarly, infrared cameras capture images of temperature differences, and variations in temperature or wet spots are telltale signs of hidden mold growth, which we can detect and isolate quickly.

Once mold growth sources are located, we devise a customized plan to remove the mold. This plan considers all potential causes of mold growth, and one critical step in the program is reducing moisture levels in the affected area. This may involve installing dehumidifiers, air movers, and specialized drying equipment to remove excess moisture from the air and surfaces, ensuring the indoor environment is dry and unfavorable for mold growth.

Our SERVPRO mold team may suggest modifications to your HVAC system or ventilation, as these can significantly influence the ability to maintain proper moisture levels inside your property. Good airflow inside the property can help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of mold growth.

Then, we will implement measures to isolate the affected area and seal it off from the rest of the property. This involves covering floors and walls with plastic sheeting while sealing all openings. It is imperative to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the property, and this tactic achieves this goal.

Next, we dispose of any porous materials contaminated with mold, such as insulation or drywall, because cleaning these effectively is impossible. Conversely, disinfecting non-porous materials such as metal, tile, and concrete is practicable.

After eliminating contaminated materials, our contractors initiate a rigorous cleaning process using special HEPA vacuums and air filtration devices. This removes mold spores from both surfaces and the air, after which we use a biocide solution to kill any surviving mold spores, creating a barrier between cleaned surfaces and mold, thwarting further spread.

It is vital to remember that covering or painting over mold growth is not a solution, and such attempts are short-lived and will not prevent mold from growing. For this reason, we ensure all our mold remediation work meets rigorous guidelines and industry standards to sanitize the property correctly.

At SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we use cutting-edge technological solutions for remediation work, such as dry ice blasting. This method uses dry ice pellets to extract mold spores from surfaces without damaging the underlying material.

We are a remediation contractor and licensed Esporta Wash Operator, which means we can sanitize and restore mold-infested textiles like plush animals, blankets, shoes, and more. Even though mold-infected contents can be restored, they are packed and sent to our cleaning facilities before returning.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills remediation contractors not only eliminate mold growth but also investigate potential future water intrusion problems and other sources of water damage. This critical step is needed to prevent mold growth recurrence and ensure the property's safety.

To investigate potential water intrusion issues, we inspect the property's exterior for visible signs of water damage, such as leaks, cracks, or foundation damage. We repair any identified problems to prevent further water intrusion.

Mold growth due to faulty plumbing or drainage issues is a possibility that should not be taken lightly. Our mold remediation team uses inspection techniques such as camera technology to detect leaks or damages in plumbing systems. Such sources are then repaired, preventing further infiltration, water damage, or mold growth. This repair process may involve fixing damaged pipes, unblocking drainage systems, repairing damaged roofs, or sealing cracks.

The next critical step in our mold remediation process is to identify any possible entry points for water (a mold growth promoter) and prevent moisture buildup by sealing them off. This involves detailed property inspections to detect penetrations, cracks, or gaps vulnerable to water infiltration. Water entry points are sealed using various techniques such as sealants, caulks, patches, or plugs, creating a water barrier to prevent mold growth.

To further prevent mold and water damage on the property, waterproof membranes shield vulnerable surfaces, including walls and floors, from water intrusion. SERVPRO, through identifying vulnerability points and sealing penetrations, can eliminate current mold issues and reduce the risk of future occurrences.

Call Today for a Complimentary Mold Bid

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for a complimentary mold remediation bid. Our team of mold experts and ready and Here to Help.