Mold Mitigation, Removal, Remediation

Sharp offers mold inspection and testing services, mold mitigation, removal/cleanup, and remediation. Insurance claims are also welcome. Sharp can help with any kind of mold problem, from small isolated areas of mold, to whole houses that are contaminated. Please call Terry Sharp at 402-551-9949 for your mold cleanup and remediation needs.

About Mold & Mildew

Molds (also called mildew) are fungi found all year round both indoors and outdoors and are part of the natural environment. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores. They are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions, but it can grow indoors year-around. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds can be any color and can often be detected by a musty odor.

Why Mold Could Be Growing In Your Home

Mold spores are always floating in the air and only become a problem when they land on surfaces that are wet. Since mold needs moisture to grow, it only occurs where there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Common causes of indoor moisture are flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, broken pipes, damp basements or crawl spaces, water heater breaks, moisture condensation on cold surfaces, or poor ventilation of bathroom showers or kitchen cooking steam.

Mold Prevention

·	Moisture control = mold control.

·	If mold occurs in your home, clean it up promptly and fix the water problem.

·	Dry water-damaged areas/items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

When water leaks or spills occur indoors, act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.

Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation, so water does not enter or collect around the foundation. Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. Keep indoor humidity low, below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity, if possible. If you see moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes act quickly to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and stoves, to the outside where possible. Use air conditioners and/or dehumidifiers when needed. Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc. Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation. Increase air temperature. Proper exterior wall insulation helps prevent condensation from forming inside during the winter months.

Health Problems Caused By Mold

While most people have no reaction when exposed to mold, mold does have the potential to cause health problems, particularly in infants, the elderly, and people with suppressed immune systems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can cause symptoms of fatigue, nausea, headache, and irritation to lungs and eyes. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. Mold exposure can also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.

What To Do If You Have Mold In Your Home

If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then the mold is likely to return. Some molds are highly toxic and should not be cleaned up by the average homeowner. A substance may look like mold when it really isn’t. Certified and experienced in mold removal and remediation, Sharp can help you determine if you have a mold problem.

Mold Inspection & Testing

Testing for mold can be expensive, and may or may not be necessary. If visible mold is present, then it should be cleaned up regardless of what species of spores are present and whether or not samples are taken. Sharp offers professional mold inspection and testing services, and can advise you on whether or not your particular situation warrants testing.

Mold Cleanup

Who should do mold cleanup depends on many factors. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you may be able to handle the job yourself. You may prefer to hire a certified professional like Sharp Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning. If your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system has been contaminated by mold, stop running the HVAC system and have your air ducts cleaned.

Sharp can help with any kind of mold problem, from small isolated areas of mold, to whole houses that are contaminated. Insurance claims are welcome.

See Mold Nightmares For Additional Information
(Provided Courtesy of Smell Cleaning Service)