Mold remediation can be a long and difficult process, but when it’s all done, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The last thing you want to do after the experts have left is undo all their hard work! In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to do to keep your home mold-free. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your clean, healthy home for years to come!
Residual test for mold remediation:
One of the first things you need to do following mold remediation is to check for residues. Did the mold remediation experts leave anything? One of the ways to do this is to check every nook and cranny of your house. Follow the trails followed by the remediation expert and double-check to ensure that there is no mold in the home. While this method might work for a small house, it can’t be replicated if you are getting rid of mold in a mansion. This is where mold testing comes in.
Mold testing:
As its name suggests, mold testing means taking samples of the mold in your home and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. A mold test can tell you what type of mold you have and its concentration in the air. This knowledge can help you determine whether or not your home is safe for occupancy. Once the remediation experts are through with your home, you must send your air sample for checking. In addition to air sampling, there are two other methods for mold testing: surface sampling and bulk sampling.
Surface sampling is taking a sample of moldy material, such as a piece of carpeting or drywall, and sending it to a lab for analysis. Bulk sampling involves removing an entire chunk of the affected material, such as a section of the drywall, and sending it to a lab for analysis.
You should also have your home tested for mold if you suspect you have been exposed to mold spores. This is especially important if you have respiratory problems or are allergic to mold.
Isn’t it the job of the remediation expert to conduct mold testing?
Mold remediation experts are trained to remove mold and mildew from your home. However, they do not test for mold. That is why it is important to have a mold testing kit on hand. These kits are available at most hardware stores. While the type of kit might be different, they work similarly.
To operate a mold testing kit, you must gather a mold sample. The most common places to find mold are in damp areas, such as the bathroom or basement. Once you have gathered a sample, you must place it on the included growth medium. Then, you will need to incubate the mold for two to three days at room temperature. After that time, you can see if the mold has grown.
Once the remediation experts are through, go to the area that was previously filled with mold. Take the sample from the rea and follow a similar process as mentioned above. If the mold grows back, you need to contact your remediation experts quickly.
What if the mold remediation test comes back negative?
Just because the mold remediation costs come back negative doesn’t mean you get to forget about the mold completely. Once the remediation experts are through, you need to find the possible areas for repairs and why the mold happened in the first place.
For example: If you discovered mold in the attic, it could be because your roof is leaking. In this case, you will have to fix the roof as quickly as you can. In another instance, if the mold is in the basement, it could be because of a crack in the foundation or poor drainage around your home.
You should also:
– Inspect the HVAC system and ductwork for any possible leaks or condensation.
– Make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed.
– Check for any leaks in plumbing fixtures, appliances, and pipes.
– Keep an eye out for any future signs of mold growth.
Regularly cleaning these areas of your home will help prevent mold from returning. If you have any questions or concerns about aftercare following mold remediation, don’t hesitate to ask the experts who helped with the original problem.
What if I still see/smell mold?
After the mold remediation experts have left, it is normal to still see and smell mold in your home. This is because the remediation process can stir up dormant mold spores that were previously hidden. These spores will eventually settle, and the smell will dissipate. In the meantime, you can help by opening windows and using fans to circulate air.
If you see visible mold growth or the musty smell persists after a few days, this could be a sign that the remediation was not done properly. In this case, you should contact the remediation company and have them return to assess the situation.
It’s important to remember that mold can come back even after remediation. This is why it’s crucial to take preventive measures, such as regularly cleaning damp areas and fixing any leaks in your home. If you have any questions or concerns about mold, don’t hesitate to ask the experts who helped with the original problem. With their help, you can keep your home mold-free for good!
