Molds are fungi that thrive in warm, damp, and humid conditions (Florida in a nutshell). There are many different species of mold, and they can be found both outside and inside. Mold found in your Panama City home can be a very dangerous problem. Mold reproduces by spores that are invisible to the naked eye. These spores can survive really dry conditions that do not typically support the growth of mold. Even after water damage has been dried and cleaned up, there can be unknown mold spores present, just waiting for the right conditions to grow. To grow, mold needs a food source, moisture, and time. Food sources for indoor mold include wood, drywall, insulation, and dust. The moisture for mold to grow indoors often comes from leaks or floods. With food and moisture present, mold growth can begin within 24 hours. This is why we at Daystar Cleaning emphasize that timing is so critical in mold cleanup.
Act fast
The first step in mold cleanup is to call a mold damage restoration team. With the proper training, experience, and equipment, restoration crews will be able to address the mold issue quickly and effectively. The state of Florida does not allow companies to test and clean the same mold site, so you need to pick a restoration company that will work with an independent mold inspector before mold removal can begin. They will perform an inspection of your property for visible mold and signs of hidden mold. Once the inspection is complete, work can begin to contain damage to the smallest area possible, physically remove contamination, treat and dry materials to ensure that mold will not return. Afterwards we will perform or recommend procedures for returning your home and property to its pre-loss condition.
Using the proper tools and techniques
Mold containment prevents the spread and further damage of mold growth. There are various containment procedures, some even requiring the use of advanced equipment like negative air chambers. No matter the technique or equipment used, the goal of containment is to isolate the affected area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep mold spores from spreading during cleanup. The specialized air filtration equipment allows restoration professionals to capture and remove mold spores from the air. Powerful air-scrubbers and HEPA vacuums can also be used to prevent the spread of mold spores and keep it contained.
Once adequate containment has been achieved, physical removal of mold and mold-infested materials begins. Mold cleanup is dependant upon the amount of mold growth and types of surfaces on which mold growth is found. With the use of antifungal and antimicrobial cleaning treatments, mold can be eliminated from surfaces. Depending on how much mold is present, porous materials like carpets and drywall may have to be removed and replaced in order to fully remediate heavy mold growth. Affected materials must then be completely dried to ensure that mold growth will not return. Cleanup and restoration may require only minor repairs such as replacing damaged materials, or it may entail major repairs such as reconstruction of rooms.
Contact the professionals
Professionals understand mold and mold growth. They have the equipment, training, and experience necessary to adequately clean and restore your home after mold damage. Daystar Cleaning and Restoration was one of the first State Certified Mold Mitigated companies, and has more than 15 years of experience in mold cleanup in Panama City and surrounding areas. We will contract with an independent mold inspector before we begin mold removal, and once the mold has been fully remediated, we will utilize an independent testing company to perform an unbiased clearance test. When it comes to mold, do not wait! Call Daystar Cleaning and Restoration to safely and completely remove your mold problem.