Mold/Microbial Remediation
Mold/Microbial Remediation
Mold/Microbial Remediation
We are IICRC (Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and Mold Remediation Certified to handle mold and environmental losses. Mold can form after a leaking pipe or roof, enabling mold spores to take over a room or an entire building. Our mold/microbial remediation teams are trained and equipped to develop the proper way to handle your office’s mold issue.
Identifying the Mold Category
Identifying the kind of mold you have in your office is essential so the professionals can properly handle it. Though many people can clean mold on their own with household cleaners, certain kinds can only be removed by a professional with the right products.
Mold can be classified into three different categories:
- Allergenic – most can be removed with household disinfectants, and others require professional cleaning
- Pathogenic – requires professional cleaning but can be controlled with household disinfectants
- Toxic – most dangerous that requires a professional to kill the mold and dispose of affected materials
Types of Mold
After identifying the mold’s category in your commercial property, you’ll also want to know which specific kind you’re handling. Mold can come in several different forms, some more dangerous than others. Below are the most common types you may find in your office building:
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Aspergillus
This type of mold thrives indoors and often appears on wooden surfaces. It’s typically green or gray in appearance, and the spores can form thick layers of mold. If your office has aspergillus, it could be harmful for workers with weakened immune systems or lung problems. Call a professional if you’re experiencing an extensive infestation.
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Cladosporium
Cladosporium should be addressed right away if you discover it in your commercial property. It can be either brown or olive green and has a suede-like texture. This type of mold can grow in both cold and warm environments and is often found on areas such as carpets, drapes, or glass surfaces. Property owners should clean smaller colonies of Cladosporium right away with household items, but the professionals should handle larger infestations.
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Alternaria
If you find dark green mold with a velvety texture and protruding little hairs, it may be Alternaria. Properties may find this type of mold near sinks, and most people may experience allergy symptoms when around it. If you find Alternaria in your commercial property, there’s a big chance that you might be experiencing water damage. Proper cleaning can remove this type of mold, but it can also quickly spread and require professional assistance.
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Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is commonly referred to as black mold due to its dark green or black slimy texture. You may find it in areas exposed to excessive humidity or water for an extended period. Black mold often forms behind ceilings and walls and needs constant moisture to continue growing. Professionals must remove and dispose of affected building materials if you find this type of mold in your office.
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Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium will first appear pink, brown, or black but eventually turns brown as it matures and grows. You’ll find this type of mold in areas that are wet or water damaged. You should call a professional to clean up small infestations, as proper protective clothing is necessary.
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Chaetomium
The musty odor distinguishes Chaetomium from other cotton-like molds. This type thrives in drywall with water damage or under carpets, and most people often mistake Chaetomium for black mold. You should call a professional to handle this type of mold.
Why You Should Act Fast
Nobody should be dealing with mold in their office or commercial property. It can cause several issues, from health concerns to property damage. The longer you allow mold to collect and spread, the worse conditions will become. At that point, your commercial insurance may not be able to cover any damage that may occur.
Besides property damage, you’re also putting your health at risk by not addressing mold issues. An otherwise healthy individual will begin getting allergy- or asthma-like symptoms if mold is present. Those with respiratory issues will experience worse symptoms.
What to Expect
The mold and microbial remediation experts can handle issues that have become out of hand and prevent an infestation from worsening. When you call our team for mold remediation, here is what you can expect:
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Testing
The first step of the mold remediation process is assessing the area. A member of our team will carefully inspect the property to determine the type of mold growing and its source. This will help us determine the best approach for remediation.
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Containment
To prevent triggered mold from producing spores, we need to isolate the contaminated area before the cleaning or removal process. This is typically done with a plastic sheeting that seals the location. When mold produces spores, they can float in the air and settle on other surfaces.
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Cleanup or Removal
If mold grows on porous material, such as drywall or fabrics, we will need to dispose of it. Non-porous or semi-porous materials can be cleaned using a safe process that prevents spores from being released into the air.
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Sanitizing
Once mold-infested items have been removed, we will thoroughly clean all affected areas. This involves sanitization and deodorization. The products used during this step prevent mold from reproducing.
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Final Testing
After everything has been cleaned, our professionals will check the air quality one last time to ensure your property is safe from mold. Afterward, we will complete and submit any documentation to the appropriate parties.
Tips for Preventing Regrowth of Mold
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent mold from becoming a problem in your commercial property:
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can
- Immediately fix any leaks
- Ensure the air flows freely
- Dry the area fully within 24 to 48 hours after a flood
- Use mold-killing cleaning products in bathrooms
Are You in Need of Mold/Microbial Remediation Services?
Professional mold remediation services can protect you and your workers from serious health issues. If you suspect your commercial building has a mold problem, call the professionals at BlueTeam today. We will assess the area, remove all affected materials, and help you with your next steps.