Common Areas for Mold

Mold can grow into a serious infestation inside your Michigan home or business in as little as 48 hours after a significant moisture event. Mold spores can grow in seemingly impossible areas that are impossible to clean with normal methods. Some strands of mold can be incredibly harmful and toxic, causing serious health problems for everyone who becomes exposed. When your home or business experiences water damage, or when you smell a damp, musty odor, call Guardian Recovery Services. Based in Ferndale, we offer state-of-the-art, safe, and effective mold remediation services all over Michigan.

Understanding Mold Sources & Growth Before Mold Remediation Can Begin

Mold flourishes in moist environments, and it can rapidly grow into a harmful infestation. Anywhere excess moisture can accumulate can harbor mold. Therefore, the sources of any moisture must be mitigated before effective mold remediation can begin. Mold outbreaks can be frustrating, especially in the long, wet seasons of Michigan. Here are a few tips to remember when you encounter mold on your property:

• Mold spores are present everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, meaning they can only be viewed with a microscope.
• Mold produces a strong, damp, musty odor.
• Mold thrives in wet and humid conditions. If you’ve recently had major water damage and flooding, or particularly humid conditions, you could possibly develop mold troubles.
• If a patch of mold is large enough to see, there are likely areas of mold you cannot see.
• Mold problems can only be handled adequately by mold remediation professionals.

Mold can grow on any organic material, and can be found virtually anywhere. Serious respiratory problems and allergic reactions can result from exposure to mold. Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as “black mold,” is particularly toxic. Exposure to excessive levels of black mold or other mycotoxins can cause neurological problems or other serious injury.

What Are Common Areas for a Mold Infestation?

Any area that is prone to collect moisture or is affected by water damage can become a breeding ground for mold. Some of the most common areas we see a mold infestation are:

• Attics
• Basements
• Crawlspaces
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Cabinets under sinks
• Subfloors under sinks, showers, or toilets
• Any dark, moist, enclosed space with poor ventilation

As you can see, mold detection in some of these locations is difficult. Usually, the first indicator that you have a mold problem in these or other common areas is a strong, damp, musty odor. You will also likely find excessive amounts of moisture. You should call Guardian Recovery Services immediately for a full range of scientific mold testing to determine the size and scope of your mold infestation.

Guardian’s Mold Remediation Process

Guardian Recovery Services will collect material from the contaminated surfaces and from the surrounding air to determine what types of mold are present on your property. Samples are examined under a microscope and the quantity and type of mold is determined. A full lab report is typically available within 24 hours. With a NAMP-certified Mold Remediator on staff, we can then interpret the lab report and prepare a full mold remediation protocol to restore your home or business to safe levels.

Guardian Recovery Services technicians use only OSHA-approved cleaning agents and follow all standards for restoration and mold cleaning established by NAMP and IICRC guidelines. The process begins by building ‘containment chambers’ on-site to prevent cross-contamination while cleaning the affected areas. Any contaminated items are removed, cleaned, stored safely off-site, and returned when the mold remediation process is completed.

As a further guarantee of your health and safety, Guardian Recovery Services contracts third-party clearance mold testing once our services are completed, to ensure that your home or business has been returned to a normal and safe fungal ecology.