Most people are familiar with mold growth when it is seen as a fuzzy patch on food, or as a stain spreading across damp surfaces. There have been numerous studies that indicate mold can be harmful when ingested. But the air-born particles found in our homes and other buildings are not usually suspected to be a health hazard to the general public.

“Mold spores are everywhere! There are acceptable levels of mold and unacceptable levels in dwellings. It takes excessive water intrusion or condensation to create unacceptable levels of mold.” remarks Darrel Gottschalk, owner of GottPower, a mold remediation company servicing the Chesapeake and Mid-Regions of Maryland.

According to the American Industrial Hygiene Association, if mold is present it is best to have the problem remediated, regardless of what species is present. AIHA recommends testing air quality in instances of litigation, or specific health concerns are an issue, or if the specific source of the contamination is hidden.

Sampling for airborne mold spores can indicate whether the mix of indoor molds is typical of the outdoor mix or rather unusual at the time of testing. Samples are taken of the surrounding outdoor air quality, and of the indoor air. A useful method for interpreting microbiological results is to compare the kinds and levels of organisms detected in different environments. Usual comparisons include indoors versus outdoors, or complaint areas versus non-compliant areas. Indoor mold types should be similar to, and airborne concentrations should be no greater than, those found outdoors and in non-complaint areas.

The CDC stresses that the term toxic mold can be misleading to the general public. But the organization does state that the current guidance of federal and professional organizations is that mold growth should be controlled in an appropriate manner, regardless of the type of mold.

Mold becomes an issue when it is ignored or overlooked. The best way to control mold is to control moisture. If the mold is an issue in your home, it MUST be cleaned up and removed, and the source of the moisture eliminated. Fixing the source of the water problem or leak will prevent further mold growth.

Reducing indoor humidity can greatly reduce potential mold growth by using proper venting in bathrooms and for laundry dryers. Use air conditioners and de-humidifiers, or exhaust fans when showering or while cooking.

Care should be taken, using appropriate cleaning methods for small spots and careful attention to dust control, seeking professional assistance for larger amounts.

Gottschalk insists it is important to have a company that understands both aspects of fixing the moisture/water issues and mold remediation. GottPower Restoration Services takes care of the structure repair, basement and crawlspace waterproofing, and mold remediation.

The GottPower service area encompasses a diverse region in Mid-Maryland, offering mold remediation services in Baltimore County or Prince Georges County, Historic Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore. Call the experts at GottPower, when you have a problem with excess moisture or flooding. We also offer a wide variety of excess moisture preventative services such as basement waterproofing and crawlspace encapsulation.

The heat and humidity certainly invades the Chesapeake Bay region during the summer months, creating a plethora of issues for property owners, especially with mold. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, it is a good idea to call a mold remediation and removal professional who offers a free mold inspection.

Mold growth in a home is a serious problem, and one that could cause serious health complications, especially with the more noxious strains of mold. As spores are released into the air, both people and animals (if you have household pets) will inhale or even ingest the spores. This may cause an allergic reaction, headaches, nausea or respiratory concerns.

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So, what can you expect from a “mold remediation and restoration professional” when he arrives at your home?

“Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24-48 hours. It only needs the right temperature, moisture and a food source. Upon our arrival, the first thing we do is address the source of the invading moisture or water.” remarks Darrel Gottschalk, owner of GottPower, a full-service mold remediation and restoration company located in Pasadena, Maryland. “It is important to stop the water infiltration as soon as possible. Mold will continue to grow until the source is addressed.”

According to Gottschalk, it is imperative to call a professional immediately if you suspect mold. When you call a professional for a possible mold issue, there are specific steps that should be followed.

THOROUGH INSPECTION

Upon entering your home, the company should provide a free, visual inspection. It should be thorough, because although mold may be visible to the “naked eye,” it could also be growing under carpets or in ceiling tiles. If it seems severe, and a homeowner’s insurance claim is going to be filed, an outside lab “pre-test” is recommended.

PREPARING THE SPACE

Once the extent of your mold problem is diagnosed, the mold remediation specialists will then ensure the area is contained before any mold is treated or removed.

“It is Important to prevent spores from entering into the home. This prevents further contaminating the space as mold spores will most likely be disturbed during the remediation process.” comments Gottschalk. “We will contain the area and use an air filtration system to protect the area.”

MOLD REMEDIATION AND RESTORATION

If the space to be treated is larger than 3ft by 3ft, if the surface is porous such as drywall or soft, like furniture, it may need to be removed and discarded. A specific microbial biocide will be applied to kill any remaining mold and help prevent the further growth of new mold. Depending upon the extent of the issue, structural repairs may be necessary. If the problem occurred near your HVAC unit, or if there is extensive damage, it is highly recommended that your HVAC unit be serviced and your ventilation system cleaned and treated for possible mold infiltration. Completely servicing your property’s air heating and cooling system will help to ensure the entire problem is addressed, and could prevent any recurring mold-related issues.

POST TESTING

After the remediation and restoration process, it is HIGHLY recommended that you ask for a mold post-test. A proper test will give you the satisfaction of knowing that your property is now safe.

“A reputable company should guarantee its work. We’ve always provided post-testing and, if for some reason it fails, we will redo any work on our dime. We want our customers to trust in the service we provide 100 percent.” promises Gottschalk.

If you have suffered water damage, such as a flooded basement, or water leaks due to a storm, or plumbing issues, contact the mold remediation specialists at GottPower. They promise to adhere to the strictest government standards and are M.H.I.C. Licensed and Insured. They are also certified members of the National Association of Mold Professionals, Indoor Air Quality Association, National Air Duct Cleaners, and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration.

Contact us to schedule a free inspection

Crawl spaces are a type of basement that you cannot stand up in and the surface is often soil. Crawl space humidity is often an issue within homes located in moisture-laden regions, such as here in the Chesapeake Bay Area. A sealed moisture barrier is required to keep this area from getting saturated with water.

Health and safety issues must be considered with a crawl space. Insects and rodents thrive in these dark, wet spaces. The moisture will also allow mold and mildew to grow and accumulate which can affect your health and can cause damage to the structure or foundation of the home.

“Mold can eat away at wood as voraciously as termites, and drastically affect the structural integrity and value of your home.” observes Darrel Gottschalk owner of Gottpower, a restoration services company in Pasadena, MD,

Homeowners should also consider the phenomenon called the “stack effect.” It is caused by a difference in temperature between the interior and exterior spaces of your home, thus creating air pressure. The air pressure acts similarly to an earthquake force behind a tidal wave, in that the pressure pushes air around your home. Most of the time, this pressure and the air pushed don’t do any damage on their own. But there are some cases where this can cause serious issues. The air itself can be a strong force and it can carry particles with it, like mold spores, decomposition odors, or fecal matter from dust mites, which may affect respiratory health, as well as irritate eyes and skin.

To prepare the crawl space, the professionals at Gottpower will remove debris and treat the space for mold or mildew, performing any necessary remediation and reconstruction of compromised structures, if necessary. The crawlspace sealing technique includes overlapping all seams a minimum of 1-2 feet and sealing with a special tape. The technicians then extend the seal to the outside edge of the space and up the foundation wall to at least 6 inches above the outside grade. They will seal the polyethylene barrier to the foundation using a construction adhesive, creating a completely “closed system,” and providing 100% ground coverage.

The Gottpower technicians use a 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier which is a flame-retardant sheeting. It is the ideal moisture barrier in the walls and floor of your crawlspace, protecting your home from the damage of moisture and mold. It also provides added safety in case of a fire.

This is unique in that once sealed your crawlspace is now both water- and fire-proof.

“Other companies may skimp on the material they use, and you may even have a flammable material encasing your crawl space, creating a safety hazard, which is the complete opposite of the goal to create a safe home environment.” remarks Darrel Gottschalk.

This process will increase the value of your home because it protects against environmental hazards and discourages pests. And, as an added feature, because the subspace is now properly insulated, it increases the heating and cooling efficiency of your HVAC. This may now even be an ideal storage space in that it is moisture free, pest free, climate controlled and fire resistant.

If you have concerns about the environmental and structural integrity of your crawlspace, please call the professionals at GottPower for a free estimate: 410-360-7697