Frequently Asked Questions About Mold Damage & Mold Removal

HomeFrequently Asked Questions About Mold Damage & Mold Removal

At Restoration First Services we know that home and business owners are not experts in mold damage nor mold removal. Identifying, testing, confirming and remediating mold is done by certified mold damage experts who have had years of training and experience. There are still questions many property owners have about mold damage in Kissimmee and it is important to have a basic understanding of mold and the damage it causes.

How can I tell if I have a mold problem?

Although all homes have mold spores in them, larger patches of mold growth have the potential to cause health issues and structural damage. Scheduling a mold assessment with a professional mold inspection company is the certified way to know if there is a mold problem in a home. Mold remediation professionals can perform assessments that will include uncovering whether previous water damage occurred or a visual inspection of the mold. However, assessments are always recommended to test for elevated levels of mold.

Am I exposed to mold?

If there is mold growing in your home, you can be exposed to it. Cleaning or performing a self-inspection can expose someone to mold more easily as this will disturb the mold. When mold is disturbed, it releases spores into the indoor air that you breathe. Other forms of exposure include touching the mold itself or moldy items, eating moldy food and hand-to-mouth contact.

How does mold affect our health?

Mold-sensitive individuals may exhibit allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, itchy eyes, wheezing, and skin irritation. Mold exposure can also trigger asthmatic symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Mold can also cause irritant reactions, which are similar to those of an allergic reaction.

Though mold has the potential to cause a reaction, there is no guarantee every person around or exposed to mold will have a reaction. Only an allergist or medical profession can help determine if someone is allergic or having adverse health effects to mold. It is still important to consider mold removal if you suspect mold regardless of any effects on your health.

Where does mold grow in homes?

Mold commonly grows in areas that are prone to moisture, such as the basement and bathroom. However, mold can also grow in hidden areas of the home, such as behind walls, under the floor, in the air conditioning system, in the crawl space or in the attic. Any area in a home or business that has the proper environment for mold to colonize, moisture and organic material, can have mold growth and mold damage.

How can I prevent mold?

Preventing mold requires fixing moisture problems in your home. Repair leaks in the walls, roof, gutters, and plumbing pipes as soon as problem is noticed. According to EPA recommendations on preventing mold, keep humidity between 30-50% by using a dehumidifier and make sure to ventilate appliances that generate moisture and keep the gutter system clean. If water damage like a flood or leak occurs, seek immediate water extraction and drying help. Moisture is one of the main catalysts in mold damage occurring.

Who can test my home or clean, fix and remediate my home for mold?

Mold removal professionals like Restoration First Services, are certified to provide remediation for mold damage. Mold remediation is an extensive process that requires specialty equipment, protection gear, and containments that will effectively clean mold and neutralize a property’s indoor air quality. Restoration First Services team is also trained and certified in providing the restoration and reconstruction of property’s that have had mold damage. This can include drywall repair, structural repair, or contents cleaning and restoration.