Mold spores are microscopic organic particles that exist everywhere and are harmless. Unhealthy and dangerous mold occurs when spores have been exposed to a water source that allows them to colonize and spread. There are obvious water sources, such as a flood, a pipe that bursts, or water in the basement after a heavy rain. The not so obvious sources, like the leaky pipe in the wall, or insulation that gets wet in the attic, are the ones that cause the most mold damage because they are not detected early.
The first step for restoration is to remove the water source. Have a plumber fix the pipe, use a sump pump to extract the water from the basement, and have the wet insulation removed. Once that is done, Mold Damage Restoration can begin. A free inspection of the home is completed to determine the extent of the damage, and recommend a detailed course of action. Barriers will be used to contain the mold to get the damage under control. That will allow technicians to focus clean-up activities. Depending on the damage, items may have to be removed from the area, rooms may have to be closed off for a few days, or the family may have to vacate the home.
Leaving the home altogether is only necessary if the damage is extensive. Mold in the heating or cooling systems, within the walls, or in the floor boards will expose the family to unhealthy conditions. Members may become ill, experience increases in asthma or allergy symptoms, or develop chronic respiratory issues. Experienced companies that are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), such as Black Label Restoration, will be able to clean out the home properly, sanitize belongings, and provide complete restoration services.
Those can include foam, wet, or dry cleaning of fabrics and surfaces; removal of furniture, carpets, or other flooring; and taking down dry wall, removing cabinets, or removing floor boards. Restoration services provided can include insulation replacement, dry wall, flooring, painting, and wallpapering. Further testing is done once the process is complete to make sure moisture and mold spore levels are back to normal.