ABC’s of Dumfries VA mold remediation, the “A” is for Attics
In Dumfries VA 22026 the need for professional mold remediation services never ends. Most attic spaces in Dumfries VA 22026 are non-living spaces, rarely used by the homeowners. The most common use of attic space in Dumfries VA is storage. Attics and crawlspaces are two of the most challenging areas for mold removal experts. Here’s why; Temperature, Confinement & Safety. Attic temperatures are always higher than any other part of a Dumfries VA home, because hot air rises. This is not a problem until mold remediation is needed, because the workers must don “Tyvek Safety Suits,” which increases the temperatures experienced within the moldy environment. Heat Index OSHA regulations dictate that professional mold remediation workers be rotated every 30 min to avoid heat exhaustion and stroke.
Any mold removal and remediation conducted in an attic is conducted in a “confined space.” Dumfries VA 22026 home and business owners need to understand that is very difficult to work in a confined space or work overhead. Every skilled home services tradesman takes this into consideration when proposing estimates, not just mold remediation professionals. In fact, Xactimate, the mold removal industry standard pricing software has an “add-on” line item specifically for confined spaces.
This point brings me to safety. Mold remediation is already classified as “HAZARDOUS DUTY,” but working in an attic space is even more dangerous than normal because there is always the possibility than a mold removal technician could fall through the attic floor. As most attic floors are simply sheets of drywall attached to a floor joist system extra caution and diligence must always be used.
If attics are non-living spaces, rarely used by homeowners, then how do attics become contaminated with mold?
Roof leaks caused by Storm Damage
Poor air circulation
Humidity spikes due to convection
HVAC units installed in attic spaces
Basements/Bathrooms
The “B” of Dumfries VA 22026 ABC’s for mold remediation is for Basements and Bathrooms.
The most commonly searched phase for mold remediation in Dumfries VA is “bathroom mold removal” 22026. Most of these searches correspond to mold contamination issues related to effected calking around bathroom tubs and toilets. Whenever bathroom calking is affected by mold it should be removed and replaced. Additionally, the area should be inspected a water damage expert to check for hidden damages. Bathroom calking is typically water resistant so if it has become contaminated with mold, chances are there is some hidden contributing factor.
Basements in Dumfries VA, develop mold contamination issues for many different reasons and most often there are multiple contributing factors. The air space of basements is naturally cooler than other levels of a home, making the air volume less and more densely filled with particulates. But how does this cause mold you may ask?
What is the best way to prevent Basement mold growth?
The best way to prevent basement mold growth in Dumfries VA 22026 is to keep it DRY and CLEAN. Keeping a basement dry is primarily about maintaining proper humidity conditions. In nature and in the home, mold can begin to “sporulate” at 60% relative humidity. Proper HVAC maintenance is a huge aspect of preventing basement mold growth, because molds are spread around the home or office via the HVAC system.
Lets go back to the previous statement of particulates being more densely packed together in basement air space due to the nature of how air is manipulated by temperatures; either expanding or contracting. The cooler temperatures of basement sustain higher particulate count per cubic foot of air space and high relative humidity. The national air duct cleaners association recommends cleaning the HVAC system and air ducts once per year; however, this recommendation to maintain indoor air quality is rarely adhered to by the general public. Mold, germs and bacteria enter the HVAC ventilation system and circulate into the basement and are able to become established in the cellulose-based materials of the basement over time.
If you have a water damage in your Dumfries VA basement or if your suspect mold contamination you should always have it inspected by a certified mold remediation professional. The prior point should go without saying, but many homeowners belay this home health maintenance advice because they think “its only a little problem.” So again, no matter how small you think the bathroom or basement leak is, you should always have it properly inspected. Too often, small leaks turn into major mold damage.
The “C” of Dumfries VA 22026 ABC’s of Mold Remediation is for Crawlspaces
Typically, mold is discovered in attics and crawl spaces by home inspectors when people are looking to buy or sell homes in Dumfries VA 22026. Crawlspaces are very susceptible to water damage, both in liquid and in vapor form. These along with attic and basement mold remediation projects tend to be the most laborious and most expensive mold removal projects in Dumfries VA. Mold can grow very rapidly in a crawlspace when compared to other areas of a home or office due to the reduction of air volume. For example, the average height of a crawlspace is 4 ft verses 8 ft throughout the occupiable living spaces of the Dumfries VA home.
Mold remediation and removal is not a “DIY” task, always hires an IICRC certified mold removal professional to perform any and all decontamination processes. The specific IICRC certifications are water damage restoration technician aka WTR and applied microbial remediation technician aka AMRT. In the city of Dumfries VA 22026 there is no law or statute for mold remediation license, meaning any cleaning company can offer “mold removal” verses “mold remediation” services. Many of these companies simply sell the idea of “fogging” an area to kill the mold making it harmless, but this is a false claim playing on the ignorance of the Dumfries VA 22026 population. Do-not fall for this kind of scam, mold remediation is not fumigation. It is highly irresponsible to perpetuate the idea that all one needs to do is “spray the mold to kill it, then just wipe it away.” So if you are buying or selling a home in Dumfries VA, beware of fake mold experts only interested in ripping you off, because what they won’t explain to you is why that mold problem has over 78% likeliness of coming back within 12-24 months.
If you or someone you know needs mold mitigation be sure to Choose Mold Metrix over the Matter, Because the Power to Change the Matter is in the Metrix.
