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Mold Removal San Mateo CA can be one of the most difficult maintenance tasks. Not only do you have to deal with toxic mold growth; you also need to clean all the contaminated areas thoroughly and possibly repaint the home. It's very important to deal with mold removal as quickly as possible, because if left unattended, mold spores easily travel from one area of the house to another. Mold can be present in any home at any time, although it tends to grow best where there is moisture; damp areas such as basements and attics are prime locations for mold growth. In fact, mold is an essential part of nature and plays an active role in environmental ecosystems by breaking down decaying organic material including fallen trees and dead leaves; it is also present in foods, such as bread and produce, as it helps to speed up the composting process.
What exactly is mold? Molds grow naturally in many places in nature. Typically, a colony of fungi will form in damp, dark areas such as attics and crawl spaces where there are food and moisture. When the conditions are right, a mold fungus (also called mycotoxins) develops and begins to multiply, spreading throughout the colony and decimating the food supply and habitat. Mold removal is often confused with remediation, but the two processes are often very different.
Mold removal is generally recommended to individuals who suspect that they have been exposed to a hazardous substance. Mold remediation is generally performed by a certified mold specialist who uses special mold killing chemicals to kill or sterilize the infected areas. Mold remediation can cause serious health problems if not addressed promptly, so it's best to leave it to the professionals. Mold removal is typically cheaper than mold remediation, but it may be more difficult to perform. Before deciding if you need either process, you should consult with a mold professional.
There are several differences between the two processes. The most obvious difference is the scope of work involved in each. Mold removal is usually necessary to address only visible mold, whereas mold remediation requires removal of the actual fungus, along with any contaminated soil or building materials that have been infected. For example, if an infected home is being demolished to make way for a new construction project, mold removal can be undertaken to eliminate the contaminated materials from the structure's structural lumber. Mold remediation, on the other hand, involves removing and replacing damaged materials, ensuring the safety of people working in the area, and addressing potential contamination of other areas of the home.
The methods of mold removal and mold remediation differ primarily based on the type of fungus involved. For example, dry mold removal involves washing the area with water and disinfecting the surface. Fungal contamination can also be removed using bleach, mechanical grade sheets of plastic, or a fungus expander. The extent of visible mold growth is an important factor in the decision to undertake mold removal or remediation. For example, it would be too risky to remove and replace wood floorboards if they are completely covered in black mold because it would be impossible to identify the source of the contamination.
Mold removal specialists use specialized equipment to perform their work. Mold experts use vacuum cleaners with particulate air filters to remove spores from carpet and upholstery, and to suck them up from inside walls and crawlspaces. In cases of contaminated soil or building materials, specialized extraction devices are used to suck up contaminants and dust. If there are exposed nerve endings on mold fingers, specialized vacuums are used to dislodge them and make them reusable.
If you suspect a hidden mold problem, you should contact a mold specialist as soon as possible. Mold removal is a serious matter and doing it without getting proper advice could cost you a lot of money and time. Mold can often spread behind drywall or damaged drywall areas. It is much better to ask for help from a mold expert instead of trying to do drywall by yourself - even if you think you know how to remove drywall yourself!
Mold specialists will know how to spot hidden or recurring mold growths and can tell you if the moisture levels in your home are getting out of control. They will also be able to advise you about how to prevent future outbreaks of mold. They may be able to get rid of black mold in your home permanently just by addressing the moisture issues that are creating the problem. You might even find that you don't need to have a mold problem removed at all, that you're actually doing your house a favor by keeping your humidity level regulated.