Mold Testing, Air Quaility

Mold contamination continues to receive increased attention in the media and is a rapidly growing concern for homeowners, property managers, landlords, insurance providers, contractors and restoration companies. Indoor mold
contamination has been identified as a major contributor to allergies and poor indoor air quality. Despite the rapidly growing body of knowledge about mold, it remains the subject of a lot of confusion. We hope that this information will help you to make better decisions.
What is Mold?

• Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours

• Molds thrive in moist environments resulting from a flood, a slow leak, a broken pipe, or just high humidity

• Molds require an organic food source. One common food source is cellulose, which is found in building materials such as wood and drywall. Most comply mold loves drywall.

• Molds are spread by microscopic airborne particles called “spores” which are released in the air

The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from happening. If the drying of wet building materials is commenced within 24 hours (assuming clean water), the chances of preventing mold growth is excellent. If building materials remain wet, it is inevitable that mold will start to grow. Therefore, addressing and eliminating moisture problems is the critical first step.

Mold,Carpet and Indoor Air Quaility

To clean or not to clean... Carpeting is a major investment in any home, and regular cleanings are necessary to keep it looking new. Just as the clothing we wear need regular washing to keep them fresh and hygienic, carpets require periodic cleaning as well. Accumulated soil and grit are major causes of reduced carpet life, and enable destructive and health harmful mites, bacteria and even have VOC issues. Cleaning costs are minimal when compared to the cost of replacing carpets and furnishing, so regular cleaning makes economic sense too. Some newer carpets create high VOC levels and can last for months causing poor indoor air quality issues. If your home has proper ventilation these usually do not cause as many health issues as poorly cleaned older carpets. What the issue is with carpets that are not cleaned properly is poor water extraction. Carpets become filled with organic materials and mold spores deep within the fibers. Add water and boom, a mold issue is created. Usually detected by the odor, which only takes 48 hrs to start the mold growth.
Having your carpets cleaned with the cheap guy may cost you big time. Carpets should be deep steam cleaned only. This process gets deeply embedded soils out of your carpet and removes most of the water during extraction. All carpets should have a high CFM fan place per room until carpeting ad substrate is below 9% moisture. Carpet should feel dry to the touch and you should be able to walk around wearing socks that absorb no moisture. A dry carpet is a mold free carpet.
Always use a good HEPA filter vacuum prior to any cleaning. Also regular dusting and vacuuming should become part of a daily routine!