Important Information and Tips on How To Prevent Mold

• Clean and dry wet or damp spots and wet, non-moldy materials within 24 to 48 hours.  This cannot be stressed enough.  It's the most critical period of time.  Mold spores positively will begin to grow because all they need is MOISTURE!  Stop the moisture and stop the mold growth.

• Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in your home or building as soon as possible. Again, it cannot be stressed enough... fix leaks immediately upon noticing that a leak exists!  If the leak was inside the wall or beneath the floor, you MUST have these areas professionally checked if the leak was longer than 24 to 48 hours.  Technology is available to test "Inner-Wall" or "Inside Flooring" for mold growth.  If the results are positive, you need to remove the material such as; drywall, plaster or flooring to prevent further destruction of the material by the mold.
  
  MOLD DECOMPOSES all organic material that it grows on.  It only takes a 10% decomposition on wood to reduce the structural integrity by 50%!  Mold has one purpose on this planet of ours... and that is to decompose.  Mold can and will eat away the structural integrity of any cellulose based building material, silently and without you ever noticing. 
  
  Check for MOLD GROWTH at all costs... it can save you thousands of dollars that you may have to spend for remediation in the future if you ignore it!

• Watch for condensation and wet spots. Watch for windows that may have had their seals broken and then the gas leaks out immediately.  This is no longer a "dead air space" but an active air space where moisture can condensate - and where there is Moisture... there is the perfect opportunity for microbial organisms to grow... like MOLD!

• Do not allow sprinklers to hit homes and buildings.  This constant water washing causes a "wicking" effect on and within the building material and that water will penetrate these structural materials and cause mold growth - at times, heavy mold growth - and in a location that you are probably not going to see very quickly!  The water will also begin to wear away at these building materials and further saturate the ground, foundation and eventually the inner-walls.  Seeping into the ground can cause "hydrostatic" pressure to build up and potentially damage basement walls.  Water is essential for life... all life including mold, mildew and mosses.  Always keep moisture to a minimum and only to where it is needed.  Control moisture and control mold growth.

• Inspect and repair window seals and flashing.  These are little areas that can cause BIG problems.  Never underestimate water infiltration... at any location BIG or SMALL.  Water and condensation are the primary cause of mold growth.

• Vent moisture-generating appliances to the outside where possible.  If you need to have a new duct system put in, DO IT!  The benefits far outweigh the costs.  It will cost you many times more if you develop mold damage due to high humidity and moisture levels.  Control the moisture control the mold growth.

• Perform regular home and building/HVAC inspections and maintenance.  A minimum should be twice per year, in the Spring and Fall.  Also, have an inspection anytime that you develop a moisture problem.  Why?  Simple... your HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is the carrier for the air YOU BREATHE!  If it becomes contaminated, so does your air.  Never assume that your inside (indoor) air quality is okay just because your system was checked.  Have it tested with a Swab Sample/Test inside of the duct system.  This is where dust and other particles are located which are primary food sources for mold spores.  If you find that you have mold residing inside your HVAC system, immediately contact a Certified Indoor Environmentalist to do a thorough Indoor Air Check.  Then have your system cleaned by a NADCA Certified Duct Cleaner.  Never... I repeat... Never have this vital work performed by anyone that is not NADCA Certified... because they simply DO NOT UNDERSTAND what needs to be done and HOW!  If you want proof, contact me: info@iaqms.com  I'll provide you with enough information and data that you will positively see how important it is!  Also look at: http://www.iaqms.com/ducts.htm

• Monitor moisture problems to prevent mold growth.  Control moisture control mold growth.

• Stop and repair sources of water intrusion or accumulation immediately.  This cannot be stated enough.  Anytime and anywhere that you see a potential water or moisture problem, you must immediately have it checked and repaired if needed.  Control moisture control mold growth.

• Prevent moisture from condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry) or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).

• Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.

• Maintain low indoor humidity - below 60 percent relative humidity (RH), ideally 30 to 50 percent if possible.

• Don't let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.

FLOOD

Rising waters; the release of water, the rising, overflowing or breaking of boundaries of natural or man-made bodies of water, or the spray there from; surface waters or sewer back-up resulting from any of the foregoing. This is how the State's insurance company defines the event that has created the  costliest claims in recent years.  Floods are a natural disaster (mostly).  If you are negligent and create your own flood, that is a different story and legal issue.  Natural disasters can be covered by Insurances (if you have the coverage).  Always check with your insurance agent and read your policy thoroughly. 

Whenever a flood situation occurs, immediately call a Certified Indoor Environmental Professional.  You are now potentially being exposed to an entirely New Host of Biological and Environmental Contaminants.  Mold is just a small portion of the health contaminants present in flood water.  There are Bacterial and Virus contaminants potentially present also.  You Must Have Your Property TESTED.  It is imperative that you KNOW what is present... then and only then will you understand what it will potentially cost to repair or replace!  This is not a situation to take lightly.  It can be a very serious HEALTH ISSUE and quickly!  If you have a concern due to Flooding, please contact us immediately at: info@iaqms.com and tell us what has happened and when.  We have a complete team of Bio-Hazard Remediation Specialists and are capable of QUICK RESPONSE!

IF YOU EXPERIENCE A FLOOD:

• Contact us by email at: IAQMS.COM immediately.

• Turn all electricity off at the main breaker box or fuse box. Do not step in water when doing this.

• Shut off the gas by turning the handle of the gas valve perpendicular to the pipe. If the valve handle is parallel to the pipe, the gas is on

• Leave the premises immediately if you smell gas and notify your utility company.

• Inventory all flooded areas so that every water-damaged area is identified for treatment and cleaning.

• Check for broken or leaking water pipes.

TO CONTROL MICROBIAL GROWTH AFTER A FLOOD

• Ventilate the building/office as soon as possible. Open doors and window as well as cabinets, drawers and closets. Circulate as much air as possible through the building and its cavities, such as walls and floor

• Heat the building/office as soon as possible. Moisture will move from the outside if the indoor temperature is warmer than the outside temperature

• Ventilating and heating are more effective when done together than either done alone.

• After electricity has been restored, use portable fans, window air conditioners (set on fan exhaust only), and dehumidifiers to help speed drying.

• Immediately remove as much water as possible from wet carpeting using wet vacuums,

• Remove any essential wet paper from the flooded area to a location where it can be dried, photocopied and then discarded.

• If a large amount of files and paperwork cannot be dried within two days, essential files and paperwork may be rinsed with clean water and temporarily frozen until proper drying of the files and paperwork can be completed. Never let paperwork become moldy.

• Leave the rest of the clean up and decontamination to the professionals.