Updated: March 12, 2024
As you read this article, you’ll learn what mold remediation is and who to call for professional services:
Mold remediation removes mold safely while minimizing health hazards and spore dispersal.
The mold remediation process begins with an inspection to understand the full extent of the damage.
Mold removal costs depend on where the mold is, how much there is, and what equipment is necessary to complete the job.
When homeowners in north Indianapolis, IN, discover they have mold, how can they get rid of it? The answer is mold remediation. However, this isn’t something you should attempt yourself — you should always call a professional.
What Is Mold Remediation?
Mold remediation is a complex process that must be done with care. It’s not enough to simply remove the visible mold — the full extent of the mold may be initially hidden in walls, under floorboards, and inside ceilings. Additionally, mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which means removing mold can actually cause it to spread if you don’t take the right precautions.
To ensure all the mold is removed, professionals follow a checklist. The entire process can take a few days.
1. Inspection
The first step is to understand the true extent of the damage. To do so, a technician visually inspects the space and takes air samples. Professionals may also use equipment to detect moisture hidden in walls and floors to pinpoint the initial mold source.
2. Address Root Issue
Mold needs moisture to grow, which means if you have mold, you probably have a leak. Finding the source is essential, as the mold will come back if the root cause isn’t fixed.
3. Prepare Area
Next, the experts isolate the area by sealing entryways and windows with polythene sheets. Sealing ensures that any spores released into the air during remediation don’t disperse into the rest of the building.
4. Remove Mold
Finally, mold removal can begin. During this process, technicians cut away parts of walls and other structures with extensive mold. When the process is finished, they’ll repair these areas to look as good as new.
5. Clean
Non-porous areas can be scrubbed with wire brushes to remove the mold. Technicians may also use HEPA vacuums, detergents, and mops.
6. Second Inspection
Once the mold is removed, the technicians do a second inspection to ensure nothing was missed. If everything is clear, they can move on to the last step.
7. Dry
Since moisture is the cause of mold, it’s critical to dry an area undergoing mold remediation. Porous materials such as drywall have to air dry, but experts use several techniques to speed the process:
Raising room temperature
Using dehumidifiers
Running industrial fans
What Are Some Signs You Have Mold?
So, how can you tell if you need mold removal services? Here are a few of the most common signs.
Musty Odor
Do you notice a musty odor that won’t go away? You may have mold.
Mold is well-known for its odor, which can be distributed throughout your home or business by air conditioning. If you’ve tried airing out your house and changing your filters, but the odor persists, don’t just rely on air fresheners — get a mold inspection.
Dark Spots
Is there discoloration on your ceiling? Is it growing over time? If you answered “yes” to both questions, it’s probably mold.
Not all mold is visible, but it appears as dark brown or black spots when it is. If you can see mold growing, you probably have a bigger problem under the surface.
Peeling Wallpaper
Moisture weakens glue, which means wallpaper peels if moisture levels are too high. If you have high levels of moisture, you probably also have mold. If your walls are painted, you may see cracked paint as well.
Why Is Mold Remediation Necessary?
Mold remediation isn’t a small project — depending on the size of the affected area, it can take large equipment and several technicians to handle. During the process, you also won’t have use of the space. Understandably, it can be disruptive to business or home life. So, is it really necessary to remove mold, or is it something you can live with?
Unfortunately, mold is a serious issue. Failing to remove it promptly can lead to worse problems.
Mold Can Affect Your Health
When you inhale mold spores, it can affect your respiratory system. People with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues are even more intensely affected. Many people living or working around mold feel they have a perpetual cold that doesn’t go away no matter what they try.
Mold Can Ruin Your Furniture
Mold spores can settle anywhere, and if the surface is porous, they can even grow inside the object. Upholstered furniture is especially vulnerable and nearly impossible to completely clean, which means if your couch gets moldy, you’ll have to throw it out.
How Much Does Mold Removal Cost?
The cost of mold remediation services varies — it can run between a few hundred and tens of thousands of dollars. It all depends on how extensive the damage is and how easy it is to reach the mold.
Square Footage
The larger the affected area, the more time and energy it’ll take to remove the mold. As a result, the cost will be higher.
Equipment
The bigger the job, the more equipment is necessary to get it done. For example, more fans and dehumidifiers are used for large, open spaces that need drying.
Space Type
The most significant factor is what type of space needs remediation. If it’s structural or difficult to reach, it will cost more since it requires more time and effort.
Why Hire a Professional for Mold Remediation?
So, can you tackle mold removal yourself? While you may be tempted to handle a small bit of mold on your own, you may not have the whole picture. Without a thorough inspection, you can’t know how much mold there actually is.
Additionally, professionals are better equipped to handle remediation safely. If you try to remove mold on your own, you may make the problem worse.
Better Equipment
Mold removal experts have equipment specifically designed to detect and safely remove mold. This specialized equipment can be expensive and may not be available to those outside the industry.
Expert Techniques
Mold remediation experts are trained to identify and remove mold. That means a lower chance of something being missed and mold coming back.
What Should You Look for in a Mold Remediation Company?
Many mold remediation companies are in North Indianapolis, IN, so how do you know which one to call? It all comes down to customer service and excellent results.
From the moment you call a company, they should deliver top-tier service. That means polite representatives who take the time to understand your situation. When you have questions, the technicians should be happy to answer.
Steamatic of North Indianapolis is proud to help property owners in north Indianapolis, IN, keep their homes and businesses free of mold. We’re dedicated to offering top-notch service and exceptional results. To learn more or request an estimate, give us a call at 1-888-STEAMATIC or contact us online.
Featured Image: Fevziie/Shutterstock
