What is Mold?

It’s unsightly, it’s unhealthy and it’s like a ticking time bomb. Mold can be a silent killer. It may seem simple, but the best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from happening in the first place. In the aftermath of flooding or storm damage, that might be easier said than done.

Mold can spread in as little as 48 hours whenever excessive moisture is present indoors. It could be the result of a slow leak, broken plumbing or just high humidity. Indoor mold contamination can contribute to allergies, poor indoor air quality and sometimes it can even be deadly. That’s why mold remediation and restoration in a timely fashion is vital to maintaining a healthy environment.

How Does Mold Spread?

Many homeowners were forced to deal with flooding conditions during Superstorm Sandy, but it doesn’t take a storm of that magnitude to do a lot of damage. Any pipe or water leak can lead to excess moisture in your home. If the drying of wet building materials begins within 24 hours, the chance of preventing mold growth is good. If the materials remain saturated, mold will inevitably start to grow. So eliminating moisture as quickly as possible is an important first step, because the clock is always ticking.

Our Mold Removal Services Can Save Your House

Once mold is present, drying alone won’t be a sufficient plan of attack. That’s when “Mold Remediation” is necessary. ServiceMaster By American Restoration is the specialist in providing mold removal services in Long Island, New York. Moldy materials must be either removed or decontaminated. The process is called remediation, which literally means “to remedy” or “to cure.” The size, extent and nature of the mold contamination will determine which procedures will be required for remediation.

Mold is a microscopic life form that is part of the natural decay process of organic materials. There are thousands of different types of mold, but they share many traits. They require an organic food source, the most common of which is cellulose, found in building materials such as wood and drywall. Molds require oxygen and moisture, that’s why they grow best in warm, damp and humid conditions. Mold spreads by making microscopic spores that become airborne and can survive harsh environmental conditions. Given the opportunity, mold will feast on the structure of your home.

You must be proactive and keep your indoor relative humidity low, between 30 and 50 percent if you’re using a humidity meter. If you see moisture on windows, walls or pipes, dry the wet surface immediately. During summer months you may want to use a dehumidifier and air conditioner.

The bottom line is where there’s moisture, there’s mold. So if you’ve encountered any sort of flooding or water damage, call the professionals at ServiceMaster By American Restoration. We’re the industry leader in water and mold damage mitigation and restoration services. We’re ready to serve you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Remember, the clock is ticking.