Mold decontamination in the attic, attic and basement
If you own a home, it’s likely that you’ll end up with a mold problem. If this is the case, there is no point in panicking. Of course, this problem should not be taken lightly either! Just know that this is a situation that affects many homeowners and can be easily resolved when the right measures are taken. This article will help you see more clearly and make the right decisions.
How to remove mold from the roof
Much of the dark streaks found on rooftops, especially in humid climates, are actually algae and not mold. There is a difference between mold and algae and how they affect your roof. Algae usually feed on limestone powder on asphalt shingles, while mold grows mainly due to plants and other organic matter falling on your roof.
The old standard method of cleaning mold stains on asphalt shingles is to spray a solution of bleach and water. You let the solution sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse it with a garden hose. However, bleach is far from the ideal solution for many reasons: it is toxic to plants (and most living things) and can damage the area if it stays too long or is not completely rinsed.
Which option to turn to?
A better solution is to contact a mold professional who will assess your problem and offer you a solution adapted to your situation. Some non-invasive and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions can also be applied.
Prevent future problems
There are a few simple ways to prevent mold and algae from returning to your freshly washed roof. The easiest way is to apply a cleaning product or treatment formulated for long-term protection against mold and algae growth.
How to remove mold from the attic
When it comes to mold problems in the home, they are mainly concentrated in bathrooms and basements. However, mold in the attic can be problematic if ignored since it proliferates there for various reasons.
Why is there mold in the attic?
Homeowners not only want to know how to get rid of mold in attics, but also know the underlying cause of their presence. The first step in any mold removal process is to determine where it comes from. For the attic, mold is mainly derived from:
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Roof leak
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Leak under shingles or from windows
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Poor ventilation in general or in rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen and/or dryer
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Insufficient or poorly installed insulation
When ventilation is insufficient or has been improperly installed, warm, moist air from the bathrooms, kitchen and dryer continuously rises to the attic. This warm, moist air mixes with the colder air in the attic (during the colder months) and can create a condensation problem that can lead to mold formation.
How to remove mold in attics
Mold cannot be completely removed until the moisture problem has been resolved. You can clean the space so that there is no visible trace of mold, but if the moisture problem persists, the mold will eventually reappear at some point.
Once the leak on the roof has been corrected or the ventilation system has been repaired, the mold treatment process can begin. If the attic is used as a storage space, you should remove the items and inspect all boxes and their contents for mold or not. Discard all moldy boxes and have the affected or musty-smelling items professionally cleaned.
When cleaning, the area should be closed, so that no one can access it during this procedure. Cleaning can include disinfecting moldy areas, operating dehumidifiers, and completely drying the space to prevent further mold formation. In some cases, a mold inhibitor solution can be sprayed on the attic sheath to prevent further mold growth.
How to remove mold from the basement
In a home, basements are the most conducive place for the presence of mold. This is because they contain a number of potential sources of moisture, and it is the latter that leads to all mold problems.
Before you start cleaning mold on your basement walls, you need to identify and repair the moisture problem. Depending on the complexity of this problem, you will probably need to resort to a professional mold treatment company.
The mold removal process includes the following steps:
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Identify and resolve the moisture problem;
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Contain the affected area;
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Remove contaminated and/or damaged materials;
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Clean mold; and
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Dry everything thoroughly.
If you remove mold yourself, systematic preparation greatly facilitates the process when cleaning. However, it is usually highly recommended to contact a company that is expert in this area in order to make sure that the job is done well.
It is essential that those responsible for decontaminating mould protect themselves from exposure to its toxicity. Personal protective equipment must therefore be worn from the beginning to the end of the process. Happy cleaning!
It is always advisable to do business with professionals and experts in moissiture decontamination for preventive work and small and large scale
