Mold Removal and Remediation in Houston FAQs

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in environments where moisture and humidity are in ample supply.  Mold actually exists almost everywhere as a  microbial organism. When it grows, it can manifest as a black, white, orange, green, or purple substance on a safe.

Mold can live almost anywhere but it mostly prefers places with a lot of moisture. The actual mold spores can travel through the air and that is how they spread from one place to another. People often ask how mold gets into their homes. Since mold spores are very versatile, they can travel by air and access your home or business premises via open doors, windows, chimney and vents. Mold can also be carried into the home on human clothing or pet fur.

Molds, like most fungi, can grow almost anywhere where moisture and organic material are available. In order to spread, mold releases spores which can spread through the air, water, or even on humans and animals.

Mold has a distinct, musty smell and appears as fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. If you experience any of the above in your home, it means not only do you have a mold problem, it is also spreading.

Mold spreads rapidly where there is water (and water damage). That is why it is visible in bathrooms, shower stalls, bathroom tiles, and shower curtains, window moldings, the seal on the refrigerator door, surfaces on and around air conditioners, and in the attic.

One of the first signs that you have a mold infestation is the musty odor. Mold has a distinct look and small. It also appears as fuzzy, blue, yellow, black, or purple discolorations on surfaces. It affects the corners of the bathroom, stains the walls, and also grows in between tiles. Mold can also rot wood causing structural problems. But can you remove mold on your own?

The answer is yes, but only if it is not widespread. If the total area affected by mold is less than 10 square feet, then you can probably remove it yourself with over-the-counter detergents. But if the mold is more widespread, then we strongly recommend that you hire a reputable mold removal and remediation contractor like Air Quality Express. Here are the reasons you need to hire an expert:

• Mold itself is hazardous to one's health. Prolonged exposure to it can cause respiratory problems. This is one reason you want to leave this type of work to a professional who is properly equipped and trained

• Sometimes, mold grows in hard-to-reach areas such as the attic, roof, gutters, and behind appliances. If you're untrained and poorly equipped, you may not be able to eradicate mold from these places

• As an amateur, you may actually reintroduce even more mold into your home in an attempt to clean it

• Mold occurrence most likely means a water leak or water damage somewhere. Proper mold removal and remediation means dealing with the root cause of the problem which includes fixing the water leaks.

• Mold remediation (ensuring mold does not recur in the future) is something only a competent and licensed professional can do

• You may damage the air ducts in the process of mold removal

To schedule an appointment for licensed and professional mold removal and remediation in Houston, call 832-937-7692

Before beginning the mold removal and remediation process, Air Quality Express technicians will create a containment area using plastic sheets and industrial-class duct tape. This is usually done if the mold infestation is more prevalent in certain areas of the house. The goal is to ensure the mold spores don't spread. If there is water damage, this process also ensures that the damage is contained in one part of the house. This generally means that the homeowners don't have to vacate the home during the mold removal and remediation process.

This typically depends on a number of factors such as how much mold is present, where the mold is growing (behind walls, etc.), and the materials it grows on. Also, it's worth mentioning that mold almost always follows water leaks or water damage. This too has to be addressed and may affect the length of time it takes to complete the process. Generally, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 1 day to 5 days.  For more info, call our customer service line at 832-781-0105.