Is Mold A Concern During Renovations?

Is Mold A Concern During Renovations?

by | Oct 6, 2015 | Air Conditioning, Basement Mold, Bleach and Mold, Health, Indoor Air Quality, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Mold Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Risk During Renovation, Questions and Answers

Be Aware of Mold During Any Renovation Project!

Be Aware of Mold During Any Renovation Project!

Be Aware of Mold During Any Renovation Project!

In her blog, Blindsided By Mold: A True Story About A Bathroom Renovation Gone Bad—So Very, Very Bad, Trish Holder documented her battle with mold that resulted directly from a bathroom renovation project. As opposed to hiring a contractor with experience and a solid understanding of the potential risks caused by mold, she chose to hire her friend, who was a contractor.

The contractor renovated her bathroom, but did not install the shower liner and tile properly. The end result was moisture intrusion that led to a significant mold infestation that took two months and resulted in 10s of thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Trish was lucky because the contractor took full responsibility for the problem and paid for all the mold removal and reconstruction. This is a best case scenario!

But what if the contractor you hired caused the mold problem and did not pay to fix it? Then what?

The key to avoiding this type of problem is to do your due diligence when you hire a contractor. Get references, check their BBB record, find out how much experience they have, talk to other home owners who used their services, etc. Do your homework. In other words, don’t just hire the cheapest option, but the best option that can help you avoid a potential moldy nightmare!

The best option when hiring a contractor is to work with a company that has prior experience with mold testing, mold removal, and IAQ testing because they know how to prevent mold from spreading. There are many contractors, like Mold B Gone, that not only specialize in mold, but also reconstruction and renovations.

The remainder of this article will answer these three questions:

  1. Why could I have mold in my home?
  2. What should I do if I find mold during the renovation project?
  3. What can I do to prevent future mold problems?

Why Could I Have Mold In My Home?

According to some experts, mold is present in up to 60% of the homes in the United States.

For this reason, D.S. Berenson, an attorney with the Washington firm Johanson Berenson, stated the following:

“Mold should be treated by contractors with respect. It’s not a fire drill or a joke. The situation is no different than when a contractor encounters some other variable (asbestos, radon, lead paint) that he isn’t equipped to handle.”

The key ingredient mold needs to grow and thrive is moisture.

Unfortunately, there are ample sources of moisture in a home that could be caused by water damage from leaky pipes, a leaky roof, shower walls with cracks, foundations that allow moisture intrusion, excessive humidity of 70%, past flooding issues, etc.

People have this mis-conception that mold is only found in old homes. However, this is not true.

A disturbing trend is the fact that mold is often found in newer homes. The prevalence of mold in newer homes is directly related to the trend towards building energy efficient homes, which prevents drafts and cross-ventilation. Sealing homes tight with vapor barriers, traps moisture. The other problem is builders tend to use cheaper materials to build homes, opting for OSB, which acts like a sponge when it gets wet, contributing to mold growth.

Since mold could be in 6 out of 10 homes, if you are considering a renovation or remodeling project, then it is very important that you understand what to do if you find mold…

What Should I Do If I Find Mold During The Renovation Project?

Many Do It Yourselfers that take on home renovation projects like interior painting, kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, floor replacement, and window replacement, rarely understand the risks of mold. Even if they do, they may not know how to ensure that the mold contamination is prevented from spreading throughout the home.

The biggest risk you encounter by doing the renovation yourself or hiring an inexperienced contractor is cross contamination, meaning the spores spread throughout the home. You need to contain the area where you find mold to prevent this from happening. Most importantly, prevent the spores from entering your HVAC system, to prevent contamination of the duct system, spreading spores into every area of the home.

With this in mind, if you find mold during the tear down process of drywall, removal of carpet or flooring, and/or during the removal of bathroom fixtures such as the tub, shower liner, etc. your first priority is to determine the extent of the problem. If you are not sure how to do this, call a professional mold inspector.

Before you do anything, determine what the underlying moisture issue is because mold only grows when there is moisture present. Further renovations and reconstruction should only commence once the underlying cause of the moisture problem, i.e. the moisture source is identified and fixed. Failure to do this will result in future costly headaches if this step is not taken.

For mold problems under 50 square feet, like a few patches on a wall, then you can likely manage the mold problem yourself.

If you are seriously considering removing the mold yourself, contact a professional for an educated assessment and further advice on how to proceed.

It is worth getting a formal mold inspection and/or air quality test on your home before you decide to remove any mold yourself. It is better to be cautious, particularly when you are dealing with mold because exposure can cause health issues.

If you decide to remove the mold yourself make sure you keep these tips in mind:

  1. Prevent cross contamination by setting up a containment, using poly you can get from your local hardware store. Also, be sure to close off any vents in the area of mold removal.
  2. Understand that mold can be toxic, so be safe. Wear protective googles, rubber gloves, a dust mask, and protective clothing, preferably a tyvek suit.
  3. Don’t just spray the mold contaminated materials with bleach, praying your mold problem will go away. Bleach is not effective on porous materials, so it is best to throw out contaminated ceiling tiles, carpet, underpad, drywall, etc. Double bag and dispose of mold contaminated materials properly.
  4. Mold contamination on non-porous materials can be scrubbed or brushed off. You may also find some biocides and fungicides at your local hardware store or online that could be effective.
  5. To prevent mold spores from becoming airborne use a HEPA vacuum.

If you encounter mold, under no circumstances should you ignore it. Address your mold problem to prevent:

  1. Your property value from declining. Understand that as long as the conditions are present for mold growth, it will thrive and grow. Mold is like a parasite or cancer and will continue to feed on your home, causing wood to rot, and future structural integrity issues.
  2. Health issues. There is a growing body of research and literature pointing to the fact that mold causes health problems, like asthma and chronic sinusitis. Mold is a particular concern for mold sensitized individuals that have the genetic predisposition to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

What Can I Do To Prevent Future Mold Problems?

To prevent future mold issues here are 10 tips:

  1. To prevent moisture intrusion, fix cracked foundations, damaged roofs, warped window panes and/or eroding tile grout.
  2. Ensure vapour barriers and insulation are in good condition and properly placed.
  3. If there is a moisture event such as a flood or major leak, dry the materials as soon as possible. To prevent mold growth, wet materials need to be dried or removed within 24 to 48 hours.
  4. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer. Humidity levels should be maintained between 30 percent to 50 percent.
  5. Reduce indoor mold spore counts with cross-ventilation by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air in.
  6. Properly seal windows, insulate cold water pipes and air conditioning vents to prevent condensation-related moisture issues.
  7. Clean and repair eaves troughs and downspouts regularly so that water flows away from the foundation of your home.
  8. If your home or basement has excessive humidity, use a dehumidifier, and consider water proofing your basement, particularly if it is susceptible to moisture intrusion.
  9. Use your senses to monitor areas of your home that are most likely to develop mold: bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics. Visual clues likes surface discoloration and musty, earthy smells are clues that you may have mold growing in these areas.
  10. When cooking or showering turn on the kitchen and bathroom fans to prevent excess moisture, humidity and condensation issues. Ideally run the fans for 30 to 60 minutes.

Questions? We are mold inspection, detection, and removal experts. Call us, 678-697-6267, or contact us via e-mail. We look forward to serving you! 🙂

Is #Mold A Concern During Renovations?: Home improvement is an American tradition. But, did you know that 6 out of 10…

Posted by Mold-B-Gone Remediation, LLC on Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Are Dead Mold Spores Harmful?

Are Dead Mold Spores Harmful?

by | Oct 1, 2015 | Bleach and Mold, Health, Indoor Air Quality, Killing Mold, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Questions and Answers

YES, Dead Mold Spores Are Harmful!

YES, Dead Mold Spores Are Harmful!

YES, Dead Mold Spores Are Harmful!

“Dead mold spores are just as harmful as live spores.” (Johnny Wells, Mold B Gone)

One of the problems with the mold remediation industry is the lack of regulation. Because of this, there are many contractors that believe they can offer mold removal services without the proper training or experience.

This is particularly true when you encounter mold removal contractors that recommend that mold can be simply killed. The problem with this approach is that it is not a permanent solution to a mold problem. In short, there is no “quick fix” for mold contamination situations. As a consumer, you need to be cautious about hiring contractors that offer magical solutions that involve just spraying a chemical to kill the mold dead.

As stated by Michael Pinto, CEO of Wonder Makers Environmental:

“Killing mold, but leaving the residue in place, is not acceptable. Since many health impacts can be triggered by exposure to both live and dead mold spores, the source and secondary contamination must be removed.” (MOLD INDOORS: Killing it is Not Enough)

Mold 101: The Basics

  1. Mold thrives when moisture is present. Removing mold without addressing the cause of the problem, ie. identifying the moisture source is not a long term solution. Before any mold removal, the moisture problem must first be found and fixed.
  2. Exposure to mold spores, both live and dead, and their byproducts like microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), mycotoxins, connecting filaments, etc. can cause illnesses ranging from minor allergic reactions, respiratory problems like asthma and sinusitis, to more serious, life threatening illnesses.
  3. With respect to health, every individual responds to mold differently. Some people get sick, others don’t. A little bit of mold can make some residents of a property sick, but will not have an impact on others. Research has shown that 25% of the population have a genetic predisposition to mold illness and the condition known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
  4. Mold is a biological agent that will continue to grow as long as the right conditions exist. This is the reason that mold is such a concern because it will continue to thrive and grow unless it is removed and the underlying moisture cause is fixed. In short, ignoring a mold problem will make the situation worse and pose more dangers.
  5. Contractors trained in mold removal, refer to the process as “remediation” because they have invested in specialized training and equipment and take precautions to prevent the spread of the mold in other parts of the building. Mold remediation specialists will never recommend a “quick fix” because they understand that relying on mold sprays, bleach, biocides, and fungicides are an ineffective “short cut” to mold removal.

The Bleach Myth!

“Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of bleach when proposed as a cleaner or sanitizing agent is that its effectiveness is greatly reduced in the presence of organic material. To be a successful sanitizer, bleach must be used on clean materials and surfaces. This is why bleach products are used in the laundry after the wash cycle or in a commercial kitchen as a component in the third sink after the dishes have been washed and rinsed. The efficacy of bleach as a sanitizer is also compromised by heat and light. Despite the fact that the chlorine odor may linger for some time after use, bleach loses strength so quickly that it is not considered to have a residual effect that would prevent future bacterial or fungal growth.” (Michael Pinto, Why Restoration Professionals Should Avoid Using Bleach)

One of the benefits of the Internet is it allows anyone to search for a topic of interest and find the information they are looking for.

Unfortunately, with respect to mold removal, the bleach myth is perpetuated on the Internet on countless websites.

Bleach may have some impact on non-porous materials, like bathroom tiles, but bleach is completely ineffective on porous materials:

“If you spray bleach all over your “black toxic mold” you won’t kill every single spore….To kill every single mold spore using bleach, for example, you’d have to use such a high concentration of disinfectant and you’d have to keep it on the surface for so long that more likely you’d damage the structure – and still miss some toxic spores.” (How to Kill Mold – Do We Want to? Is Dead Mold Dangerous?)

Other reasons we do not recommend the use of bleach:

  1. Bleach does not address the cause of the mold problem!
  2. Bleach is dangerous!
  3. Bleach evaporates!

Bleach Does Not Address The Cause Of The Mold Problem!

Experienced mold removal specialists understand that the most effective way to deal with mold is to first find the moisture source and make sure it is fixed.

The next step is to remove the mold contaminated porous materials.

Proper removal of mold contaminated materials like drywall, carpet, soft goods, insulation, and other porous materials is essential because mold has hyphae, which are basically roots that embed themselves in the material.

This is the reason that bleach does not work. Bleach may kill some of the surface mold, but it will not be able to penetrate and kill the roots.

The other reason bleach is a problem is that it is diluted with water. Spraying this is counter-productive because water is an essential ingredient mold needs to grow.

Keep in mind, even if another biocide or fungicide is sprayed on the material, killing the roots, the material will still be contaminated with dead spores. The best course of action to permanently deal with a mold problem on porous materials is to properly dispose of the contaminated material.

Bleach Is Dangerous!

When you are using bleach you should always wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator for three key reasons.

  1. Bleach is a corrosive that could irritate and damage your skin.
  2. During the spraying and evaporation process, bleach releases chlorine gas that will impact the eyes and respiratory system.
  3. One of the by-products of chlorine bleach are dioxins, linked to cancer.

If you intend to use bleach for household cleaning projects, never mix it with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes will be produced.

Bleach Evaporates!

The core ingredient of bleach is chlorine. Over time, chlorine can evaporate and escape through the plastic container. In short, the longer bleach sits, the more ineffective it will become because the chlorine dissipates.

Final Thoughts: Killing Mold Is Not The Answer!

“Even if in theory we could “kill” every spore, the assumption that they are unimportant is highly questionable. “Dead” spores often contain allergens or toxins that are just as harmful to someone breathing them or getting such mold in one’s eye or in a cut, as before….The object is not to “kill” mold, it is – to remove the mold reservoir in the building by physical cleaning or in cases of items that can’t be cleaned, such as drywall, soft goods, carpets, furniture, or insulation, remove the moldy material – to identify the cause and make sure that’s been corrected.” (How to Kill Mold – Do We Want to? Is Dead Mold Dangerous?)

The core reason Mold B Gone offers a 5 year or a 25 year guarantee on our mold remediation services: we understand that killing mold is not a long term solution to your mold problem.

We also understand that chemicals, like bleach, will not work because of our training and experience.

Because of our mechanical engineering background, we know how to inspect the structural integrity of your home or business while performing inspections or remediation.

We know where to look for mold and most importantly how to prevent future mold from recurring because we understand that the core cause of mold is moisture.

We are able to offer such a substantial guarantee on our services because our founder, Johnny Wells, has a chemical engineering background. This education has led to the formation of a successful chemical company, Citri Fresh, that uses all natural ingredients to prevent future mold growth using products such as Mold Zap, Mold Shield, and Mold-B-Gone.

If you have a mold problem, contact Mold B Gone. We are experts at IAQ testing, identifying the moisture source causing the mold, removing the mold, and most importantly, preventing future mold growth using our proprietary chemical line.

Questions? Call 678-697-6267, send us an e-mail, or contact us on FaceBook! We look forward to serving you. 🙂

Are Dead #Mold Spores Harmful?: Mold sprays, bleach, biocides, and fungicides are an ineffective “short cut” to mold removal. Killing mold is not the answer! This article explains why.

Posted by Mold-B-Gone Remediation, LLC on Thursday, October 1, 2015