Mold
Mold spores are prevalent in both indoor and outdoor air all the time, in virtually every location on the planet. It is usually harmless until it finds an environment suitable for growth and stagnation. Mold needs oxygen, water and a food source (most materials found in the home are a good food source for mold growth). The most common source of mold growth is a place in the home (or office, barn, or shed) where water moisture, water vapor, or water build-up occur. This can be a result of something as significant as a recent flood or major leak resulting in water damage, or as small as a place in the home where cold air from the outdoors is meeting warm air form the indoors and condensing to form droplets of water in places like crawl spaces, roofing systems, behind walls, and almost any other place in the home.When mold spores land on a damp spot, they begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Since mold gradually destroys the material they grow on, you can prevent damage to building materials and furnishings and save money by eliminating mold growth.
Moisture control to prevent mold growth
Moisture control is the key to mold control. Common sites for indoor mold growth include bathroom tile, basement walls, crawl spaces and roofing structures, areas around windows where moisture condenses, and near leaky water fountains or sinks. Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, deferred maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, and malfunction or poor design of humidification systems. Uncontrolled humidity can also be a source of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates. Colorado is not typically prone to moisture problems related to humidity, but is extremely prone to problems related to condensation where cold air meets warm air.
Mold and Your Health
Everyone reacts differently to mold. When inhaled, mold spores can cause chronic allergies, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, throat, eye irritations, wheezing, and many other respiratory problems. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as poorly ventilated rooms, compost piles, cut grass and wooded areas.
When to Test for MOLD or building envelope problems?
- After a leak, water damage or sewage back-up. Often leaks and flooding water can disappear under floor boards or into water cavities. If you have recently experienced a leak or flood of any kind, it is advised that you insure no mold is forming as a result.
- When an environment or area is damp for any reason. Often times condensation can cause water build up in places where no leaks or water can get to. Dampness is a strong reason to have mold testing done.
- When visible mold is present. Mold does not usually go away by using household treatments like bleach. In many cases spraying bleach water on mold can result in more mold growth. Mold is not easy to control when it has found a suitable environment.
- When a foul or musty odor is detected.
- When people or pets are experiencing allergy-like symptoms. Often, mold can be forming in places that cannot be seen or revealed without professional testing.
- Before purchasing, renting or selling a home or property. A simple mold test performed by our certified inspectors, may save you thousands of dollars. Call us to learn more about helping to test property that you are investing in or considering purchasing. Let RDS help you protect your investment.
- Any concern that mold may be causing a problem to your health or environment is a good reason to run a test for peace of mind.
How RDS will help in testing, consulting or remediating for mold
Our team of certified professionals will help:
- Locate where excessive moisture is entering your property.
- Conduct air monitoring, surface and bulk sampling for mold levels.
- Identify the affected areas and quantify the amount of mold.
- Recommend safe and cost-effective treatments to resolve the mold condition.
- Determine if there is a health concern and if professional remediation is warranted.