Mold and Mildew Infected Wood

October 16th, 2011

Mold grows quite fast on wood. Being organic, wood and wooden products provide mold with the needed nutrition. People who love wooden furniture  are usually the first to complain about the molds and mildew that thrive on expensive furniture.

Mold Prevention

  • Avoid, if possible, using products that are most vulnerable to mold. There are alternatives to almost all wooden products. A beautiful wooden furniture may have a metal equivalent.
  • Moisture and humidity is vital to the propagation of unwanted mold. Keep the wood dry whenever possible. Use a dehumidifier to keep the interior dry. be sure to quickly dry wood that has been soaked. Special care must be given to prone areas like wooden shutters, windows, chair and table especially on rainy seasons.
  • Identify areas that are exposed to high humidity and poor ventilation. House Basement, kitchen and bathrooms are very suceptible to mold growth.

Mold Detection

  • Mold will commonly appear on wooden surfaces and will look like black spots. Careful inspection is needed to detect mold growing on wood as the mold color may blend with the natural coloration of the wood . Molds will not show itself obviously except in severe cases, normally one would need close inspection to detect the growth.
  • Along with the visual symptoms growing mold also emits a strong unpleasant odor. When molds grow on poorly ventilated areas, the smell will be instantly noticeable. When inspecting for mold also include the surrounding areas and other wood products as well. Otherwise, some traces of mold may remain undetected and result in a failure on removing the mold on wood!

Mold Removal

  • Organic black mold killer is very effective in eliminating mold and mildew. Also ensure that the factors that allowed for mold to grow in the first place are removed to avoid future problems. If the area is allowed to water all the time and in turn soaks the wood, there is a high probability of spores landing and taking root again.
  • Always remember to clean and dust the places mold might be expected to grow. When molds grows on a tree, try to remove surface particles associated with mold.

Fix Mold on Concrete

September 19th, 2011

Mold growing on concrete can take many forms. Concrete is a porous material and house basements get a lot of moisture from under it. In general, the concrete serves as a moisture barrier. But in some cases, the moisture barrier is old, damaged or has not been built properly.

Use Bleach

If you have some mold growing on concrete surfaces, it is easy to clean. Small pieces of mussel Hence there is, use a bleach and water solution. 4 parts water to one part bleach to the general formula is recommended. You can also find cleaning products specifically designed to eliminate mold. Brush moldy surfaces with bleach and water until it disappears. Be careful – that chlorine is a dangerous thing. Make sure you have rubber gloves and bleach good care not to touch anything else.

Seal Cracks on Wall

If you have mold problems more serious and a good cleaning will not get rid of him, try to seal cracks. Chances are, the appearance of mold on your concrete surfaces is a symptom of a more structural problem in your home. There may be cracks in the concrete walls that allow moisture to enter the house. Go to the hardware store and look for a sealing compound made for this specific purpose. If you are absolutely sure, talk to the clerk and explain your problem. What do you want something specially designed to seal cracks in your concrete walls. The substance will come with detailed instructions on how to use it.

Consult Expert for Major Problems

If you have flooding water over the concrete foundation, you have a much larger problem. You may need to call a professional. What you need to do is remove the whole floor so that the original concrete is exposed. This is something that you may be able to do yourself, but be sure to keep safe. Whenever you are dealing with mold, make sure you have good gloves and a mask, and make sure the mold does not reach other parts of the house. Even if you work in the basement, make sure you have some ventilation to go. Now you need a new top layer of concrete is poured. This is at least an inch thick. Make sure the new concrete is mixed with water consists of tests, which keeps the humidity low.

Black Mold Allergy

August 14th, 2011

Experiencing headache, watery eyes and runny nose lately? What you are experiencing may be allergic reactions toward the common household mold or simply black mold. The occurrence of these allergic reactions may have been triggered by the sudden growth of mold in your house, especially just right after a storm that may have allowed moisture to collect, providing mold with the perfect environment to thrive and propagate.

Most often when symptoms do appear, people just don’t have a clue to what might be causing the problem. Symptoms of black mold allergy include:

When mold has established a stronghold in your house it subsequently releases microscopic spores into the air as a means of self-propagation. These spores grow to provide an abundant supply of mold in your house. Mold spores, if inhaled can attack the respiratory system. Frequent sneezing and cough that lingers for weeks are possibly symptoms of black mold allergy. If left untreated, mold allergens will bring about difficulties in breathing and in some cases allow for the development of asthma.

Skin rash, a well-known allergy symptom may also be an effect of mold spores. These mold spore float in the air until they happen to cling on any surface. And if that surface happens to be the epidermis of someone who is known to have allergic reaction to mold, skin rashes may arise.

Other indications of black mold allergy are vomiting, diarrhea, blood in mucus, dizziness and anemia. Babies and senior citizens are more prone having adverse allergic reactions. They must seek a doctor as soon as the first symptom of allergy appears.

  • Headaches
  • Frequent Sneezing/Cough
  • Runny Nose
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Itchy, watery and red eyes
  • Skin rashes and hives
  • Reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing

Mold induced Urticaria or Hives

 

Mold, the Unwelcome Guest

July 23rd, 2011

So you have found mold growing on your home or apartment. Don’t panic just like most disease it can be fixed if spotted early. The worst thing one can do is ignore it thinking it will go away. Molds are fungi that happen to like growing where you live. Not only are they unsightly they also pose serious threats against people with allergies. Humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens and windows are common places for mold to appear because it needs moisture to grow.

Molds and Mildew have been known to annoy people since biblical times would you believe that? They degrade the structural integrity of your house by assisting the decay of wood and are comparable to termites in destructive capabilities. Just imagine the house where you spent your hard earned cash being taken over by mold. You can either let them win or fight back.

Just imagine you have a “guest” and a “house overtaken by mold”, just like a guy with two girlfriends you mustn’t let one meet the other.

You wouldn't want this to be your houses Centerpiece

Here’s how you take care of that annoying mold:

  • Remember to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves, suitable clothes, eye goggles and a dust mask or respirator to prevent the mold spores from being inhaled.
  • Reduce moisture. This is like fuel to molds. Make sure to always clean windows and other prone areas. Keep these areas dry to prevent mold from thriving. Never allow standing water to build up. Make sure not to spread mold spores in the process
  • Apply soap to the affected areas to remove as much as possible then use disinfectants like Hydrogen Peroxide or Ethanol to kill the microscopic spores.
  • Place the extracted mold and mold-infested materials into a heavy-duty plastic bag taking care not to expose them in other parts of your house. Properly dispose of the bag to prevent the mold from being introduced back into the house.

Stachybotrys Mold and Remediation

June 29th, 2011

Stachybotrys mold is a mold that appears dark green to black in color. It grows on materials containing cellulose, a component of the cell wall of plants, that is in many different items used in the building and decorating of homes. Wood, paper, insulation, clothing, carpeting, upholstery, and other such items are all susceptible to Stachybotrys mold. It is spread by spores that are drifting in the air, attached to items, or carried by humans or animals. When the spores land in a location that contains enough moisture, they begin to grow. Areas where there are leakages or excessive wetness are vulnerable to Stachybotrys mold, ducts can also be the home to Stachybotrys mold. Although Stachybotrys mold itself is not a toxin, it has the capability to create toxins that can cause illness in humans and animals.
Stachybotrys mold can often be seen without the aid of special equipment, but further testing may need to be done to ensure that the mold is Stachybotrys mold, and not another type of mold. If a building or items contain Stachybotrys mold, then Stachybotrys mold remediation is necessary to help ensure the building’s safety. Mold remediation is the removal of mold. There are several ways to cleanup Stachybotrys mold. Areas where mold is suspected should be thoroughly inspected; some areas where Stachybotrys mold grows may not be easily visible, such as in walls or vents. Mold that is found will need to be treated; there are several different methods that can be used to destroy Stachybotrys mold. Items heavily infested with Stachybotrys or that cannot be properly treated will need to be removed to stop further spread of the mold. Thorough Stachybotrys mold remediation can involve a considerable amount of work and care. Tasks to ensure that all Stachybotrys mold is removed can include going inside walls, checking pipes under cabinets, sanding of wood, or the removal of carpet. Hiring professionals to handle Stachybotrys mold remediation may be necessary.

Common and Dangerous Aspergillus Mold

May 12th, 2011

Aspergillus is one of the most common molds and can be found all over world. Like many molds, it thrives in areas with high humidity and grows on decaying materials. This includes not only foods and plants, but rotting wood or paper, wet basement or bathroom areas, kitchens, leaky roofs, or just about any area that tends to stay moist.

This type of mold can be very dangerous and can cause serious health problems. Many people are allergic to the mycotoxins that are contained within aspergillus. In addition, those with lung problems or weakened immune systems are very susceptible to the problems that it can cause. Coughing and difficulty breathing are among the most common symptoms, as are chest pain, headaches, fatigue and even fever.

The best way to deal with aspergillus mold is to eliminate any dampness in the vicinity. Any water leaks should be repaired promptly and rotting wood or other decomposing matter should be removed. Once this is done, it may be necessary to use an air purifier or dehumidifier to keep the mold from recurring .

If the aspergillus mold has just begun to form, it may be possible to remove it from a washable surface by using a solution of bleach and soapy water. All affected areas should be washed thoroughly while wearing a protective mask and rubber gloves. After cleaning, the room should be aired out to prevent the inhalation of any fumes.

The Necessity Of Aspergillus Remediation

January 19th, 2011

aspergillusPeople’s living areas are also home to other organisms, including insects, bacteria, and mold. Aspergillus is a genus containing many strains of fungal organisms. This genus contains molds that are beneficial to very dangerous to humans.

Aspergillus molds flourish in areas with water, oxygen, and plant remains. Plant remains include dead houseplants, wood, and cardboard. Because of the prevalence of wood in house building materials, homes are ideal spots for the growth of aspergillus.

While some strains of aspergillus are harmless or beneficial to humans, it is impossible to tell the difference at home. Because of the harm some strains cause such great harm to humans and animals, it is important to have it removed. Aspergillus nigra, or black mold, named because of its color, is especially harmful and possibly deadly. This is especially dangerous because spores are airborne, and can be inhaled by breathing.

Aspergillus remediation removes these strains of mold from living areas as well as basement and attic. It is important for the remediation to be thorough as a few left over spores can reproduce asexually and the mold growth will return.

Many microorganisms flourish in houses and apartments, some are benign while others are poisonous and possibly deadly. Aspergillus makes up some of the organisms in some homes. Because it is difficult to tell one type from another by looking, it is important to look into aspergillus remediation to remove any of this potentially dangerous mold.

Can You Do Your Own Black Mold Remediation?

December 17th, 2010

black moldBlack mold remediation should be done with care because mold can be toxic. There are many products available that can be used to test a home for mildew and are available in most home improvement stores and are reasonably priced. If someone in the home has an allergy the allergic condition can be exacerbated by the mildew toxins.

Basements are a breeding ground for mildew because the area is dark and in many cases provides moisture for mildew to grow and flourish. Bathrooms are also an area where mildew likes to build and spread. This toxic substance can grow on most any surface including cement and even counter tops.

There are several products available that will remove this toxic mildew but the products should be used properly. Make sure that the area is ventilated before cleaning the mildew. Sometimes all that is needed is water and bleach to clean with but sometimes the growth might be so extensive that specially formed removal products are necessary.

Dry the area properly because moisture that is allowed to remain could help the mildew return and start to grow again. Just because the toxin cannot be seen on the surface does not mean it does not exist. The mildew could be growing in cracks and spaces and cannot be detected. This is why it is important to use a testing kit which will test for mildew spores which are air borne in the home.

Always wear gloves and a face mask when cleaning out mildew. The face mask will protect against inhalation of the mildew spores and the rubber gloves will prevent spores from touching the skin which can cause skin allergies. The removal process should be done several times in order to kill all of the spores completely.

There are many companies that specialize in mold removal. Some home owners are more comfortable with having a professional company come out to their home and clean up the toxic mildew. Some companies will come out to the home and do a free inspection and give a free estimate of how much it would cost to make the home mold free.

Black mold remediation can be done by the home owner or by a professional company who specializes in toxic mildew removal. This type of mildew is toxic and can cause health related ailments to people in the household. Make sure to use the proper cleaning agents when cleaning us this mildew and always wear rubber gloves and a face mask when trying to clean out this toxic material.

Black mold remediation

December 13th, 2010

Black mold can be unsightly and may cause health problems. If you have black mold in your home or business, you will need to find a way to get rid of it. Mold is usually easy to remove from hard smooth surfaces. Textured and grooved surfaces take a little more work such as scrubbing with a brush. Prior to engaging in any mold remediation, find and repair the source of the problem. Mold is the product of moisture that builds up in warm places. Roof leaks, leaky pipes and openings where water can breach the inner walls of homes facilitate the growth of mold.

If the mold affects a large area such as a whole building or several rooms, leave the remediation of black mold to professionals. If cloth items that cannot be laundered are affected, it might be best to replace them.You can remove mold from surfaces by washing the affected areas with laundry detergent or dishwashing detergent and warm water. This solution is suitable for small jobs. Allow the area to air dry completely. If the mold is heavy, instead of the detergent solution use one cup of chlorine bleach to one gallon of warm water to clean it. Whether you use a bleach solution or not, protect yourself by using an N-95 respirator, wearing gloves, long sleeves; and pants; and make sure there is plenty of ventilation.