Mold Issues and Solutions for Homeowners

On HGTV, they make it look so easy. 

But we all know the truth: Owning and maintaining a home is much more difficult and time-consuming than the one-hour extravaganza that home improvement shows would like us to believe.

And a part of that is resolving any mold issues that often unfortunately arise. 

While taking care of mold seems simple, just like in the HGTV shows, the truth is that failure to follow the right steps can make the problem — and your health — worse. 

In this article we’ll take a closer look at the common mold issues and solutions for homeowners, including facts surrounding mold bombs, what to do if you find mold when you’re selling your house, and the vital do’s and don’ts of mold remediation.

First Call is always the right call. We’re here to help, so contact us and we will provide you with a thorough evaluation. We can also work with your homeowner’s insurance to provide you with the best possible solution. 

Next, here’s a quick lesson in mold removal 101.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Mold Remediation

Mold is a living organism that thrives off damp, unstable conditions.

It is not uncommon for a home, especially in a warm climate that sees quite a bit of rain, to develop the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

If you find yourself, or someone you know, in a situation where mold is present, please be aware of the mold remediation Do’s and Don’ts listed below. Having a good knowledge of what and what not to do will help you better remediate the mold that is present.

The Mold Remediation Do’s:

• Call a Professional. Mold Remediation DIY is never a good idea. Let our pros at First Call take the stress out of the process and help ensure your safety and the safety of your family or employees. Your health is worth protecting.

If you’re still thinking DIY is the way to handle this situation, please see the “Don’ts” of this article.

• Keep children and pets away from the compromised area. Small children and pets are highly susceptible to contracting mold-related illnesses. The elderly are also at risk due to the possibility of a weak immune system.
• Quarantine the area if possible. To go along with the “Do” above, just keep everyone away from the infected area. Mold should not be disturbed once it is found.
• Fix the source of the moisture issue. Fixing the root cause of the issue is step one. You can’t expect your issue to be remediated if the ideal conditions to grow mold are still present. This is the point where the leak should be repaired, the standing water should be mitigated, and/or the moisture issue should be eliminated.
• Reduce the humidity level with a dehumidifier. Mold loves damp spaces. Eliminate the moisture in the air with a dehumidifier.
• Turn off the HVAC system to that area. By turning off the HVAC system that controls that area you are eliminating the chances of mold spores infesting your system and being dispersed throughout the home.

The Mold Remediation Don’ts:

• Sniff it. Mold does not have a smell. Moisture is the “sweaty sock” smell that is mostly present with mold growth. Inhaling mold spores can be detrimental to your health.
• Poke it. Mold that has been agitated will cause a spread of its particles on both the surface and in the air.
• Clean it with harsh chemicals. Mold is a natural organism. Cleaning it with an unnatural chemical, such as bleach, can cause the mold to “freak out” and spread. Yes, your Clorox can take care of the situation momentarily, but cleaning with such a harsh chemical can have a negative effect on your family and the surface.
• Paint over it. This paint claims that it can stop the spread of mold, kill it on the surface, and cover any stains. What it does is suffocate the spores and prevents you from seeing any new growth and/or activity.
• Dry it out with a fan. Aiming a fan on the affected area will only cause it to break apart and disperse mold spores into the air. 

For more information on mold and mold remediation please contact First Call Cleaning and Restoration, Inc. at (336) 227-1807. You’ll see why First Call is always the right call!

Can Mold Bombs Work in Crawl Spaces? What You Need to Know 

It’s time.

You’ve discovered mold creeping its way through your crawl space. You understand the dangers and how it can have devastating effects on your air quality. You’ve decided it’s time to take action so you buy a “mold bomb” at your local home improvement store.

A “mold bomb” may seem like an effective solution to knock out the problem once and for all. However, it’s important to understand that these products can present safety hazards that you may not be aware of.

Sure, it’s possible to use a mold bomb fogger in your crawl space, but the question remains whether or not it is the best option.

So, can mold bombs work in crawl spaces?  We think you need to carefully weigh the precautions and effectiveness of these products before going the DIY route.

Mold bombs function similarly to bug foggers. Essentially, these foggers emit an antimicrobial mist that can penetrate every surface in the surrounding area. This mist is capable of killing mold and some are effective at eliminating mold spores as well.

This sounds like a reasonable solution. So what’s the problem?

A Mold Bomb May Only Solve Part of the Issue

At First Call, we understand that just eliminating mold is not enough to solve the problem. The main issue is that most of the mold which may be present in your crawl space is not visible to the naked eye. In addition, if the cause isn’t addressed, you’ll continue to have problems.

Therefore, complete mold remediation requires identifying the root cause of the problem and taking appropriate measures to solve it.

If you have noticed mold and are concerned that it has spread, there is no need to panic.

First Call is always the right call. We’re here to help, so contact us and we will provide you with a thorough evaluation. We’ll ensure that your problem is resolved—not just covered up— by getting to the source of the issue.

Now, let’s discuss some important facts you should realize about mold bombs.

Mold Bombs Only Scratch the Surface

It’s important to keep in mind that while mold bombs can be effective, they only address the surface issue and do not eliminate actively growing mold. This means that without addressing the root cause, new mold can continue to grow in the same area.

Mold Bombs Don’t “Clean Up” Dead Mold

Remember that even “dead” mold is potentially toxic and can be a health hazard. Even if your mold bomb is effective at eliminating most of your mold, the dead spores are still there, and they can still present a problem to your family’s well-being.

Mold Foggers Contain Hazardous Chemicals

Do you have a respirator? What about protective clothing? The chemicals used in mold foggers can prove hazardous if you come into close contact with them or inhale the fumes for an extended period.

How Serious is Mold in Crawl Space? And Can Mold Bombs Work in Crawl Spaces?

Did you know that the quality of the air inside your home can be affected by your crawl space?

In some cases, excess moisture and mold can also damage the foundation of your home. If you have mold in your crawl space, it’s essential to deal with it quickly before it becomes a more significant issue.

We offer mold remediation services in the Triangle, Burlington, and Greensboro areas, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll take care of the problem before it gets worse.

How Long Does It Take to Remove Mold From a Crawl Space?

There are a lot of variables to consider, so it’s hard to give one definite answer. Some factors include the size of the space and the extent of the mold infestation.

However, in general, you should consider between one and 10 days for mold remediation.

First Call: Always the Right Call for Mold Removal

Can mold bombs work in crawl spaces? We’ve discussed that they don’t finish the job completely and can expose you, your family, and pets to harmful chemicals.

This exposure can be direct (when you’re setting off the mold bombs) or indirect (as crawl space can affect air quality).

For decades, our stellar customer service has made us the mold remediation company of choice for Raleigh, Greensboro, Burlington and the surrounding areas.When your family’s health is at stake, don’t hesitate. You want to stop your mold problem before it gets progressively worse. Just contact us to discover why First Call is always the right call.

Next, let’s shift gears. Suppose you’re ready to put your house on the market when you discover that you have mold. Where should you go from here? What should you do before panic sets in?

Don’t worry. We’ll guide you through how to make the right call with First Call.

Selling Your Home? What to Do When the Inspector Finds Mold

Selling your home takes a lot of work.

You’ve probably had to touch up some paint, upgrade appliances and maybe you’ve even improved the landscaping to add value in order to make a profit.

But now the home inspector has discovered mold, and you fear that all your hard work—and the pending home purchase– is going out the window.

What do you do next?

Don’t worry, mold removal services near you are available through First Call Cleaning and Restoration. 

We’ll take a look at the steps you should take when mold is discovered to help salvage your situation.

Before you grab that bottle of bleach and start attacking your mold problem, there are a few important principles that you need to know.

First, it’s important to realize that mold removal is not a do-it-yourself job, as we have mentioned earlier. And while you may be able to see some of the mold, there’s likely a lot more lurking where you can’t find it.

Second, some home mold remediation steps that you think are useful, actually aren’t helpful at all. 

For example, many people believe that bleach kills mold… and it does. However, it only kills live mold. This doesn’t account for the spores that can be “set loose” and contaminate other areas of your home. Bleach is also a powerful substance with fumes that can harm your lungs if not handled properly.

Why You Should Trust Mold Removal Services to Our Professionals

So why turn to a professional water damage restoration and mold removal company like First Call? Because we have the tools, expertise and experience to clear your home of mold in time to secure that pending home sale.

Six Reasons You Should Trust Mold Removal to the Professionals

1. We use a containment chamber when we clean all areas. This prevents any microscopic contamination.
2. We have access to top-of-the-line equipment, such as industrial strength dehumidifiers.
3. We use HEPA air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums.
4. We’re able to remove even the most microscopic contamination.
5. We also use an antimicrobial chemical that cleans any remaining mold or mold stains.
6. We use a sealer to make the treated area more water-resistant to decrease the chances of mold returning.

Don’t Forget Air Quality Testing

Once the mold is removed, it’s important that you take advantage of air quality testing services. This will help assure those who are considering purchasing your home that you have done due diligence to ensure that it is safe and mold-free.

Mold Does Not Discriminate

No home is immune to mold. All mold needs is a bit of moisture to feed and grow exponentially. If you’re selling your home when you discover mold, it will have a big impact on the asking price for your house.

Discover Why First Call Is the Right Call for Mold Removal Solutions

Our honest advice, fair pricing and prompt high-quality service sets us apart from the competition. We’re not just contractors, we’re partners with a vested interest in keeping your home or business safe. 

We’re family owned and operated with deep roots in the community, offering decades of experience in mold removal, environmental cleaning, air duct services, crawl space encapsulation, and more. 

These are just a few of the reasons that First Call is always the right call. Contact us today for an estimate or initial evaluation.