If you’re home or business needs Utah mold remediation fast, here’s what you can expect when tackling this issue in the Beehive State.
Utah’s stunning landscape and seasonal climate make it a desirable place to live, but its status as one of the driest states in the country doesn’t make it immune to mold and mildew issues. Mold thrives in damp or poorly ventilated areas, which can occur anywhere worldwide.
If you’re currently facing a mold problem in your Utah home, stay tuned for everything you need about mold removal and remediation.
What Is Mold?
Mold is part of the fungi family and is an organism that can grow indoors or outdoors. Mold is a crucial part of the ecosystem when it exists outside in nature. The fungi family helps break down dead, organic plant and animal matter. On the other hand, indoor mold growth is unwelcome because it can be a hazard, causing allergies or infection.
Mold Categories
While there are over 100,000 different species of mold, the more common indoor molds you might encounter can be classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.
- A mold removal company can remove allergenic molds, but they can often be eradicated using HEPA filters or home disinfectant.
- Pathogenic molds are more problematic and often warrant a professional. Home disinfectants can control small amounts.
- Toxic molds are the most hazardous and require a professional to kill and remediate the area.
Identifying Mold in Your Home
There are several red flags to anticipate when searching for mold in your home. Here are some common places mold tends to grow and how to identify the problem:
1. Visual– Look for discoloration, staining, or fuzzy patches on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors. Also, look out for any puddles of standing water or leaky pipes.
2. Smell– Mold usually emits a musty, earthy odor. A persistent, unpleasant smell could point to a mold issue.
3. Test kits– Home mold test kits are on the market and can help identify the amount of mold in the air or on surfaces. However, they don’t always produce accurate results, so we recommend professional testing.
4. Check typical mold hotspots– Check areas where moisture is more likely to accumulate, like the bathroom, laundry room, crawl spaces, basement, kitchens, attics, and around windows and doors.
5. Health issues– If you or anyone else in your home suddenly suffers from allergies, respiratory issues, or another unexplained ailment, mold could be the source of the problem.
Hiring a Utah Mold Remediation Professional
Everyone’s first instinct when they find mold is to remove it immediately, but hold your horses for just a moment because mold removal is best left to the professionals. Since mold remediation is a specialized process, expertise is required to remove the problem safely.
Here’s what to expect when working with a Utah mold remediation professional:
- Inspection
The first step for a mold removal specialist is a thorough inspection of the issue. Professionals will survey the affected areas and identify the type of mold present. They will also determine the extent of the contamination and tailor a plan to move forward.
- Containment
Containment is the next crucial step in mold remediation. Any reputable mold removal company will seal off the affected area to prevent mold spores spread to other areas. Containment usually happens by applying a plastic sheet to create a negative air pressure environment. This will help ensure you don’t end up with an even more significant concern on your hands.
- Mold Removal
Now that the area is safely contained, it’s time for the actual mold removal process to begin. This involves carefully removing any contaminated materials, such as drywall, insulation, carpeting, and any other porous materials that cannot be effectively decontaminated.
Next, experts will clean and decontaminate all non-porous surfaces. A thorough scrubbing and sanding might be necessary to remove stubborn mold growth.
Finally, professionals will use dust suppression techniques to minimize the spread and release of mold spores. Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, dried, and dehumidified, it can be restored and tested.
- Restoration
Now that your space has been ripped apart, it’s time to rebuild the area. The restoration process involves restoring your home to its pre-mold condition. Drywall, insulation, and any other previously removed materials will be replaced. These new materials will help restore your home to its mold-free state.
- Testing
Post-remediation testing is critical to ensure that the mold problem has been effectively addressed. Professionals use a few techniques to determine the presence of mold in a home.
- Visual inspection- Visible signs of a mold problem include broken pipes/sinks/etc., spots with a history of leaks or flooding, and any areas with musty odors. This visual inspection should be straightforward after removal has taken place.
- Mold sampling- Once the mold is removed, it’s taken to a lab to determine the type of mold and its toxicity level. Air sampling is the most common approach professionals take. The amount of mold spores found indoors is compared to the air outside.
- Clearance testing- This final testing phase determines the removal efforts’ success. If all is well, it assures the area is safe to occupy again.
Insurance Coverage for Mold Remediation
Mold remediation coverage is not guaranteed through homeowner’s insurance. In cases of a burst pipe, your insurance might cover all or part of the damages. Each policy is different, so read it thoroughly to understand what is and isn’t covered. Take note that insurance will not cover mold removal services if the mold is the result of failure to maintain your property.
Tips for Mold Prevention in Utah
Here are several tips you can use in your resolve to keep a mold-free living space:
- Inspect your appliances- All your water-using appliances carry a potential risk for mold growth. The warm water and moist circumstances are prime real estate for mold to blossom. Mold growing inside of appliances is a fairly common problem that’s pretty straightforward to address. A dash of bleach mixed with warm water is often all that’s needed to kill the growth. Scrub the area down with a bristle brush or coarse cleaning rag; you’re good to go!
- Check out all water sources- Just like your appliances, any area that accumulates water is a potential breeding ground for pesky mold growth. Sink, bathtubs, showers, and toilets are often victims of this. Be sure to clean these areas weekly to prevent mold growth in your kitchen and bathrooms.
And don’t forget the floors! Floor mats that soak up bathtubs and shower water can house mold without warning. Toss them in the washer weekly to keep them free from mold issues. - Throw out old food- Everyone is familiar with the look and smell of moldy food. Since mold primarily breaks down organic material, food is usually the first to go. Mold can grow in the pantry, refrigerator, or out on the countertop, so check and rotate items frequently. It’s a good rule of thumb to wipe down your pantry and fridge shelves weekly to prevent mold growth from spills.
- Swap out your air filters- Air filters should be changed roughly every month. These porous filters help keep your house free from dust and pollutants, but they can get nasty fast if you’re not careful. Moldy ventilation isn’t a huge problem in Utah, but it’s still something to flag as a homeowner. As mold grows in vents, it can release toxic spores into many areas of your home.
- Scan for leaks- As you know by now, water is mold’s best friend. Regularly examine your property for any pipe leaks and standing water. Mold growth tends to accelerate once the walls or floors are affected.
- Examine your windows- Window tracks are another place mold tends to sneak up on. A quick scrub with a bristle brush and cleaning solution can help keep your window tracks sparkling.
Call Black Diamond Restoration for Utah Mold Remediation Today
Black Diamond Restoration is a leader in the Utah mold remediation industry. You can trust our mold removal company to get the job done right. We offer comprehensive, professional services to homeowners and businesses alike. We use state-of-the-art equipment, and our trained technicians are committed to providing you with excellent customer service.
Black Diamond Restoration is a leader in the mold remediation industry. We pride ourselves on being fast, effective, and reliable in everything we do. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’ve spotted or suspect mold growing in your home.Contact us at 801.316.8997, or visit our website to learn more today! We’re located in Murray, Utah, and serve the surrounding areas of Salt Lake and Utah Valley. Let Black Diamond Restoration restore your home today.
