The discovery of a mold infestation by a Kalamazoo homeowner is never a pleasant experience. The mold itself is usually slimy, smelly and never aesthetically pleasing. Even more disturbingly, its presence can also prove to be an actual hazard to the health of the inhabitants of the home. However, with some time and effort, the mold infestation problem can be resolved in a relatively harmless and affordable manner. Here are some basics that you should know about the about the process:
As fungi, mold thrives the best when it has sufficient amounts of moisture, heat and an organic medium on which to feed. Mold also prefers a darker area as it is susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet light. In particular, mold grows best in places such as damp basements, in the back of cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom or any other place where small amounts of water may accumulate without the homeowner noticing.
Finding mold in any of these areas is not catastrophic but it should be dealt with as soon as possible. In most cases, hiring the services of a professional mold remediation company is the best way to most effectively solve the problem.
Most homeowners do no really understand the severity of a mold infestation and what is required to fully rid the home of the mold. Many false believe that simply removing the mold-affected area or treating it with bleach is sufficient. It is not. Instead, the root cause of the problem – that is the source of the dampness – must first be identified and remedied. Then the removal and replacement of the worst affected areas can be accomplished.
As soon as you see mold in your home, you will be tempted to try and clean it yourself. This approach to mold removal will only make it worse. For one, contact with mold spores could compromise your health. Furthermore, a DIY cleaning attempt will likely worsen the situation by moving mold throughout the room.
The better course of action is to let our Kalamazoo, Michigan mold removal team eliminate the mold in a comprehensive manner. Our professional mold removal experts use air sampling and air quality testing along with surface sampling to determine if mold is indeed present, what type of mold is in your living space, its severity and location.
The cost of mold remediation or removal will depend largely on two factors – the square footage that needs to be tested and treated and its accessibility. Testing companies generally charge around $250 for swab testing and $275 for air cell testing. Depending on the size of the home and the extent of the infestation, prices can be as low as $300 or as much as $3,000. In addition, demolition and repair can easily add up to several thousand more dollars.
You and your loved ones should not have to live with mold one day longer. Our mold remediation team in Kalamazoo, Michigan is here to eliminate your mold problem and preserve your health.
For more detailed information on mold remediation and the best way to accomplish it in your Kalamazoo home or to speak with a qualified mold professional, please contact us at the Mold & Air Quality Professionals. We can be found online at MoldAQP.com or reached directly at 734.755.3457.