The primary reason that mold grows anywhere is due to moisture. Without moisture mold and mildew cannot survive. Given the proper conditions found in a damp environment and mold colonies can grow quickly. Mold is also very adapted as an organism, and that resilience is one of the reasons that mold is so hard to get rid of once it starts growing. Yet, mold plays a very important role in the ecosystem. They are designed to be decomposers, so their job is to break down dead plants, leaves, and wood so that nutrients that are locked within those objects are returned to the environment.
When you find mold in your Orange County home or business, it is literally consuming your building. Mold can also pose a health hazard if found in large enough quantities. Mold reproduces by releasing millions of spores into the air. If those spores are inhaled they cause allergies, illness, and even respiratory distress. So the very first step to preventing mold from growing is to prevent the buildup of moisture. There are areas in buildings that are prone to mold and mildew, especially in Southern California because of the nice warm climate that exists year round. Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are three rooms that are often in need of mold remediation. Harbor Environmental Group is licensed in Environmental Abatement and the removal of other hazardous material. This means that they can help you with removing the mold that has grown, and also in removing the conditions that allow mold to grow.
When do you need a professional to remove mold?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the rule of thumb that for areas that are less than 10 square feet can be handled by the homeowner, and that is a good rule of thumb. However, mold is a multi-cellular organism that often branches out into it’s food source. That means that if you have a large patch of mold, even those under the square footage outlined by the EPA, you might still need a professional to clean it up for you. The reason being is that if all of the mold is not removed it will come back as soon as the dampness returns. The other problem can be the type of surface on which the mold has grown. Soft, absorbent surfaces like carpeting, acoustic ceiling tiles, need to be replaced rather than just cleaned. Part of the process that occurs during mold abatement is that the area needs to be dried, and the source of the moisture needs to be removed or fixed. Sometimes that is just a simple task like fixing a leaking pipe or faucet. Sometimes it is more difficult like replacing carpeting or flooring.
Harbor Environmental Group is happy to answer all of your questions about mold remediation. They believe in providing their customers with as much information as necessary so that the customer can make an informed decision. If you have a mold situation, please contact Harbor Environmental Group and find solutions to your mold problems today.
