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Is there something lurking in your home?
Mold Questions and Answers
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Certified Mold Inspection Services, LLC Certified Mold Remediation Services, LLC Environmental Mold Specialists |
| Tom Schultz (612) 597-5970 | certmold@msn.com |
Is There Something Lurking in Your Home?
National studies show that 50% of homes contain problem molds. Most homeowners mistakenly believe that if they do not see visible signs of mold growth, their homes are free of it. Mold is often a hidden threat.
Mold has become a big issue for two reasons. Health professionals have found that molds account for more and more health problems. New home construction requirements have minimized drafts, which in some cases causes moisture to accumulate, fostering mold growth and dry rot in the structure.
The young and the elderly are particularly susceptible. Researchers have linked a 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years to indoor mold exposure. The Mayo Clinic recently found immune system response to molds causes nearly 100% of chronic sinusitis problems. Other symptoms of mold exposure include fatigue, headaches, breathing problems, coughing, nasal problems, skin irritations, and thinking difficulties.
Active mold growth sometimes causes musty odors. If a home has experienced rain or other water leaks that were not completely dried within 48 hours, a mold issue can exist. (Wall and ceiling cavities typically remain damp for a long time after these events.) Excessive humidity from water intrusion, inadequate air circulation, or humidifiers also promotes mold growth.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that if you suspect a mold problem ACT QUICKLY. Do not touch, inhale, ingest, or get mold spores into your eyes. The EPA also recommends that if the total damage exceeds 10 square feet, use professional judgement in developing a remediation plan. Personal protective equipment, respirators, containment of the work area and filtered air exchange are called for.
A recommended way to determine if mold is affecting your health or damaging the structural integrity and value of your home is to consult a Certified Mold Inspector. Expect a visual inspection of the home exterior and interior, with special attention to typical problem areas. A qualified inspector will also take moisture readings using a “hidden moisture” meter to help locate mold growth. The collection of air and surface samples for mold spore identification can be valuable if health concerns are involved.
Unlike most of their competitors, Certified Mold Inspection Services, LLC and Certified Mold Remediation Services, LLC work ONLY on mold issues and perform all services related to suspected mold problems. This efficiency permits very competitive pricing and superior service to clients.
After Certified Mold Inspection Services conducts a thorough inspection, they consult with their client. If a mold problem is found, they collect all the information needed for Certified Mold Remediation Services to provide a prompt price estimate for repair. The remediators follow EPA guidelines to safely kill the mold and remove contaminated materials. They perform a final operation that most remediators do not; they apply a special treatment to the damaged area to inhibit future mold growth.
Air quality and surface testing for mold spores are also available as part of mold inspections and after remediation work is completed. A certified independent testing laboratory provides all test results.
The Certified companies provide mold-related services to owners, occupants, home inspectors, real estate professionals, builders, remodelers, property managers, and others. They are professionally certified and use the most current technology available. The staff is friendly and happy to answer questions. Call them today at 612-597-5970!
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Are all molds bad?
No. Molds are common and are part of our ecosystem. Many don't affect most people. Some are even used in the food business. Other molds can be very harmful to our health and homes.
What causes mold to grow?
Mold requires food and water. Cellulose in wood, wallboard, and wallpaper is a good food source. Moisture promotes growth.
Why am I hearing so much about mold problems lately?
The energy efficiency codes for building construction changed. This reduced air leaks and drafts, causing moisture from daily inside activities or water leaks from outside to accumulate. This promotes mold growth that can lead to structural damage.
Health authorities and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are making people aware that certain molds cause health problems.
The media has publicized industry activities that have resulted in the reduction or elimination of insurance coverage for mold-related claims in most states.
Should I be concerned?
Musty odors or recent water damage commonly alert occupants to the kilelihood of mold growth in a structure. If mold is growing, it's eating the structure or contents and spreading.
Nasal and repiratory conditions, eye and skin irritation, flu-like symtoms, fatigue, nausea, depression, and other health problems can be caused by exposure to mold at home or work.
I might have a problem. What should I do?
Refer to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for investigating, evaluating, and remediating moisture and mold problems.
If the affected area exceeds 10 square feet, the EPA recommends using professional equipment and procedures.
Why do anything?
Suspect mold growth if water leaks or musty odors have occured.
Home buyers and mortgage lenders are frequently demanding home inspections and are conscious of mold problems. It will be more costly to repair the damage if mold spreads.
Health hazards may develop or already exist.
Who should I call for help?
It's wise to call a Certified Mold Specialist. Call us! Make one phone call to get rid of these headaches and the mold!
Once you call us, we go to work right away to evaluate the situation.
We determine if a mold problem exists. Hopefully, it doesn't. We quickly provide a report and a consultation with our client. Our findings are kept confidential.
If a problem is found, we will have the information on hand to provide an immediate price estimate for the remediation work. Upon approval of the quotation, remediation work will begin and finish in as little time as possible.
If you wish, we will also coordinate with a licensed contractor to begin any necessary repairs to the structure upon completion of the mold project.
In the end, the project is completed promptly and we eliminate your concerns. What could be better?
Mold Questions and Answers
Are all molds bad?
No. Molds are common and are part of our ecosystem. Many don't affect most people. Some are even used in the food business. Other molds can be very harmful to our health and homes.
What causes mold to grow?
Mold requires food and water. Cellulose in wood, wallboard, and wallpaper is a good food source. Moisture promotes growth.
Why am I hearing so much about mold problems lately?
The energy efficiency codes for building construction changed. This reduced air leaks and drafts, causing moisture from daily inside activities or water leaks from outside to accumulate. This promotes mold growth that can lead to structural damage.
Health authorities and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are making people aware that certain molds cause health problems.
The media has publicized industry activities that have resulted in the reduction or elimination of insurance coverage for mold-related claims in most states.
Should I be concerned?
Musty odors or recent water damage commonly alert occupants to the kilelihood of mold growth in a structure. If mold is growing, it's eating the structure or contents and spreading.
Nasal and repiratory conditions, eye and skin irritation, flu-like symtoms, fatigue, nausea, depression, and other health problems can be caused by exposure to mold at home or work.
I might have a problem. What should I do?
Refer to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for investigating, evaluating, and remediating moisture and mold problems.
If the affected area exceeds 10 square feet, the EPA recommends using professional equipment and procedures.
Why do anything?
Suspect mold growth if water leaks or musty odors have occured.
Home buyers and mortgage lenders are frequently demanding home inspections and are conscious of mold problems. It will be more costly to repair the damage if mold spreads.
Health hazards may develop or already exist.
Who should I call for help?
It's wise to call a Certified Mold Specialist. Call us! Make one phone call to get rid of these headaches and the mold!
Once you call us, we go to work right away to evaluate the situation.
We determine if a mold problem exists. Hopefully, it doesn't. We quickly provide a report and a consultation with our client. Our findings are kept confidential.
If a problem is found, we will have the information on hand to provide an immediate price estimate for the remediation work. Upon approval of the quotation, remediation work will begin and finish in as little time as possible.
If you wish, we will also coordinate with a licensed contractor to begin any necessary repairs to the structure upon completion of the mold project.
In the end, the project is completed promptly and we eliminate your concerns. What could be better?