Mold Remediation Restoration

FAQs

What is mold remediation? Mold remediation is the process of cleaning removing and restoring a structure that is damaged by mold. The process involves setting up environmental controls to prevent contamination of unaffected areas, physically removing damaged materials and mold growth, thoroughly cleaning affected areas with HEPA vacuums and EPA registered products, and encapsulating any affected porous structure materials.

How does mold grow?

Mold spores require moisture within the air or wet surfaces to grow and reproduce. For instance, flooding, leaky pipes, and condensation on windows can be mold sources. Excess moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are also prime areas for mold growth.

Porous Surfaces

Mold spores need food in order to grow. Wood, drywall, paint, and other building materials are all surfaces derived from organic compounds. The most dangerous materials that produce mold growth have porous surfaces such as drywall, wood, furniture, stuffed animals, soft goods, etc.

Optimum Temperatures

Mold spores can grow in temperatures 32-120°F. Temperatures between 70-90°F are the most conducive for mold growth. The chances of mold growth increase greatly with humidity. It is also possible for mold to exist in temperatures below freezing. Mold spores do not die when temperatures drop below 32°F. Spores lay dormant until temperatures increase. In a dormant, or inactive stage, mold spores may still be an allergen.

What causes mold?

Mold spores are found in high concentrations wherever there are organic material and high levels of moisture together. Mold spores enter buildings through the air or on people, animals, and objects that are brought into the building. Moisture control and air filtration is the key to controlling mold within interior spaces.

What does mold smell like?

Another sign of hidden mold is a musty or earthy odor. If the smell is stronger in some rooms than others, the mold is likely growing near or within that area. If the odor gets worse when the air conditioning or heat is on, then there may be mold within the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system(s). It is always best to contact a mold specialist to evaluate the situation.

How will I know there is mold in my home or business if I cannot see it?

Mold in your home or workplace can cause serious health issues resulting in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sinus problems, headaches, coughing, sore throat, skin rashes and/or burning watery eyes. Often times, people do not realize these symptoms are caused by mold within their living or work environment because the symptoms can be easily mistaken for a cold or allergies. Signs of a mold issue may show themselves when your symptoms decrease as you are away from the source being your home or workplace. Another sign is when multiple people within the environment suffer from the same symptoms.

How can I identify mold in my home or business?

Sometimes you will see mold without even realizing it exists. Homes often have mold growing on the grout between tiles in a bathroom or on caulk around a toilet and bathtub. Small amounts of mold is proof that there is enough moisture for mold to grow. It can also mean there is more mold in the area. For example, mold hidden behind a wall eventually grows through becoming visible on the outside surface. Spots of discoloration, usually with a black, blue or green appearance on a wall or other surfaces is evidence of mold growth.

If you see something that you think may be mold, call (218) 628-6101 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. Dryco provides mold removal and remediation for a wide service area in Minnesota and Wisconsin.