Mar
25
A Guide To Mold Abatement and Remediation
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Mold is a natural part of our environment. You’ll find mold growth all through nature as dead organic matter like fallen leaves and dead plants break down. Yet indoors, mold should be avoided because of its risks. Mold starts as tiny spores, and quickly replicates by floating, landing and growing on any surface that is moist or stays wet for indefinite periods. 
Molds have the potential to cause health problems as they take hold and begin growing. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances that can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or touched. It may start in the way of sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, or even a skin rash, and quickly progress to more severe reactions.
Keep in mind that it is impossible to get rid of molds altogether. Mold is a natural part of our environment, and therefore will always be a part of our living arrangements. The key is to not give molds an environment to grow in. If you have standing water, you will experience mold. So the key is to eliminate the water problem, and thus eliminate the mold.
Mold abatement and remediation is necessary whenever you discover mold growth. While some people choose to handle it themselves, keep in mind that mold can and will grow back if it gets the chance. The only way to stop it is to be thorough in your cleanup. There are certain government guidelines you must meet throughout the process, and verify that the entire area is safe for living in. Painting or calking over even the smallest amounts of mold can prolong the effects and add danger to your families living environment.
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Mar
5
8 Places To Check For Mold
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Even though Colorado is a dry, cold climate, it doesn’t prevent it from being the 9th in the U.S. for incidence of mold and mold intrusion. Mold isn’t always caused by standing water, or humid conditions – things you normally associate with mold buildup. Watch these 8 areas in your home to keep your family safe against mold.
1. Leaky or dripping pipes.
When a pipe bursts, it’s pretty obvious you have a problem. But a slow leak or drip may not be noticeable for weeks or even months. We’ve faced some severe temperature dips these past few months and have had low temperatures remain for weeks at a time. If your pipes aren’t insulated properly, a bursting pipe might not be your problem – it may be the slow leak. 
2. Leaky roof.
After a fresh snowstorm, do you find dry spots on your roof where heat is escaping? Lack of insulation can allow your heat to slip into the cold air. It can also allow a slow leak to creep into your attic or wallboards.
3. Damp basement.
Unfinished basements are a perfect source for mold. They are cold and not well ventilated. And you stack and store things in piles, making it difficult to see every wall and corner. Do a thorough check a few times per year.
4. Damp crawlspace.
While a basement usually provides some structure with cement and boards, a crawlspace is even more susceptible because of the exposure to natural surroundings. Check under plastic covers, and watch for stains on the plastic and wood surroundings.
5. Houseplants.
Do you have a plant in a large pot in your family room? If you haven’t moved it in a while, it’s a perfect place for mold to hide. Just a little overwatering can cause water to settle under the pot, and begin eating its way through your carpet, padding and floor.
6. Tiles, paneling and wainscot.
We all put tiles and paneling into the bathroom, or use wainscoting to add character and personality to a room. But if they aren’t installed correctly, they are perfect hiding places for water – and ultimately mold.
7. Clothes dryer.
If your clothes dryer isn’t properly vented inside to allow heat and humidity to escape outside, you risk the chance of mold buildup along the path.
8. Refrigerator.
Love the automatic ice and water feature in your refrigerator door? While it is a great convenience, it’s also a potential mold threat. Maintain the refrigerator water line to prevent leaks and cracks from allowing small amounts of water to spill down your walls, and puddle onto your floor.
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Jan
29
What do you think of when you hear the term mold? Do you think of the molds you find growing on foods left to long in your cupboard or refrigerator? Or do you think of the dangers that you hear of mold forming and growing in dark places in your home, causing harm to you and your family?
If you’re like many people, you’ve heard the stories of how mold quickly spread throughout a home, causing severe health problems for everyone living there. But if you’ve noticed changes in you or a family member’s health, here are a few steps to help you recognize if its mold related allergies.
1. Watch for signs of allergy symptoms. Most allergy symptoms start with coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and itchiness of the eyes. If you find them all of the sudden materializing, don’t discredit mold after a quick search of your home. Again, mold can hide in places not easy to see, such as behind walls and in crawlspaces.
2. Monitor how long the allergy symptoms last. Most allergies are seasonal, and will only last a few weeks, or be stronger at certain times of the year. Mold allergies will affect you in a similar manner all year long, and tend to get worse as the mold grows.
3. Do a detailed search. If you suspect mold allergies, start by making a thorough inspection of your home. Walk through every room carefully. Can you smell anything? Mold gives off a musty aroma that’s fairly easy to smell if the mold is spreading. Also check in places where water may accumulate – behind a washing machine, in a crawl space, in a rarely used bathroom. Mold can be a variety of colors – blue, green or black splotches – and even a tiny amount can be overpowering to a sensitive person.
4. Visit an allergist. If you can’t find mold in your home, visit with an allergist and have them run a series of tests. They will test all types of allergies and quickly be able to tell you if you are suffering from an allergic reaction.
5. Work with a mold expert. Mold isn’t something to tackle on your own. Because mold can hide and spread rapidly, its important to find it all and clean it right the first time. And here in Denver, we have the 9th highest rank for incidence of mold within our homes, so its important to find the right mold cleanup service the first time.
Go with Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling to mitigate your mold problem. We guarantee our mold remediation for 5 Years!! I don’t know of another contractor who will provide this guarantee………….we will do it right the first time and we guarantee it.
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Sep
18
How To Test For Mold
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I have an older home. Should I know how to test for mold? How often should I test? How do I know what I’m looking for?
Mold is the one thing that can send fear into any homeowner. It’s not something you normally look for. It’s not something that’s easy to find, especially with crawl spaces and basements. And yet when you hear about it in the news, it can have very serious effects for your family’s health, even bring on death in some cases. When should you be concerned?
While there are some tests on the market that can help you determine if you have mold, the easiest way to detect it is to use your senses – your nose and 
your eyes.
If your home does have mold, chances are you’ll begin to smell it. Mold has a distinctive odor that taints the air around the formation of mold.
Where the problem lies is in the different types of mold, and the affect mold has on the general population. Different types of molds can cause different reactions in different people. Some molds like the stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, produces toxic substances that have been known to cause health problems in some people. Other molds may be less harmful, yet still can cause reactions, especially with long term exposure.
Sep
4
Do I Have Mold In My Basement?
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With an above average rainfall in Colorado this year, you 
may have found yourself asking, “Do I have mold in my basement?”
Mold comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and can be the basis for everything from a mildew smell, to dangerous medical conditions.
As a homeowner, use this guide to learn more about the types of molds that may be living in your basement.
1. If you do see mold, or feel you may have mold because of smell, take precautions when looking for it. Use masks over your nose and mouth, and don’t inhale directly around molds, as some can be very poisonous and cause a variety of health concerns.
Aug
11
Mold can be a silent problem – it can quickly go from unseen to a problem area that can affect your entire
family.
In order to keep your Denver home safe from the spread of mold, and from the health issues that can arise from a mold infestation, it’s important to find the right remediator for the job.
Start by doing your research. Find quality companies either online by searching through websites, or by asking friends and acquaintances. Contact the companies on your list for an initial assessment, to find out their experience level in mold cleanup, and to verify their experience.
Narrow your list to 3 or 4 companies. Read more
Jul
16
Mold is the last thing we ever expect to find 
in our homes. Is there a way to watch for it and catch it before it creates a lot of problems?
Here are 10 warning signs your home may have a mold problem.
1. Watch for pipe leaks. Every home has normal wear damage just from normal use. If your faucets start dripping, or you notice wet spots underneath sinks or next to appliances, have them checked out and fixed.
2. Listen to your nose. If you enter a room that has been closed up for awhile, what does it smell like? Do you notice a musty odor? This can be the first sign of a problem.
3. Watch for areas with high humidity. In Colorado, we rarely think about humidity problems – we’re usually so dry this time of year. But with the increase of rain comes higher levels of humidity; and more chances of mold formation. Monitor the different areas of your home that are susceptible to different levels of heat and cold.
Jun
11
Mold thrives in moist areas, and can thrive in almost any surface, especially cellulose-based objects. And because every home has these conditions throughout, the potential of mold exists everywhere.
All indoor mold has the potential of being harmful, and should be removed immediately upon discovery. Become aware of where mold can hide, and what to look for, and keep your home and your family safe.
Here are 7 ways to determine if your home has dangerous mold:
1. Watch your home for leaks and floods. Especially in the basement or crawl space area, moisture can be a problem without noticing it for extended periods of time. Do routine checks for moisture and/or mustiness. Also watch for discolorations on the walls or ceilings.
May
21
All molds are not created equal
. Some are far worse than others, and need your immediate attention to avoid future problems.
Keep a careful watch throughout your home for mold growth. Mold can grow in places that surround water, or are prone to dampness like a basement or crawl space.
If you find any traces of mold, its important to perform a thorough clean up as quickly as possible. It’s important to choose a mold remediator that is licensed and has the experience to get rid of the mold, and put in safeguards to prevent future growth of molds.
Apr
16
Preventing Indoor Mold Problems In Your Home
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Mold can grow in the smallest of places, and 
sometimes can be very hard to discover. Yet the implications can be severe both to your home, and to your health.
Because Colorado ranks 9th in the United States for incidence of mold and mold intrusion, its important to inspect your home regularly for indications and sources of indoor moisture and mold growth. If you find water or moisture, take steps to eliminate them as quickly as possible. And if you find leaks, or if sudden flooding occurs, it is essential to correct the problem quickly.
· Stop the source of leak.
· Remove standing water with mops or with a wet vacuum.
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