• MOLD REMEDIATION AND REMOVAL

Mold Remediation and Removal Services

  • Mold Containment
  • Antimicrobial Treatment
  • Disinfection
  • Building Thermodynamics Inspection
  • Mold Assessment
  • Mold Remediation
  • Mold Removal
  • Mold Abatement
  • Mold Inspection
  • Contents Restoration
  • Mold and Mildew Odor Removal
  • Dehumidification
  • Laboratory Sampling
  • Mold Testing

Common Causes of Mold

  • Leaky Roof
  • Plumbing Leaks
  • HVAC Operational and Maintenance Issues
  • Budling Envelope Damage
  • Poor Building Construction
  • Poor Building Design
  • Poor Ventilation
  • High Humidity
  • Flooding
How can we help you rebuild your dream home? We believe in servicing our clients in a way not typically experienced in this industry.

What is Mold?

Mold is one of the structures certain fungi can form. The dust-like, colored appearance of molds is due to the formation of spores containing fungal secondary metabolites. The spores are the dispersal units of the fungi, not all fungi form mold. Some fungi form mushrooms; others grow as single cells and are called micro fungi. Mold growth in buildings generally occurs as fungi colonize porous building materials, such as wood. Many building products commonly incorporate paper, wood products, or solid wood members, such as paper-covered drywall, wood cabinets, and insulation. Interior mold colonization can lead to a variety of health problems as microscopic airborne reproductive spores, analogous to tree pollen, are inhaled by building occupants. High quantities of indoor airborne spores as compared to exterior conditions are strongly suggestive of indoor mold growth.

 

EXPOSURE TO MOLD

Exposure to a large number of mold spores may cause allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue. Repeated exposure to mold can increase a person’s sensitivity, causing more severe allergic reactions.

ELEMENTS OF AIR FLOW

It is important to understand the elements of air flow because it is a key transport mechanism for moisture, mold spores, and fragments. In order for a given volume of air to enter a building, an equal volume of air must leave. The type of building design and construction will influence where the air will exit, and how moisture and contaminants can be controlled or removed.

MECHANISMS OF MOISTURE FLOW

Understanding the four mechanisms is helpful in determining where and how moisture gets into a building, and is necessary when devising a mold remediation plan. The four mechanisms of moisture flow are liquid flow, air transport, vapor diffusion, and capillary action.

 

ELEMENTS OF AIR FLOW

It is important to understand the elements of air flow because it is a key transport mechanism for moisture, mold spores, and fragments. In order for a given volume of air to enter a building, an equal volume of air must leave. The type of building design and construction will influence where the air will exit, and how moisture and contaminants can be controlled or removed.

 

MECHANISMS OF MOISTURE FLOW

Understanding the four mechanisms is helpful in determining where and how moisture gets into a building, and is necessary when devising a mold remediation plan. The four mechanisms of moisture flow are liquid flow, air transport, vapor diffusion, and capillary action.

Classifications of Mold

The danger of the mold will depend on what type it is. There are three main classifications of mold:

  • Allergenic

    Causes an allergic reaction such as eye irritation, skin irritation or asthma.

  • Pathogenic

    Can cause disease, it’s often hard to pinpoint this type.

  • Toxigenic

    Produces substances that are toxic and can lead to dangerous or deadly health conditions.

Types of Mold

  • Stachybotrys

    Otherwise known as black mold and is one of the more harmful toxic mold species. Black mold is usually found inside a house. The mycotoxins that this species of mold produce can cause the lungs to bleed, which is fatal to animals and infants. The problem with black mold is that it’s hard to detect; it usually develops behind walls and under ceilings and is resistant to regular air sampling.

  • Memnoniella

    Also referred to as black mold, is similar to Stachybotrys and has the same effects. Memoniella differs in that when viewed under a microscope, its spores are released in chains, whereas the spores that Stachybotrys releases are in clumps.

  • Aspergillus

    Appear as gray or green flecks on wooden surfaces. Aspergillus, with 20 species in total, is dangerous, because it will often cause allergies, leading to serious asthmatic reactions, hay fever or lung infections. Every Aspergillus species produces mycotoxins, which are a health hazard, especially for those individuals with compromised immune systems.

  • Penicillum

    There are many species of Penicillum – some beneficial and some harmful. Some species of Penicillum are used when producing cheese and medicine. Similar to other molds, Penicillium causes allergies, and it’s especially troublesome for people that already have a weak immune system.

  • Alternaria

    Alternaria is one of the most prevalent toxic molds and includes many species. Asthma and hay fever are among the conditions one might suffer or suffer worse from when he or she has inhaled Alternaria spores.

  • Geotrichum

    Geotrichum is white in color and usually appears powdery. It is known to spread pretty fast and is often associated with adverse health conditions such as tuberculosis and pulmonary infections. Geotrichum breeds in moist conditions and temperate climate. Its spores can easily spread via air to new environments. It is an allergen that causes itchy eyes, fatigue, and sometimes chronic headaches.

  • Trichoderma

    Trichoderma is also white in color with green patches. It is an allergic type of mold that mostly thrive in moist areas. The mold has five different subspecies, most of which are non-pathogenic. However, some of the subspecies have been associated with liver and pulmonary infections. Trichoderma contains a lethal enzyme, which can destroy such building materials as wood, textiles and paper products. This may lead to the crumbling of buildings when the materials rot.

  • Chaetomium

    Chaetomium is also allergic and is often found in a drywall that has previously been damaged by water. Its spores have been linked to autoimmune diseases, neurological damage and allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing and red watery eyes. It has a musty odor and flourishes in wet, dark environments such as under carpets, drywall, baseboards, and wallpapers. Chaetomium is often mistaken for the black mold as they have the same characteristics and exists in similar environments.

  • Bipolaris

    Bipolaris As it begins to grow, bipolaris is whitish or grayish brown in color, but gradually turns to dark olive as it ages. It looks soft and fluffy and usually grows outdoors on grasses and soil. It also thrives in water damaged materials such as carpets, hardwood floors, and houseplants.The bipolaris grows rapidly and only takes about five days to mature. It is a well-known allergen and may cause asthma, wheezing, stuffy nose and coughing when its spores are inhaled.

  • Ulocladium

    Ulocladium is black in color and often found in wet areas and homes that have suffered water damage. This type of mold commonly grows in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Ulocladium has two subspecies both of which are highly allergic. It is linked to severe allergic reactions such as hay fever and sometimes skin infections. Prolonged exposure to its spores causes difficulty in breathing and asthma-like symptoms.

  • Fusarium

    Fusarium can range from pink, reddish or white in color. It is capable of adapting to colder temperatures and mostly grows on food products, compost, carpets, wallpaper, and any other water-damaged materials. Exposure to this mold can cause allergic reactions, including a sore throat, dermatitis, itchy eyes and running nose. Further exposure can cause lethal conditions such as brain abscess and bone infections. Its toxins can damage the nervous system and cause internal bleeding.

  • Aureobasidium

    Aureobasidium is also allergic and may cause skin, eye and nail infections. It is normally pink, brown or black in color, but gradually turns to darker brown as it matures. This type of mold grows in wet and water-damaged areas as such behind wallpapers, wooden surfaces, and carpets.

  • Cladosporium

    Cladosporium can survive in both cold and warm environments. It commonly grows indoor in carpets, fabrics and under floorboards. It is brown in color or sometimes olive-green with a suede-like texture. Exposure to its spores can cause a variety of allergic reactions, including itchy eyes, running nose, sore throat, and skin infections. It is also associated with asthma, sinusitis and lung infections.

  • Ascospores

    Ascospores thrive in damp substrates and other water damaged indoor areas. It is one of the most resistant types of mold. Even after drying a wet surface, it may continue surviving until it finds another conducive environment for growth. It is commonly found in labs where it is spread by infected animals. Ascospores come in different groups such as Dermatophytes, which can destroy keratin-based materials such as nails and hair.

  • Basidiospores

    Basidiospores are usually spread through the wind and released when there is humidity or rain. It mostly grows outdoors in woodlands, gardens, forests and indoors on damp environments. They only grow indoors in rare cases when they are brought in through open windows, doors, pets or clothing. Basidiospores are also allergens and may cause such reactions as asthma, hay fever, and Lycoperdonosis, and can be identified by sampling the air.

Why Choose Water Nerds?

  •  Water Nerds is a family owned and operated business
  •  We are professionally licensed, insured, and bonded
  •  We have a superior understanding of water, fire, and mold sciences
  •  Building thermodynamics experts
  •  24/7 emergency response
  •  Fast response times
  •  Internal insurance claims team
  •  Internal legal team
  •  Free estimates
  •  We guarantee our work

Clients We Serve

  •  Residential
  •  Commercial
  •  Contractors
  •  Property Managers
  •  Private Business Owners
  •  Educational Institutions
  •  Government
  •  Insurance Industry

No matter how severe the mold growth, we can help. Water Nerds LLC is a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor which specializes in mold remediation and mold removal. Our goal is to provide cost effective mold remediation and mold removal for all of our clients in need of disaster recovery services. We focus on high quality construction through the use of various subcontractors which are experts in their associated trades. Contact us for a free estimate today!

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