MOLD INSPECTION
Elkton, Florida
Water/Pipe Leaks
Mold needs moisture, warmth and darkness. Many mold problems originate as a result of some kind of water leak. Water and pipe leaks are common causes. A leaking roof, water pipe, air conditioning unit, dish washer, washing machine can all supply the drip which turns your home into a mold spore producing health hazard.
A water pipe drip behind the wall can supply plenty of moisture, and can be undetected for days, months, or even years if minor enough.
When leaks are discovered, appropriate steps are not normally taken to minimize potential mold growth problems.
By the time they are discovered, it is often too late, since the mold will have had ample opportunity to grow in the same hard-to-find places where water leaks occur, such as in wall cavities
Check our page on Mold Remediation Tips.
Call 1-888-388-1101. We service all Elkton, Florida locations with mold inspection services.
Signs of Leaking Pipes:
Condensation or rusting on or around a pipe is a sign of a leak. Covering cold surfaces, such as cold water drainpipes, with insulation helps to prevent condensation.
The most difficult part of preventing leaking pipes is determining whether or not they are leaking in the first place, since they are normally concealed from view.
Here are some signs to look for:
- Musty odors that seem to originate from walls or floors require a mold inspection.
- Dripping faucets, Running toilets, moisture around the base of the toilet, moisture under the sink or under the bathroom vanity.
- Abnormally high water bills.
- You can hear running water sounds when nothing is turned on.
- Turn off all water sources and check the meter to see if it is running.
- Stained, discolored or damp walls require a mold inspection.
- A cracked or damp foundation or slab.
- Carpets that smell of mildew or feel damp to the touch require a mold inspection.
- Outside areas with unusual plant or grass growth and often depressed from excess water build up.
General Flooding
Mold problems are very common after flooding for obvious reasons (plenty of moisture which is conducive for mold growth). Plus, it usually requires several days or weeks to fully dry out the home or building once flooding occurs, giving colonies of black mold more than adequate time to become fully ingrained in these sections. This requires a mold inspection.
Musty Odors, Mildew
Odors can often be the first or only sign of a potential mold problem, since mold commonly propagates in places not normally in view. This does not necessarily mean that you definitely have a mold problem, but it should prompt you to look for the other signs, or to look for the mold growth itself, and call for a mod inspection.
In some cases, mildew smells will only be evident when the air conditioning or heat is turned on, or it may just be much more evident when the HVAC system is running. If this is the case, then it is very possible that you have significant mold growth within the HVAC system. Call 
a Water Damage Restoration Company, at 1-888-388-1101.
Toxic black mold and other fungi produce Volatile Organic Compounds during the process of destroying substances to obtain nutrition. The VOCs are the cause of the typical "moldy/musty" odor commonly associated with fungal contamination. These gasses may irritate the mucous membranes and the central nervous system leading to symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath, wheezing, headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems
High Humidity
If you live in Elkton, Florida, you live in an area with high humidity. Mold grows in a relative humidity of 55% or higher. Mold can cause health problems. Even though you control your environment with HVAC outdoor humidity can and does affect indoor humidity. You should always be on the lookout for potential mold problems.
A relative humidity (RH) levelof greater than 55%promotes the growth of mold and other fungi.
Respiratory Symptoms and Increased Allergic Reaction
If one or more persons begin suffering allergic reactions that seem to be associated with a room in your home or place of work, if other signs such as odor, discolored wall or floor, are also present, then it could be due to the presence of high levels of mold..
Remember, that according to a 1999 Mayo Clinic study, nearly all chronic sinus infections (afflicting about 37 million Americans) are a result of mold. A 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years has been linked to molds
Roof leaks
Roof leaks are sometimes hard to detect and can be present for a very long time before being discovered. Gutters that are blocked can cause water to seep into walls, through the roof, and can cause water to collect at the base of the foundation, which will result in further water damage in the home or building.
If you think your roof is the cause of an unpleasant odor, moisture in the attic, or stains on the ceilings of the top floors in your home or building then check for signs of mold.
Call 1-888-388-1101. We service all Elkton, Florida, locations.
the Water Damage Restoration Company, is on call 24 hours a day, 7days a week.
Rusting of Pipes
Discoloration or condensation on or around pipes, windows, or walls is often a sign of a leak. Rusting on pipes in particular, and anything else metal, is also a sign of leak.
Water Stains or Discoloration of Walls
Green, Yellow or brown stains on walls and ceilings are a sign of mold due to moisture exposure. You may also notice places where the paint is coming off due to moisture, or where the wall board is actually bowed out. In certain conditions a "Black Light" may be used to determine the presence of mold. Mold often gives off a tell tail odor. Cracked or peeling paint usually means that there is moisture build up behind the paint. Loose drywall tape is a sign that moisture has infiltrated the wall.
Basements or Crawl Spaces
Basements and crawl spaces tend to receive less ventilation (especially crawl spaces), while also seeing cooler temperatures. Cooler temperatures will lead to condensation, Condensation means moisture.
Basements and crawl spaces are more likely to be places where mold grows than other parts of the home. Look for any evidence of dampness. Any black mold growth that might be taking place in the framing can also lead to the weakening of beams and other bearing walls that are crucial to the stability of the structure
Naturally, moisture is going to cause wood to warp. If wooden materials in your home have been infiltrated by enough water to actually warp, then sufficient levels of moisture are present to grow mold.
Bathroom Mold Growth
Bathrooms are a natural breeding ground for mold. The moisture and warmth in bathrooms cause condensation which is the perfect environment for the growth of mold colonies.
What do I do if I found mold or suspect mold growth?
, the Water Damage Restoration Company, is on call 24 hours a day, 7days a week.
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