by Mold-B-Gone | Dec 9, 2023 | Mold Facts
Mold is a persistent challenge in the construction industry, especially in new buildings where the combination of heat, water, and organic materials creates an ideal breeding ground for this unwelcome guest. This blog outlines practical and straightforward strategies for keeping mold in new construction homes at bay.
Proactive Measures for a Mold-Free Environment
The first line of defense against mold in new construction is ensuring the building is watertight. This process, known as ‘drying in,’ involves meticulous sealing of the building’s envelope to prevent water ingress. Key actions include installing a water-resistant roof, employing watertight exterior siding, fitting watertight windows, and sealing all potential entry points around windows, doors, and other openings.
Handling Construction Materials with Care
Many construction materials, like wooden frames and subfloors, can absorb moisture during wet weather conditions. It’s crucial to allow these materials adequate time to dry out completely before proceeding with the drying-in process. Ignoring this step can lead to trapped moisture within the structure, creating a fertile ground for black mold and other fungi to thrive.
Addressing New Sources of Humidity
Even with effective drying-in, new construction can still face mold challenges from additional moisture sources introduced during the building process. For instance, renovation activities like asbestos or drywall removal often require water usage, increasing indoor humidity. In such scenarios, the use of dehumidifiers can be a game-changer, helping to maintain a dry environment that is conducive to preventing mold in new construction.
Read more: How Mold Grows in Different Humidity and Temperature Conditions
Understanding Mold Growth Dynamics
In the early stages of construction, using non-organic materials such as metal and concrete alongside fresh hardwood reduces the risk of mold growth. However, once softer, organic materials like ceiling tiles and drywall are introduced, the risk escalates. These materials provide the perfect conditions for mold to develop, sometimes in as little as 48 hours after exposure to moisture.
Thorough Pre-Installation Checks
Before installing drywall or other susceptible materials, it’s crucial to ensure everything within the building’s structure, including windows, siding, and roofing, is properly sealed. Additionally, verify that all wooden elements are fully dry to prevent potential mold growth.
Contingency Planning for Project Interruptions
Unexpected interruptions, like adverse weather or funding issues, can halt construction or renovation projects. In such cases, it’s vital to dry and seal off as much of the construction as possible. Installing dehumidifiers can help maintain a dry environment, serving as one of the ways to remove mold from new construction.
Get Expert Mold Solutions Today
Looking for a reliable mold removal service in Atlanta? Contact Mold-B-Gone today, and let our team of professionals ensure your home stays mold-free and healthy. Trust us for top-notch service and peace of mind.
by Mold-B-Gone | Dec 6, 2023 | Mold Facts, Mold Removal
Understanding what mold mites are is crucial for anyone grappling with mold issues. These tiny, spider-like creatures are not just common in damp environments, but they thrive on mold, making them a frequent concern in homes with moisture problems.
Are Mold Mites Dangerous?
While they don’t bite or directly harm humans, their presence can significantly degrade air quality. This becomes particularly problematic for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, as mold mites can exacerbate these conditions.
Read more: How Do I Know If I’m Allergic To Mold?
Distinguishing Mold from Other Fungi
In tackling mold mite issues, understanding the difference between mold and fungus is important. While all molds are fungi, not all fungi are molds. Mold is a specific type of fungus that creates a more hospitable environment for mold mites. Thus, distinguishing the two helps in targeted remediation efforts.
Steps to Eliminate Mold Mites
The key to getting rid of mold mites effectively is to address the root of the problem: mold. Mold mites feed on mold, so eliminating their food source is crucial. This can be done by doing the following:
- Identifying mold-infected areas: Look for spots with discoloration or a musty smell, typically in damp places like basements or under sinks.
- Cleaning the affected areas: Use mold-killing solutions such as bleach or vinegar to clean these areas thoroughly.
- Improving air circulation: Use fans or dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the air, making it less conducive for mold and mold mites to thrive.
- Regular inspections: Keep an eye out for early signs of mold to prevent reinfestation of mold mites.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is always better than cure, especially with mold mites. Regular cleaning, reducing humidity levels, and promptly addressing any water leaks or dampness can significantly reduce the risk of mold and mold mite infestation. This includes:
- Using dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas.
- Ensuring proper ventilation, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Fixing leaks and addressing condensation issues promptly.
- Keeping the house clean and free from clutter where mold can easily grow.
Get Expert Help with Mold Mite Removal
Don’t let mold mites signal a larger problem in your home. Take control of your indoor environment with Mold-B-Gone Remediation, your trusted mold removal specialist in Atlanta. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a healthy, mite-free living space for you and your family. Whether you’re dealing with a severe infestation or have specific mold sensitivities, contact us, and we will provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. Remember, regular maintenance and professional expertise are your best defense against mold.
by Mold-B-Gone | Nov 10, 2023 | Mold Facts
Living in a place like Atlanta, Georgia, with its humid climate, can pose unique challenges for homeowners, particularly when it comes to maintaining indoor air quality. One often-overlooked issue is the presence of mold under carpet. Mold can significantly impact your health and home environment.
Recognizing Signs of Mold on Carpet
Understanding what mold looks like on carpet is crucial for early detection. Initially, mold growth might not be visible, but a musty odor can be a tell-tale sign. This odor comes from the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by mold as it grows and reproduces. If you detect such odors, you should act swiftly and test for mold.
Eventually, as mold grows, it will become visible, appearing as green, white, or what black mold looks like on carpet—typically black spots. This visibility indicates a significant growth issue that needs immediate attention.
The Health Implications
You might be surprised by how fast mold grows on carpet, especially in humid conditions. Various types of mold, some of which are potentially toxic, can lurk unseen. Exposure to these molds can trigger a range of symptoms, from allergies to serious respiratory conditions, especially in sensitive individuals like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health issues.
The presence of moldy carpet in a home can be identified through symptoms such as asthma, coughing, eye and skin irritation, sneezing, sore throat, and a stuffy nose. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to mold can lead to more severe health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and even memory loss.
Solutions and Prevention
Prevention is key when dealing with carpet mold. Ensure good ventilation and humidity control in your home, particularly in areas prone to dampness. If you do encounter mold, considering a professional mold removal service in Atlanta is advisable.
Regular cleaning plays a crucial role in mold prevention. Dirt, a carrier of mold spores, along with moisture, can accelerate mold growth. Vacuuming 1–2 times a week and professional deep cleaning every 12–18 months are recommended. However, if mold has already set in, cleaning might not suffice. At this stage, removal and replacement of the carpet, along with possible repairs to the underlying floor, are necessary.
Hidden Mold Locations
Apart from your carpet, there are other places mold hides in your home. It can lurk in damp basements, under sinks, or in any poorly ventilated areas. Regular inspections of these spaces are crucial for early detection and prevention.
Protect Your Home With Expert Help
Do not let mold compromise your home and health! Contact Mold-B-Gone for expert mold removal and indoor air quality solutions in Atlanta and beyond.
by Mold-B-Gone | Nov 3, 2023 | Black Mold
Have you ever noticed black mold growing in your shower and wondered if it’s something to worry about? In this blog, we explain this common household issue to help you understand why the black mold in the shower can be concerning.
Understanding Black Mold in Showers
Black mold, scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is often found in moist, poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms. Despite its ominous appearance, the color of mold doesn’t directly relate to its potential health impacts.
Showers provide the ideal conditions for mold growth: moisture, warmth, and organic material for feeding. Mold reproduces through spores, which are tiny enough to be airborne and inhaled.
Is Black Mold in Shower Toxic?
When people wonder if the black mold in the shower is toxic, they usually refer to the possibility of the mold producing mycotoxins. While it’s true that some molds release these toxic substances, the actual danger comes more from ingestion than inhalation. This means that while black mold in the shower can be dangerous, these perceptions are somewhat exaggerated.
Read more: How to Remove Bathroom Mold: 4 Tips from the Pros
Health Implications of Shower Mold
The question, “Is black mold in the shower dangerous?” gets more complicated when considering individual health. Various mold types, not just black mold, can lead to health issues, particularly in those sensitive to them.
Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, skin rashes, sore throat, eye irritation, and wheezing. Those with weakened immune systems, asthma, or mold allergies are more susceptible.
Mold Growth and Its Causes
Mold can develop rapidly in the right conditions, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours on a damp surface. High humidity, especially over 70%, creates an inviting environment for mold. Common causes include water leaks, condensation, and insufficient ventilation, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Besides Stachybotrys, other common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternia.
Dealing With Mold in Your Home
Understanding that shower mold can be dangerous, it’s crucial to tackle any mold growth without delay. Keep in mind that the presence of black mold on shower curtains or mold on bathroom ceilings is not merely an aesthetic concern but can pose serious health risks.
Seeking the assistance of mold removal experts in Atlanta or your local vicinity for a professional evaluation and remediation is a wise decision to guarantee your home’s safety and well-being.
Act Against Mold Today
Don’t let mold compromise your home and health. Contact Mold-B-Gone now for mold remediation services in Atlanta and surrounding areas. Our expert team is ready to provide comprehensive solutions for mold removal, ensuring a safer, healthier environment for you and your family.
by Mold-B-Gone | Oct 23, 2023 | Mold Facts, Mold Removal
Mold is more than a mere aesthetic concern; it’s a sneaky infiltrator that brings a range of health problems, from respiratory issues, skin irritation, and allergic reactions to red, itchy eyes. Not only that, but mold also endangers the very structural foundation of buildings, making it a vital concern to address promptly and effectively to safeguard both people and properties.
Hence, timely interventions, like availing of a mold removal service in Atlanta, can be critical in managing and mitigating mold issues.
The Role of Air Purifiers in Battling Mold
It’s a common query: do air purifiers help with mold? The short answer is yes, they do, but with certain limitations. Air purifiers, especially those equipped with HEPA filters and UV-C technology, are proficient in capturing mold spores, preventing them from proliferating and spreading across your living spaces.
This means that while an air purifier helps with mold in terms of curbing airborne spores and maintaining air quality, they’re not a full-fledged solution for established mold infestations.
Read more: Indoor Air Quality: Why It Matters and How to Improve It
In the Ducts: A Different Mold Story
However, there are situations where even the most efficient air purifier struggles. If you’re thinking, “Can an air purifier help with mold in my air ducts?” it’s crucial to understand that mold in air ducts presents a unique challenge.
Once mold secures a foothold in this hidden area, fueled by accumulated moisture and debris, it can disperse spores throughout your space even as you breathe what you believe to be purified air. Therefore, while air purifiers can assist, they are not capable of rectifying mold issues within ductwork, and a professional cleaning service becomes indispensable.
The Limits of Air Purifiers in Mold Mitigation
It is pivotal to grasp that while air purifiers help with mold spores and contain the airborne spread to an extent, they don’t address the root cause or eliminate established mold colonies. Will an air purifier help with mold completely? No.
To eradicate mold, a combination of thorough cleaning, preventive practices, and strategic remediation, like managing humidity, fixing leaks promptly, and enhancing ventilation, is essential. Utilizing air purifiers should be seen as a supplementary preventive measure, not a solitary solution to a mold problem.
When the situation slips beyond what air purifiers can manage, that’s when specialists step in. Mold Removal Service in Atlanta, with a track record of securing thousands of homes in Atlanta from mold perils, steps in as your shield against mold infestations. Get in touch with us now and step into a future free from mold worries!
by Mold-B-Gone | Oct 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
Mold: a sneaky, silent intruder that invades homes, causing destruction and potential health risks. But how exactly does it manage to find its way into various spaces and objects in our homes? The answer is simple: through the air.
Understanding how quickly black mold spreads, as well as the rate and mediums through which other types of mold spread, is crucial to safeguarding your home and health.
What Makes Mold Tick?
Can mold spread through the air? With the ability to start developing on damp surfaces within just 24 to 48 hours, mold reproduces by releasing spores—tiny, lightweight entities that can easily travel through air and water and even hitch a ride on people and animals.
These spores can infiltrate your living or working spaces, where they can find new areas to colonize, especially when the conditions are right. Consequently, understanding and monitoring the living conditions that promote mold growth is pivotal in mitigating mold-related problems.
The Stealthy Travel of Mold Spores
Does mold spread through the air? Yes, and often without being detected until it’s too late. The tiny spores released by mold colonies are designed for optimal travel through the air, enabling them to invade new territories, including your home. Once they find a hospitable environment—think damp, dark, and warm—they latch onto suitable surfaces and begin their destructive journey, further spreading within 1–12 days, depending on the conditions.
Potential Dangers of Mold in Your Living Space
While mold spores are omnipresent in our environment, problems arise when they establish colonies within our living and working spaces. For individuals who are sensitive or allergic to mold, exposure to these spores may lead to various health issues, ranging from mild symptoms like coughing and wheezing to severe reactions and chronic health conditions.
Can black mold spread through the air and pose threats to our well-being? Certainly, thus, an immediate response is crucial upon discovering a mold infestation to protect not just your property but also the health of those inhabiting the space.
Safeguarding Your Space Against Mold
Taking the next steps toward mold removal and remediation, including comprehensive cleaning, repair, and disinfection of salvageable property, is vital. Mold cleaning services in Atlanta offer a solution for ensuring the safe and effective removal of mold and restoring the integrity of your home.
In a city like Atlanta, where humidity can provide a haven for mold, turning to certified experts like Mold-B-Gone ensures that your home is in safe hands. Don’t let mold linger; call us now and take a firm stand against mold infiltrating your home.
by Mold-B-Gone | Sep 20, 2023 | Mold and Depression, Mold and Infants, Mold Facts
Mold remediation is an indispensable service for ensuring that residential and commercial buildings remain safe and free from the hazardous impacts of mold growth. A common concern among property owners is: Can mold be completely removed from a house?
The straightforward answer is that remediation can drastically reduce mold populations. Yet, it doesn’t entirely eliminate all mold spores from a premise. This often leads to another pressing query: Can mold come back after remediation? Addressing this concern requires a comprehensive understanding of mold growth conditions and the efficacy of remediation procedures.
Triggering Factors for Mold Growth
The principal culprits behind mold manifestation are moisture and inadequate ventilation. Even after a thorough remediation, if the underlying issues leading to moisture accumulation are not rectified, mold can potentially make an unwelcome return. Knowing the answer to whether mold can come back after treatment is a stepping stone toward formulating preventive measures.
Mold exposure, particularly from certain toxic strains, could pose serious health risks to pregnant women and infants. There’s been a notable discourse about the occurrence of mold in everyday items like sippy cups and its potential to adversely affect an infant’s health.
Water Damage Restoration: A Vital Step
Often, the genesis of mold infestation is water damage. Situations like flooding, leakages, or high humidity are breeding grounds for mold. Swift and efficient water damage restoration is pivotal to thwarting mold proliferation. This includes expunging water, drying the affected regions, mending any damage, and resolving the moisture sources.
Preventive Strategies Post-Remediation
Post-remediation, it is imperative to adopt certain preventative strategies to avert mold reoccurrence. Firstly, it’s crucial to identify and rectify all sources of moisture. This could entail repairing leaky plumbing, replacing old appliances, or enhancing ventilation within the premises.
Continuous monitoring of these areas, especially post-remediation, is fundamental to preventing mold resurgence. Keeping the humidity levels within your premises in check can significantly diminish the odds of mold reemergence. This addresses the concern of whether mold will come back after remediation.
Your Path to a Mold-Free Environment
If mold recurrence is a concern, consulting with mold experts in Atlanta is a wise decision. With Mold-B-Gone Remediation, you’re not just getting remediation; you’re investing in a long-term mold-free environment. Our proficient team addresses not only the visible mold but delves deeper to rectify moisture sources, ensuring mold doesn’t find its way back to your premises.
Are you concerned about mold reemergence? Connect with Mold-B-Gone Remediation, where eradication meets prevention, ensuring you a safe, mold-free dwelling. Your peace of mind is just a call away.
by Mold-B-Gone | Sep 13, 2023 | Health, Killing Mold, Mold Facts
When faced with property damage, understanding the problem at hand is half the battle won. The presence of moisture in homes can lead to two prevalent issues: water damage and mold growth. Although related, these two problems have different implications and remediation strategies.
Water Damage vs. Mold
Water damage is often an immediate consequence of flooding, leaks, or excessive moisture. It becomes apparent soon after a water mishap, making it easier to address promptly. However, if left unattended, water damage can lead to a more sinister problem—mold.
Mold, on the other hand, is a stealthy invader. It might take weeks before mold manifests visually or through a musty odor. By this time, mold spores could have already spread to various areas, making eradication more challenging. Mold slowly devours the surfaces it grows on, potentially causing irreversible damage over time.
How Mold Emerges From Water Damage
Excess water or moisture is the breeding ground for mold spores to thrive and multiply. Even minor water leaks, if undetected, can create a favorable environment for mold. The slow but persistent growth of mold might not only damage the property; it can also pose serious health risks to the inhabitants.
The Threat of Black Mold vs. Water Damage
When comparing black mold vs. water damage, the former presents a more menacing challenge. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys, is infamous for causing various health issues, ranging from mild allergies to severe respiratory problems. In contrast, water damage primarily threatens the structural integrity of the property. However, both issues necessitate immediate attention and remediation to prevent further deterioration.
Seeking Professional Help
Whether dealing with water damage or mold, professional intervention is crucial for a thorough and effective resolution. DIY efforts might not only prove ineffective but could also potentially exacerbate the problem.
When it comes to mold remediation, especially, the need for a specialized approach is imperative. A mold removal specialist in Atlanta can provide expert solutions, ensuring the complete eradication of mold and the prevention of future infestations.
Read more : Top 9 Reasons To Get Your Home Or Business Dried Professionally After Water Damage?
Entrust Your Remediation Needs to the Experts
At the crossroads of water damage and mold lies the solution that addresses both issues comprehensively. Mold-B-Gone Remediation has positioned itself as a reliable partner in navigating these challenging remediation processes. With our expert touch, you can restore your property to its former glory and ensure a safe, mold-free environment. Act today to secure your home against the perils of water damage and mold. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let’s chart the path to a secure, restored, and mold-free dwelling.
by Mold-B-Gone | Aug 17, 2023 | Mold and Depression, Mold and Infants, Mold Facts
The word “mold” is perceived to be in the same category as decay and rot. Objectively speaking, there are thousands of mold species out there. Some are helpful in that they help in the recycling of organic matter. That said, the majority that naturally occur in the home due to dampness or humidity have a negative effect on the body. Their spores produce mycotoxins that are absorbed through the intestines, lungs, or skin. Thus, mold can affect your heart and cause other health issues.
Respiratory Issues and Asthma
Mold may also cause chest pain and respiratory issues. If a person has asthma, mold exposure could worsen the situation and trigger an attack. They might also require an inhaler to manage the symptoms. Research has shown that higher levels of mold within homes could start cases of asthma in school-aged children.
Pneumonitis
Exposure to a significant amount of mold can trigger a severe reaction known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. That leads to short- or long-term lung inflammation. Common symptoms are headache, cough, and muscle aches. These symptoms last a few days but can resolve if the exposure is eliminated.
Infections
Some people can breathe in mold spores without experiencing health complications. However, those who have respiratory vulnerabilities are at a higher risk of lung infection. These infections may include valley fever, sporotrichosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. You may be at a higher risk of getting these infections if you have sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, asthma, or HIV.
Heart and Circulatory Issues
Mold can cause heart problems because of the presence of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins from black mold may be breathed in, ingested, or absorbed into the skin. When the exposure is prolonged, these toxins can enter the bloodstream, showing up as blood-related inflammations or infections. Mold can also cause heart palpitations, internal bleeding, heart inflammation, and blood clots. Seek immediate medical attention should you have any of these symptoms. They can quickly become severe, so treatment should be given right away.
Chronic Fatigue
When there is prolonged mold exposure, the immune system produces a sedative called chloral hydrate. It is a defense mechanism against mold in the circulatory system. Unfortunately, some of the negative consequences are chronic fatigue, muscle pain, drowsiness, and joint pain. It can be tricky to catch on to the cause of these symptoms. Once they become apparent, it would be advisable to seek medical help and mold removal assistance immediately afterward.
Treatment
Once you know the mold is causing health problems, consult your medical practitioner immediately. The source of the mold also has to be eliminated. That means hiring a professional remediation team so there is no further exposure to mold spores. It can be costly but ultimately worth it to make you and your family as safe as possible.
Fortunately, Mold-B-Gone specializes in mold removal in Atlanta. If you have any queries, give us a call. We will help sort out any cases of mold in your house or institution.
by Mold-B-Gone | Aug 10, 2023 | Health, Killing Mold, Mold Facts
Mold is a prevalent issue in many households. Given the right conditions, unfortunately, mold can spread to other areas of the home. Once the mold spores are carried to the rest of the residence, they begin to grow in places that have damp conditions. The trouble is that it’s not easily detected, so the problem may worsen before it becomes apparent. Mold can grow anywhere, provided the right conditions persist. So, a damp basement can affect the upstairs. You must be vigilant and solve the mold issue while it is still in the basement.
How Mold Travels Upstairs
Mold in the basement can affect the upstairs parts of the house via air ducts. Spores, microscopic seeds, are carried by air currents and can circulate to other areas of the house via the HVAC ducts. It also happens when warm air rises, so they are carried to the upper parts of the house. Spores can also attach themselves to clothing, skin, or shoes. Therefore, traffic in and out of the basement likely carries the spores to other parts of the house. These spores will germinate if they find suitable conditions in the different areas.
Safety Considerations When You Have Mold in the Basement
Considering how quickly mold can spread to other places in the house, you must know about the potential health implications. Mold may cause adverse reactions to people and their pets, including skin rashes, allergic reactions, or other respiratory issues. So, if there is mold in the basement, it would be advisable to have it removed immediately. Most people fear black mold because of the assumption it can cause cancer or likely kill. However, most species of mold are harmful to humans. Unchecked mold growth can also cause damage to the home, as it breaks down drywall and wood.
How to Remove Mold From Your Basement
Mold on basement walls must be preempted before it can spread to other areas of the house. Rather than doing the work yourself, call in mold removal specialists to deal with it. These professionals can identify and correct the source immediately. First, they assess the damage by checking all rooms in the house. Hopefully, if still limited to the basement, they will seal the cracks in the foundation and any holes. If only the mold is removed, but the moisture is ignored, there is a high likelihood it will come back.
Moldy walls, studs, plumbing, and floors are all treated. The HVAC air filters and ducts would have to be replaced and insulated to prevent any future growth. The mold removal specialists can advise on any further action depending on the situation.
Call in the Experts Right Away
Mold cleaning is about prevention, so begin by limiting moisture from the basement. If you have a mold problem and would like to arrange an inspection of your crawlspaces or basement, contact Mold-B-Gone, your mold specialists in Atlanta. Call us today for a consultation and quote.
