A thorough black mold inspection is necessary once you have found black mold spreading within your home. Checking for mold can be trickier than you might expect. Not only does mold quickly spread, but it may also form in areas that are nearly impossible to see. Because of that, you must consider checking your home for any spots that might be compromised with black mold within your home and remove them yourself. However, we highly recommend having it professionally cleaned by our Bedrock Restoration mold remediation experts. Remember that number of severe health conditions are linked to black mold. So, hiring us can help you make sure that your family will be safe in the future.  

Procedures for Black Mold Inspection

Although difficult to execute, a thorough black mold inspection is an important task. To start your mold inspection, you should try to search for mold in all the common sites. Check your basement, attic, crawlspace, and areas around toilets and sinks. If you have wallpapers, carefully examine them close to the ground and along any seams. Throughout your inspection, make sure to maximize your sense of smell. Mycotoxins, substances that give off a unique and musty stench, are produced by black mold. There is a chance that mold may be present in the area when you can smell a somewhat earthy or musty smell, and you’re certain that there is no other explanation for this nasty odor. You should keep looking until you locate the source of any strange smells. People who are allergic to mold may experience headaches, respiratory problems, or persistent runny noses. This may be yet another obvious sign that there may be a mold issue in the house.

There can be mold inside a wall if you notice any form of mold or discoloration on the wall. If you notice mold on the carpet, there’s a probability that it’s also existing beneath the cushion or carpet. To make sure where these molds are, it would be best to contact Bedrock Restoration pros because you’ll need to do a thorough examination of your home. 

Examine your carpet

Lift the carpet to see what’s underneath if you think there may be mold present. Keep a hold of the carpet close to a corner with a pair of needle-nose pliers to prevent damaging it. Lift the carpet just a little bit and drag it towards the direction of the wall. By doing so, the carpet will be released from the tack strip. You can roll the carpet back to look underneath it once it has been disengaged. You must check under the floor once you notice mold on the floorboards. In any case, it will probably be necessary to remove and replace any moldy floorboards, particularly if the structure is compromised. 

The total mold removal from wood or wooden surfaces can be quite challenging. You should get in touch with our mold specialists if you are unsure whether there is mold inside wall cavities or under floorboards so they can assist you in conducting a thorough inspection.

Check HVAC systems

Furthermore, you need to use a flashlight and a mirror to check inside your heating and cooling ducts. Remember that if there is dampness inside the duct, mold can readily spread throughout the house and move fast from room to room through the ductwork. The overall HVAC system in your home should be checked if the black mold is present to have these contaminants removed as soon as possible.

Mold is inevitably present around us, and also in our houses. Mold spores typically don’t pose a severe hazard, but they can start to proliferate and encroach on certain areas of your personal space.

Generally, if the mold is greater than ten square feet, you should hire a professional mold inspection, removal & remediation company in Plymouth, MN. Fortunately, Bedrock Restoration can help you with that. However, if the affected area is small enough, you can take care of it on your own.

Unfortunately, mold can be harmful, especially if you suffer from allergies or specific medical conditions like tuberculosis. Because of this, you need to follow the following safety tips from our mold remediation experts if you want to combat mold.

Isolate the Area

To prevent exposed family members from accessing the cleanup area, you must first isolate it. Keep in mind that mold can quickly spread from one room to another, so after you close the space, you shouldn’t leave until the mold infestation has been eliminated.

Put on Protective Gear

No matter how big or tiny the affected location is, you must wear the proper personal protective equipment. Every time you handle mold-contaminated materials, you should at the very least wear a face mask. However, we also advise using a face mask, work gloves, safety glasses, and protective gear.

Don’t Make Direct Contact

It is risky to touch mold with bare hands or skin. Aside from the possibility of becoming a carrier and spreading the mold spores to other rooms, you might also suffer from allergic reactions. So, as much as possible, avoid direct contact with anything, even those that are only partly contaminated.

Try Not to Release Mold Spores into the Air

You must be careful when removing mold to avoid spreading any mold spores into the air because they can be inhaled by other tenants of the same building. To prevent the release of spores, carefully inspect behind wall coverings.

Throw Damaged Materials Safely

Any damaged items, such as seals and bags, must be disposed of after the remediation is finished. You’ll also need to discard any carpets, furniture, or drywall that you can’t thoroughly clean. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk for more mold infestations in the future.

Do Not Paint Over Mold

It might be difficult to remove bothersome stains from surfaces when cleaning. Never, under any circumstances, paint over mold. Doing so can trap mold spores and provide them with a dim, moist habitat in which to proliferate later on.

Do Not Use Your HVAC System

Finally, if you think the HVAC system has mold spores, turn it off. You must either clean it first or get in touch with our professional mold remediators to get it checked. If you don’t do a thorough cleanup, turning on your HVAC system will spread spores throughout your house.

Professional Mold Remediation

It’s essential to bear in mind that mold can be hazardous, and you should only try to clear small infestations. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency strongly advises seeking professional assistance for any contamination that spreads over a space larger than 10 square feet.

Many individuals refuse to believe that it’s necessary to do mold remediation. This is because they are unaware of the hazard mold poses to their house. What they failed to understand is that infestation with mold is a major problem. And since these organisms prefer damp environments, every property infested with them is at risk.

Mold can be frequently discovered on the ceilings and inside walls. They contain mycotoxins, which can harm one’s health. Also, their presence can result in respiratory issues and allergic reactions to the people who live on the affected premises.

Why Does Mold Take Place?

Water is the primary cause of mold growth. Crawl spaces, basements, wall interiors, attics, and chimneys are all ideal environments for them to thrive. Moreover, as heat condenses, high humidity levels can encourage the growth of mold.

Older homes tend to have more mold growth than modern ones due to the fibrous quality of the drywall. Hence, fiberglass insulation is a popular home for mold growth. You must hire the help of the best mold inspection, removal & remediation company in Edina, MN, such as Bedrock Restoration if you want to be completely sure whether mold exists on your property or not. 

The Process for Removing Mold

Mold removal typically involves treating the area where it has been found as well as treating everything around it. The fact that mold spreads and multiplies rapidly is the reason why you need to consult the Bedrock Restoration specialists. Once they’ve gained access to your HVAC system, it eventually affects the quality of the air you breathe.

Eliminating the source of moisture is the first stage in the mold removal process. A biocide will then be applied to the area to get rid of them. Ultimately, we will encapsulate the mold to prevent further growth. To effectively do all of these processes, our mold remediation experts will use advanced tools and equipment, such as a high-velocity air scrubber to remove the mold in the air. We also use heap vacuums to capture mold spores. 

The Risks of Exposure to Mold

Black mold is the most hazardous variety of all the various types of mold that may be found in homes. All ages are susceptible, but mostly the kids, elderly, and expectant mothers. You must contact the Bedrock Restoration specialists as soon as possible if this type of mold has been found on your property. 

Nobody who isn’t skilled in remediation should handle mold. Irritation, redness, and dryness of the skin can result from direct contact with mold. You might experience some burning, in which case you need medical assistance.

The last thing anyone wants to undergo is discovering mold in their home. Unfortunately, it’s more common than we realize. This is especially true for homes that are vulnerable to moisture buildup. When neglected and left untreated, mold can be dangerous to your health in addition to being an inconvenience. 

When neglected and left untreated, mold can be dangerous to your health in addition to being an inconvenience. Listed below are a few of the warning indicators of mold development that you need to always search for in your property:

Health Problems

Molds, especially black mold, can cause detrimental effects on anyone’s health who is exposed to mold growth. Mold contains mycotoxins, which cause health issues if inhaled for a long time. Also, if you’re exposed to a large number of mold spores, it may trigger fatigue, headache, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Repeated mold exposure also increases the sensitivity of a person, which results in more severe allergic reactions. 

If you are experiencing such symptoms and signs while being indoors, it could be due to a mold infestation in your house. Contact Bedrock Restoration specialists as soon as you can to confirm and have the existing mold removed for a safer home.

Water Intrusion or Flooding

Mold may be accumulating in your home if it has been flooded in the past few years due to any reasons. Since cleaning up a flood in your home can be tricky and difficult, there may still be some water that was present and left behind for some time. 

cleaning up a flood in your home can be tricky and difficult, there may still be some water that was present and left behind for some time. 

Water Leaks

Water leaks that occur frequently in your home may be a sign that mold is forming there. Anything from roof leaks to a bathroom pipe leak could be the source of this issue. This usually happens when there’s a great accumulation of water in an area where it is not supposed to be. Though mold cannot be seen with naked eyes, there is a good possibility that it exists. Keep in mind that water leaks can cause mold to grow in situations that you typically overlook and disregard. Therefore, even though you can’t see the mold, you still need to call our mold removal specialist.

Mold Smell

Mold contamination has a very distinct and nasty odor. This is one of the easiest ways to determine whether mold is forming in your home. When mold is visible on the exterior of your home, it releases a musty stench. Expect your home to smell damp and musty if there is mold inside, possibly due to the accumulated moisture where they typically thrive. You should contact Bedrock Restoration experts as soon as you notice a musty smell to expedite the mold examination process.

Evident Signs of Mold Contamination

Mold can appear in many different forms. If anywhere in your home has slimy textures or some places are greenish-black, you have to call a professional right away to have this problem fixed. Surprisingly, the early stages of mold can just look like dirt. However, if anything doesn’t come off despite your efforts to clean it, it probably contains harmful mold.

After a severe flooding or water leak, your indoor spaces may naturally be damaged and filled with unwanted dirty water. Apart from the difficulty of cleaning things up, you also have the responsibility to protect yourself against the mold that could potentially develop if the excess water is not dealt with.

Now, even though it may seem like a difficult task, it is rather manageable given that you know how to handle the problem immediately. However, if flooding happens on your premises, it’s highly recommended to contact Bedrock Restoration– one of the proven and tested mold inspection, removal & remediation companies in Minnetonka, MN. We can help you determine and assess whether you have mold issues in your home or workplace and help you restore the affected area as soon as our skilled remediation specialists can.

1. Remove the Water

To avoid any unnecessary mold growth, you should also try to eliminate any excess water from the damaged areas or places as soon as you can. Try your best to remove all of the excess water before you dry and clean the area. To maintain your property in good condition, you should do this procedure ASAP since it’ll take some time for it to mold and spread.

2. Take Out All of the Wet Carpets

If there are any, particularly rugs or wet carpets laying in your house, you need to take them out of the area right away. They shouldn’t just be left outside to dry because that could promote waterproof mold development, which can be more challenging to get rid of. Instead, remove your wet rugs and carpets and let them air dry completely.

If you are not sure how to do that, simply call our mold remediation company since we have all the necessary tools and experts to assist you with this task.

3. Use towels to dry any wet floors

You shouldn’t just leave damp floors in place if you have any. This is especially true if they are made from wood. If that happens, you should try your best to dry them as quickly as possible. Towels can be used for drying them because they are simpler to clean and might not create any

residue left. The wet area can also be covered with a cloth to stop mildew from growing there and spreading to the floor.

4. Keep Other Items and Furniture Clean

To stop mold from spreading, you should disinfect your furniture and other household items as soon as you’ve dried the floors. To clean them, just mix water and detergent. Before you dry the carpets and rugs, you should also try vacuuming them to get rid of any dust, hair, or other debris that could harbor mold. You might also want to hire Bedrock Restoration experts if you don’t know how to properly clean the carpet and rugs.

5. Disinfect the entire affected indoor

Don’t forget to disinfect the damaged area after you have cleansed and dried it. This will prohibit any additional mold growth in addition to eliminating any bacteria and other germs that might have remained in the place. For this, you can use disinfectants like bleach and other cleaning agents intended for mold removal.

As you can see, there are several things you can do to help prevent mold from thriving after water damage. All you need to do is don’t panic, keep calm, find effective ways to clean and dry your property as soon as possible, and never forget to thoroughly disinfect the affected area. It’s crucial to never leave any excess moisture laying around for a prolonged period as the chance of mold growth increases with time.

The risks of working around mold involve various health problems for workers. In this post, we’ll look at some common mold exposure indicators as well as the essential steps that may be implemented to prevent mold from spreading in the workplace and eventually protect the employees.

In this post, we’ll look at some common mold exposure indicators as well as the essential steps that may be implemented to prevent mold from spreading in the workplace and eventually protect the employees.

Worker Safety and Health Condition While Working with Mold

Upon considering a structure that has experienced water damage from a flood or strong storm, water-logged goods left in the course of a storm are usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, most people forget that mold can develop from the residual dampness in the ceilings, flooring, walls, air ducts, and HVAC system, which is much more harmful.

Internal and external water intrusion caused by a flood can result in water penetration that can leave items in the building damp for a long time. This dampness supplies the moisture necessary for the growth of fungi, mold, bacteria, and other microbes as well as for the infestation of insects. Many harmful health issues have been linked to molds, their byproducts, and fragments. Hence, it’s crucial that all employees in a water-damaged building, as well as those hired to perform cleaning and maintenance, are protected from mold exposure to prevent them from having these health problems.

Risks of Working Near Mold

Ultimately, mold could be even more destructive to the structure of a building than the water or winds that came from the storm. In a worst-case scenario, mold can rapidly develop from moisture that remained behind in attics, walls, basements, or crawl spaces. This usually happens they go

undetected for a long time until it shows as a black stain. By the time the stain appears, the damage has already been present in the carpets, sheetrock, and wood in your building.

Mold releases seed-like spores that can be inhaled into the air. They also create mycotoxins, which are substances that are attached to the mold’s spores and other parts. Among other health issues, mold exposure can worsen pre-existing ailments or illnesses or create allergic reactions. Mold exposure also leads to different common health problems, including the following:

• Asthma developing or getting worse

• Blurred vision and eye irritation

• Bronchitis

• Eczema

• Hay fever or allergic rhinitis

• Hypersensitive pulmonary disease

• Respiratory symptoms and infections in the lungs, throat, and nose

• Skin rashes

In the US, chronic sinus infections are reported to be 93% caused by mold. Furthermore, recent research indicates that mold mycotoxins may contribute to memory loss, melancholy, anxiety, and reproductive issues. Particularly harmful health symptoms from black mold include a persistent headache, sneezing, coughs, eye discomfort, exhaustion, and rashes.

If mold of any kind is discovered within your workplace, your employees should be removed as soon as possible to prevent any potential health problems.

How to Stop Mold in the Office

OSHA advises that any extra moisture must be removed from the affected building as soon as possible. Fortunately, our mold remediation experts from Bedrock Restoration can deal with mold assessment, removal, and even property restoration to guarantee you a safe environment for working. The best common mold remediation recommendations include

• Fix any leaky windows, roofs, or pipes ASAP

• Remove water with a wet-dry vacuum and keep the structure well-ventilated to expedite drying time.

• Use fans to hasten the drying procedure

• Use an air conditioner or humidifier to maintain low humidity levels as much as possible during humid months.

• Discard any material contaminated by mold or water and throw away porous objects that have been soaked for more than 48 hours.

• Only use one-half cup of bleach in one gallon of water to thoroughly clean and disinfect moist surfaces (never mix bleach and any products that contain ammonia)

• Supply your maintenance team with the necessary PPE, such as long gloves, non-vented eyewear, N95 masks, and protective clothing.

• During post-cleanup, monitor the employees’ symptoms to make sure the air quality of your workplace has been restored.

Discovering mold in your home can be an unpleasant experience. If this happens, It’s crucial to have the mold removed by the experts from Bedrock Restoration because it can be harmful to your home and health.

While you want your mold problem resolved quickly, take the time you need to find a reputable business. For you to hire a trustworthy Mold Inspection, Removal & Remediation Company in Eden Prairie, MN like us, they must meet the following requirements.

Liability Insurance

It is crucial that the company you hire is covered by liability insurance and that their coverage particularly permits them to work with mold. If they do not have this in writing, there’s a possibility that they won’t carry the right coverage. Fortunately, we make sure that our company and staff are insured to guarantee our staff and client’s safety.

A Great Deal of Mold Experience

It’s essential to figure out how many years the firm has been operating and how long its staff members have been handling mold. Even if they may have been there for a while, their staff must have a lot of experience. Make sure to request job samples and a portfolio when asking for information on experience so you can examine the work for yourself.

Our company has been in the industry for several years now. So, we can assure you that our professional mold remediation specialists can help restore your home in no time. 

Considers Mold as Health Risk

When speaking with prospects, be sure to find out if they see mold as a health risk or not. A resounding “yes” is the response you’re hoping for. You can depend on a company to remove mold carefully if it is aware of the potential health risks it poses. Unlike Bedrock Restoration, a service provider that doesn’t consider mold to be a problem might not be as dedicated to totally eliminating it using the appropriate methods.

Allows Staff to Wear Protective Gear

A company that views mold as a health risk must also wear safety equipment and gear. Everyone who lives in a home with mold, including the people who remove it, should avoid it. So, you need to ask the company if their staff will be wearing the necessary protective gear as they do the job.

Clearly Defined Containment Measures

Containing mold during the remediation process is very important. Because of that, you must make sure that the service provider you hire is knowledgeable and trained to do all of its containment procedures. In Bedrock Restoration, our experts will explain these containment measures to you with ease. If not, think about choosing another company that can help you understand the process. 

Assess the Area Before and After Remediation

Your chosen mold remediation company should do mold evaluations both before and after cleanup. You must understand how bad your situation was before properly evaluating the results once the job is finished. Ideally, a different company should conduct the tests following. Find out more about the evaluation measures used by the business you intend to hire. For an unbiased evaluation, a different company should be asked to assess your home after the results. 

Can Remove the Mold Effectively

Although it may seem obvious, you should verify whether your chosen service provider can totally remove the mold from your property. Check to confirm that the company won’t “seal,” “encapsulate,” or “cover” the mold. Otherwise, the company might not be addressing the source of the problem if its only offer is to clean the area and paint over it. Make sure you get a written contract that the mold will be removed.

Get a Written Contract from the Company

Last but not the least, you need to guarantee that the service provider will give you a formal written contract. The scope of the service, the mold cleanup procedure, and a mold removal guarantee should all be stated in the contract. Before signing on the dotted line, be certain that the company meets the requirements listed above.

Over 100,000 different types of mold exist, and any one of them could be dangerous. Although mold may not directly affect everyone, prolonged mold exposure can be harmful to your health.

More than 30 health issues, such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disorders, can be triggered by mold exposure. Hence, it is crucial to contact the experts on Mold Inspection, Removal & Remediation Company in Wayzata, MN as soon as possible.

Or you can contact Bedrock Restoration for property assessment to know whether your home is infested with mold. If molds are found, we can also help you completely remove this hazardous substance for a healthier life. 

Listed below are some of the potential health risks that mold can cause especially if you are exposed for a long time. 

Allergic Reactions

Despite not being deadly or harmful, some molds do create mycotoxins. If these hazardous substances are exposed long enough, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including skin rashes and, in rare instances, cancer.

Mold exposure typically causes allergic reactions, especially in those who are more sensitive than others. The severity of the symptoms is also affected by the duration and type of exposure. Eye discomfort, runny nose, skin irritation, throat irritation, wheezing, and coughing are all symptoms of a mold allergy.

Asthma Attacks

People who have asthma can also experience attacks when exposed to significant amounts of airborne mold spores. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness are all signs of an asthma attack. Children who are genetically predisposed to asthma can also be affected since mold exposure potentially helps the development of asthma.

Additional Medical Issues

Chronic sinus infections can be brought on by mold exposure as well. People who have chronic sinusitis should avoid all contact with mold to avoid developing more issues, even if it wasn’t the primary cause of the infection.

Mold-related disorders are also more likely to strike individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those who have HIV or AIDS or are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

Mold’s Effects on Animals

Pets can experience mold-related issues in a similar way people do. Pets who are exposed to mold may also experience symptoms such as asthma, coughing, bleeding from the nose or lungs, excessive licking and scratching, lethargy, runny noses, and allergic responses.

Mycotoxins can harm animals if they consume food products that have mold on them. When pets ingest this contaminated food, they may develop tremors or muscle spasms. Always examine the pet food you give them, and discard any moldy food you find in your house.

How can I spot the growth of mold?

The first sign of mold is a musty stench similar to that of library books. However, some mold types don’t release any smell at all. Spots of mold are visible, yet some homeowners ignore them because they mistake them for dirt.

If you think there may be mold in your house, take the time to buy some tests from your neighborhood hardware shop. If your mold problem is severe, you will need professional restoration services from Bedrock Restoration. 

Can I clear up mold growth on my own?

Nothing is wrong with doing your mold cleanup, particularly if the mold is only present in a few small places. As long as you wear the appropriate safety equipment, it is also acceptable to dispose of hazardous objects.

However, for people who have started to develop lung issues or who have allergies, we do not advise DIY remedies for mold cleanup. These situations demand the assistance of our mold remediation pros. After all, it is more beneficial to seek professional assistance than to endanger your health.