Mold growth is a common problem with South Florida heat and humidity. All mold needs to grow is warmth and moisture. The fungi sink its roots into organic, porous materials where it proliferates. Floors are vulnerable to mold growth, whether it’s hardwood or carpeting. It can be difficult for individuals to distinguish a moldy surface from one that’s dirty.

Floors can develop mold and depending on how long it’s been multiplying, it may have resulted in damage that can compromise the structural integrity of the building. Mold can appear under floorboards and carpeting. That’s where the services of a professional remediation company are invaluable.

It’s important to understand that home remedies are ineffective. They remove mold on surfaces, but they’re unable to reach the roots. The roots must be killed or the fungi will return. A professional remediation and restoration service will take a sample and have it analyzed in a laboratory to ascertain exactly what type of mold is present.

The experts will create a treatment plan and all affected areas will be isolated to prevent contaminated materials from infecting other locations. The company will treat and reclaim any affected materials whenever possible.

Carpeting will need to be removed, replaced, and the mold eliminated. When mold is present under floorboards, there may be no other option than to replace the flooring. If the mold has spread to underfloor supports, it can cause significant damage to the entire structure.

A restoration company works with professionals in other industries that can make needed repairs and they’ll oversee the entire project from start to finish. Mold can affect any structure. All the fungi require is moisture and warmth to begin the process and it can grow unnoticed for an extended amount of time. Anytime a musty smell is detected, it’s a signal that mold is present and a professional remediation company should be consulted.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

People have multiple ways of diagnosing dampness issues in homes and businesses. A simple sniff test can detect a musty smell that can indicate mold, but individuals don’t have to wait until their ceilings are sagging or the wallpaper is peeling. There are other ways to detect moisture and do it before the situation becomes dire. The best way of detecting dampness depends on if the individual is doing it or a professional.

Individuals don’t have to undergo flooding or have their premises saturated with water due to a fire to develop dampness. Excess moisture can manifest as liquid, humidity and vapor. Even with optimally performing air conditioning that extracts moisture from the air, dampness can occur from sources that includes drippy pipes, malfunctioning appliances, condensation, and roof leaks.

Temperature & Humidity Readings

Anyone can perform a dampness test at home with a humidity gauge and thermometer. It requires individuals to record the humidity and temperature in different rooms of the home or business, and outdoors, every half hour. Elevated levels inside the structure compared with the outdoor measurements provides insight into the potential for dampness.

Moisture Meter

Professionals use a moisture meter to take readings in different areas of a building. In the hands of a professional, an accurate assessment can be made. Professionals take into consideration multiple factors including the complexity of the structure, the construction materials, current condition and maintenance history, along with the meter readings. It’s not a good method for home or business owners, however, since recalibration of the meter is required.

Sight & Smell

Most people first detect a musty smell in a building. It comes from mold growth that accompanies dampness. They may also see evidence of mold growth on ceilings, walls, floors or near appliances. Water droplets on walls, dark or discolored areas, peeling wallpaper, excessive condensation and sagging may be evident.

Dampness in a building also contributes to a sensation of coldness. By the time the dampness has become obvious, it may have compromised the structural integrity of the building. It can also be affecting the health of everyone that enters.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

It’s common for people to use the terms mold and mildew interchangeably. However, each has distinctive differences, even though they’re both types of fungi. Don’t attempt to address mildew without using gloves and protective goggles. Individuals shouldn’t try to remove mold on their own. It can be a serious health hazard and is easily spread to other areas.

Mold

To the eye, mold can appear fuzzy or slimy. It’s raised, not flat, and appears in colors of red, green, blue or black, depending on the type. Mold has a strong musty and pungent odor that’s very disagreeable. As mold proliferates, it produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) responsible for the smell. It grows best at temperatures between 77 ad 86 degrees.

One of the most significant differences is that mold has roots that sink in and infiltrate porous materials such as wood, wallboard, leather and paper. Mold is insidious in its growth. It’s why home remedies such as bleach don’t work. Bleach kills surface mold, but doesn’t reach the fungi’s roots.

Mold generates symptoms in people ranging from runny nose, cough, sore throat and sneezing to respiratory distress, particularly in individuals with asthmas and COPD. It can also cause more serious consequences that affect the nervous system. Mold can cause memory loss, mood changes and depression.

Removing mold is complicated and requires the services of a professional remediation service. The experts have the tools, knowledge and expertise to kill mold at the root level. They can also remove infested materials and contain the infestation so it won’t spread throughout the entirety of a structure.

Mildew

In comparison, mildew is flat, typically appears white or gray in color, and is often powdery. Mildew has a distinctive smell similar to mold, but it’s much lighter in nature. People can experience headaches, sore throat and mild respiratory symptoms when mildew is present.

Humidity levels between 62 and 93 percent present an ideal environment for mildew growth. Temperature is equally important. Mildew produces best in temperatures of 77 to 88 degrees. Mildew grows on surfaces, but doesn’t sink roots into materials. However, there are some types of mildew that are quite resistant and the services of a remediation professional will be required.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

The potential for mold is very real, particularly in warm climates with high humidity. It can occur even with the use of air conditioning to maintain a cool environment and reduce humidity levels. Mold infestations produce the same symptoms as allergies and is especially dangerous for anyone with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.

Odors

As mold proliferates, it emits a distinctive odor that’s been described as musty, earthy and stale. No matter what the term used to describe it, the odor is extremely unpleasant. The smell will permeate the entire home or business.

Color

Conduct a visual inspection of the carpet for green, white or black growths. A magnifying glass may need to be needed. Wear a mask to prevent mold inhalation.

Beneath the Carpet

Mold is a type of fungi and will often begin growing underneath carpeting before signs are demonstrated on the surface. Carpeting below ground level and in bathrooms are at the highest risk of developing mold. Anti-microbial rubber carpet pads are available that help resist mold growth.

Allergies & Illness

Mold produces multiple symptoms in people that most individuals mistake for allergies, including runny nose, red eyes, sneezing, and difficulty breathing for people that have respiratory conditions. Anyone experiencing symptoms outside of typical allergy season, or if symptoms improve when they leave the structure, the problem could very well be mold.

Remediation

Anyone that suspects they have mold growing in the home or workplace should call a professional remediation service. The experts have the tools, experience and expertise to detect mold and handle it safely. Individuals shouldn’t try to remove or treat a moldy carpet themselves. The fungi’s spores easily spread and can contaminate even the smallest nooks and crannies.

Individuals that have experienced flooding from a broken pipe, defective appliance, or natural disaster should assume they have mold growth. In warm and damp conditions, the fungi can begin growing and spreading in as little as 24 hours. Call a mold remediation specialist immediately. If mold is present, the professionals have the training and experience required to contain the infestation and remove it.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

People often live with a mold infestation for months or even years without even knowing about it, even though their nose is telling them its there. The first sign of an infestation by the fungi is a musty odor. Some also characterize it as a stale or earthy smell. No matter what you call it, the result is the same – mold growth.

The smell of mold has also been described by some as a damp, sour or rotting odor. There are approximately 12 types of naturally occurring fungi that may be found in homes. It lives outdoors and is brought into homes on hair, clothing, shoes and even pets.

Mold only needs moisture and warmth to begin multiplying. It sinks roots into any porous material, such as drywall, wood or fabric, and begins the process of expansion. Fungi releases what scientists call microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which are a type of gas, as they grow. It’s the mVOCs that are responsible for the odor.

Each type of fungi releases a slightly different smell, and identifying the source of mold can be difficult. If the infestation is expansive enough to cause odors, it’s typically large enough to see. Tracking it down can present problems due to where it’s located and the color often blends with its surroundings.

Once mold has become a problem your nose can detect, it’s well enough advanced to have an impact on your health. It can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions. You may experience a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion that improves when you leave the home.

Bleach and similar home remedies don’t work since they don’t penetrate down to kill mold at its roots. Call in professionals for a mold problem. They’ll use lab analysis to identify the type of mold, isolate the area to prevent it from spreading to other locations, and use appropriate methods to eradicate it.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

The majority of modern home construction utilizes drywall for walls and ceilings. The material adds fire resistance to homes to help contain the spread of fire, allowing people time to evacuate should a blaze occur. However, drywall is a porous material that can become a sponge for moisture resulting from a broken or leaky pipe or appliance, roof leak, or even excess humidity in the air.

Wet Drywall

Signs of Water Damage

Discoloration is one of the signs of wet drywall. There may also be streaking resulting from moisture running down walls or across ceilings. Paint or the outer surface of drywall may begin to bubble, peel, crack and soften. Blotches may also appear with discoloration ranging from dark yellow to brown. When sagging of walls or ceilings occur, the damage is extensive.

Behind the Scenes

You may think that the area you’ve identified is the end of the problem, but nothing could be further from the truth. There’s no way for you to know what’s going on behind the scenes. Damage can be far more severe than you think and even has the potential to affect the structural integrity of your entire home, depending upon how long the problem has existed.

Find the Source

It’s critical that the source of the moisture be identified and eliminated. That’s when the expertise of a professional remediation company is indispensable. The experts will be able to locate where the moisture is originating and repair it.

The Solution

A professional remediation company has the tools, skill and resources to dry out the premises and eliminate mold that will almost certainly be present. Remediation companies work with a network of highly-trained professionals in diverse fields to remove affected materials and restore homes to their previous condition. Remediation experts also have on-site adjusters that will work directly with your insurance company throughout the entire restoration process.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

There are dozens of home remedies that people have used to kill mold in their house, only to discover it’s returned. The most popular home concoction consists of a bleach and water solution sprayed on the affected area. The facts are far different than reality – spraying bleach on mold is perhaps one of the worst things that individuals can do.

Bleach only kills some types of molds. It’s effective on most hard and non-porous surfaces, but it doesn’t work if there’s mold on surfaces such as hardwood flooring or drywall. When the fungi find a welcoming environment on a porous surface, it methodically begins to sink its roots deep into the surface. Simply spraying the surface doesn’t kill the roots so it regrows.

Moisture

Mold grows in warm, damp environments. Spraying bleach and water on mold does nothing but provide it with additional moisture to begin its life cycle again. The chlorine in beach quickly dries and dissipates, leaving the water to feed the fungi.

Color Loss

Mold will typically appear as a dirty spot. It’s often one of the first ways that individuals discover that they have a mold problem. Bleach leaches the color from mold and the surface may appear “clean,” but the fungi continue to grow.

Damage to Surfaces

Bleach has the potential to weaken the structural integrity of homes. When used on wood surfaces, bleach weakens and breaks down fibers. Bleach removes color from the items it touches. When applied to metal – particularly copper and stainless steel – it reacts with the metal and causes corrosion.

Lack of Sanitizing Power

When mixed with water, bleach quickly loses its strength. The odor of bleach may linger for a while, but it doesn’t provide any residual effects so mold and bacteria will quickly return. Light and heat also compromise the effectiveness of bleach solutions.

Safe Microbials

There are a number of microbial agents on the market – both chemical and those that are eco-friendly. Many are registered with the EPA as mold-specific. They have an immediate effect and actually work to prevent the fungi and mold from growing back.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

Mold is present throughout the natural environment and it can easily find its way into your home. The spores are very tiny and can enter through HVAC systems, on clothing, hair, shoes and pets. It typically doesn’t cause too much of a problem unless it’s a large infestation, you happen to be allergic, or you have a weakened immune system.

Mold will typically make surfaces appear dirty and there may be a musty smell. According to the CDC, small infestations can be removed with home remedies that include a solution of bleach and water, followed by an antimicrobial spray when the bleach and water formula has dried. Special gear will be required. Here’s what to do if you find mold growing in your home.

Large Infestation

If the infestation is large, leave it alone. The best solution is to contact a professional mold remediation service. They’ll take samples and have them lab identified. The specialists will seal off affected areas to prevent it from spreading, treat the contaminated area, and dispose of any affected materials in an appropriate manner.

Follow the Moisture

Mold requires warm and damp conditions to grow. In many instances, a leak is responsible for the growth. Moisture may be originating from a leaky roof, water heater or even pipes between the walls. Mold can also grow in HVAC systems and be distributed throughout your home. The location of the moisture must be determined to effectively treat all areas.

Collateral Damage

Depending on the extent of the infestation, you might discover that you may have to remove wallboard, flooring and other building materials. A wide variety of areas in the home can become collateral damage in a mold infestation.

Prevention

There are multiple strategies you can employ to prevent an infestation. Keep gutters clean and have any damage to roofs promptly repaired. Regularly change the filters in HVAC units. It can also be beneficial to conduct a visual inspection for leaks in basements, under cabinets where water pipes are visible, around water heaters, and appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and dishwashers.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

There are approximately 12 common molds that typically inhabit homes and businesses. Mold occurs naturally in the environment and when there’s a significant indoor infestation, it can result in illness. Many of those symptoms are often attributed to other causes.

When exposed to mold, it triggers an immune system response that’s often attributed to asthma and other respiratory conditions. There are medications that can help with mold-induced symptoms, but the best way for people to deal with mold is to have it removed. That requires the experience and expertise of mold remediation specialists.

Mold allergy symptoms can vary widely among individuals and range from minor to severe. Much like ordinary allergies, they can occur all year, only during certain times of the year, or under environmental or weather conditions. Those with a mold allergy may experience:

• Itchy eyes, throat and nose
• Watery eyes
• Headaches
• Sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Cough and postnasal drip
• Scaly or dry skin

For those that have other allergies or asthma, symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Individuals may have an increased risk if there’s a family history of allergies. The same is true for people that work at jobs with a higher risk of exposure. Some of those include winemaking, baking and woodworking, along with farming, logging, and HVAC servicing. Structures exposed to moisture and with poor ventilation increase risk.

Most mold exposure produces mild symptoms, but it can also result in more serious conditions when mold enters the lungs or nasal cavities. Those can include asthma, fungal infections and inflammation, along with infections of the mucous membranes and skin. It can be especially dangerous for those with impaired immune systems.

Anyone that suspects a mold infestation can avail themselves of the services of a mold remediation service. They’ll isolate the source and take samples for precise laboratory identification. Mold remediation experts will then remove it without contaminating other locations.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070

If you think you may have mold growing in your home or business, it’s a good idea to have mold testing done. Mold can be a serious health risk to people and pets – even if it’s not showing up in the numbers, mold is still present. Indoor mold growth has been associated with serious respiratory problems including asthma. Even if the mold growth doesn’t cause symptoms, people who have a mold problem are at increased health risks for a variety of other reasons.

Mold Testing

Mold testing typically involves collecting a small number of black or dark spores from a contaminated air sample. Samples are then tested for common mycotoxins – which includes the deadly Stachybotrys chartarum and the toxic species Penicillium myristcae. Stachybotrys chartarum is known as the mycotoxin species because it produces mycotoxins when it grows. These mycotoxins can be dangerous in large amounts because they can irritate the membranes of the respiratory system. Inhaling large amounts of Stachybotrys mold can even cause toxic pulmonary asthmatic syndrome.

The second step in testing for mold is to test for spores of the species involved. There are numerous techniques for checking for these microscopic organisms. The most commonly used technique involves using an optical microscope to take a high magnification image of the sample through a water sample. If the spore appears, this implies that there is spore production in the sample and it may pose a health risk. High magnification images also help identify the species of mold involved – it’s a good idea to use various techniques to determine this so that you have a better chance of dealing with it successfully.

Airborne Samples

The third step in testing for indoor mold involves obtaining airborne samples. Samples of airborne mold spores can be obtained by using special masks designed to collect and contain the airborne spores. Mold spores will land on the mask and be inhaled, later entering the body. This is a common method of testing for indoor mold. If the spore is found in the mask, it suggests the presence of airborne mold spores.

Air sampling is not the only option that many people consider when testing for mold. A ventilation system for the home is another common option. With the right equipment and a ventilation system in place, many people believe that they can remove the mold if they simply open the windows and allow fresh air to enter the home. Unfortunately, if the ventilation system is not working properly, there could be many unseen molds growing in the home. It is very important to ensure that you are testing for mold both inside and out.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward,  and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.

We are a Licensed Commercial and Residential Emergency Restoration Contractor.

Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.

TODAY at: 561-344-5070