“Mold flourishes anywhere it finds good conditions for growth: high humidity, poor air circulation, temperatures commonly found in homes and buildings, water, and a proper food source,” explains Jodi Lewis, General Manager, Paul Davis Restoration of North Florida. “But surprise: hot, dry, indoor environments like those in the desert Southwest also can have mold issues, often because buildings are sealed tightly to conserve energy.”
Mold spores exist almost everywhere, even on the International Space Station, and these hardy fungal invaders can attack any time of year. Indeed, data confirms that most of us struggle to control mold year-round. Nearly one in two U.S. homes has visible mold, moldy odor or dampness that encourages mold. If flooding occurs through storms or leaks, mold can grow exponentially within a short amount of time.
Reduce mold risks to home and property with a four-step approach:
FIND: Skilled professionals know exactly where to find hidden mold that is trying to gain a foothold: on wood products, cardboard, wallpaper, drywall, fabric, upholstery, plants, foods, insulation, books, and other organic materials. They’ll inspect areas inaccessible to most homeowners such as ductwork; heating; air conditioning and ventilation systems; roof systems; wall sheathing; and crawlspaces.
ASSESS: If any level of mold infestation exists, experts are best equipped to correctly assess the mold species, extent of the problem and effective treatment. Scientists have identified more than 100,000 species of mold. While most are not harmful to healthy individuals, some can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, or other health concerns when they grow indoors. However, any kind of mold growth – unless it’s isolated patches in showers – is a big problem inside structures and for inhabitants.
TREAT: Mold treatment is rarely a DIY task. Experienced professionals are best able to identify mold hazard profiles, remove and/or stop the source of water, restore belongings, replace items like carpeting and drywall that can’t be salvaged, deploy containment measures and verify moisture levels with sophisticated moisture detection equipment.
MAINTAIN: Several best practices can help prevent mold from occurring or from returning once it’s eradicated. These steps include but aren’t limited to finding and repairing moisture incursions, drying materials to proper moisture content levels, redirecting storm and snow melt runoff, managing indoor humidity, and boosting air circulation.
“Our highly trained teams locate, assess, resolve and prevent mold growth every day,” Lewis says. “We are ready to inspect your property and advise about prevention. And remember, summer is higher risk for mold growth, but mold doesn’t take a winter vacation. Be vigilant year-round,”
Do you need help with property problems? Contact Paul Davis Restoration for prompt assistance at any hour, every day of the year. Call 888-473-7669.
