Manage Moisture Mishaps with Mold Remediation Tips
Nothing is certain during Minnesota seasons. Recently, warmer weather has extended later in the fall, and winter-like conditions linger nearly to summer after a false spring or two. An early spring mold remediation emergency adds dread and surprise at home in Eagan. How can bouts of unexpected warm weather unleash such a curveball? Lightspeed Restoration of Twin Cities East Metro offers some answers.
Mold Growth Is Opportunistic, Not Seasonal
Every home is teeming with invisible spores, which rarely pose problems until they encounter a water source and a 24 to 48-hour time period to imbibe. Once the water, or even excessively humid conditions, quenches the spore's thirst, a rapidly multiplying collection of primitive organisms is on a colonization mission. Only moisture and oxygen are requisites for the explosion of feathery, leathery, or mushroom-looking fungal growth. No light is needed; temperatures can range widely and still support mold.
During and after a tough winter, mold can take hold in the rafters of your attic or far reaches of upper living levels because of absorbed moisture. Ice and snowmelt push between joints and saturate wood and drywall. Ice dams and their sparkling icicles are a giveaway that melt water is moving back and forth between your home's interior and exterior at the gutter line. More moisture becomes available when warm and humid air inside rises and contacts and condenses on the relatively cold bottom of the roof decking. Climbing up into the attic or upper story periodically year-round on a mold search is an excellent idea because the earlier you discover and address an infestation, the better. Minimize damage using professional hints to prevent a recurrence.
Mold Remediation Is a Two-Prong Approach
If you find evidence of interior mold growth up at the roofline, do not hesitate to contact Lightspeed for help. We are available to perform prompt mold inspection services and develop a viable mold remediation plan that includes:
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Dealing with Current Mold Damage
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Moisture detection to locate all potential mold growth sites, paying particular attention to the migration of snow melt or condensation down walls and into other living or storage areas
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Containment of the mold infestation so that the necessary physical removal of the microbial organisms does not lead to drift of moldy residues to other areas
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Bagging and lawful disposal of the mold and materials irreparably damaged
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Surface cleaning and disinfection with EPA-registered products to inhibit mold rebound
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Drying of affected materials and water damage restoration if needed
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Moisture Management During Seasonal Transitions
Lightspeed Restoration intentionally uses the term "mold remediation" when explaining mold services to customers. Mold potential remains because no one can remove spores permanently. Fortunately, spores cause almost no trouble if kept dry. We share tips to help limit or eliminate the moisture that fuels mold development, which is the final step after structural drying and water damage restoration. Moisture management for roofline mold issues includes:
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Monitor humidity levels. When relative humidity, easily measured by an inexpensive and portable meter, rises about 50 to 60 percent, mold spores can germinate and grow.
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Insulate upper stories, sealing gaps to prevent warm air from escaping and melting snow and ice on the edge of your shingles. Insulation also reduces condensation on the decking undersides and rafters.
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Clean gutters before the snow flies to prevent ice dams, which cause serious meltwater seepage opportunities.
Turn to LightSpeed of Twin Cities East Metro when freezing and melting cycles threaten your Eagan home with mold. Remediation requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both current infestation and prevention through moisture management. Call (651) 459-2662 for immediate emergency services and practical, proactive tips to avoid a mold doubleheader.