Question 1

What caused the mold to grow in my house?

Accepted Answer

Anytime the moisture levels in your home are at 60% or higher, mold can grow. What&rsquo;s frustrating for many property owners is that they don&rsquo;t see a puddle on the floor or water dripping from the ceiling. When mold grows, the source of the moisture is usually hidden under floorboards or behind walls.

Question 2

I seem to be sick all the time. Is the mold in my house making me ill?

Accepted Answer

It could be. Because mold spores are microscopic and airborne, you’ll end up breathing them into your lungs. Depending on the type of mold and how well your immune system functions, you may develop some serious health symptoms that could end up being the result of mold. That’s why a mold remediation company takes mold removal so seriously. The space affected by mold is isolated and contained during cleaning so the spores won’t spread to other areas of the house, and the remediation team stays suited up in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the process.

Question 3

Does bleach kill mold?

Accepted Answer

For the majority of surfaces in your home, bleach won’t actually get rid of your mold problem. It’s the “iceberg effect. ” Visible mold is usually a small percentage of the actual amount of mold growth. Bleach can’t kill mold on porous surfaces like wood, and while tile or fiberglass surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, often the mold has spread far deeper. The reason why mold remediation companies don’t recommend DIY cleanup isn’t because they want to make more money; they know, in their experience, that a mold problem is usually far more invasive than can be seen with the naked eye. Simply cleaning the surfaces can provide false assurances that you got rid of the mold, only to have it come back time and time again.

Question 4

Does homeowners insurance cover mold remediation?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes mold remediation is included if the cause of the mold was a “covered peril” like a burst hot water heater or water damage caused by firefighters extinguishing a fire in your house. Gradual water damage - like from a leaking pipe or hose - will often cause mold growth, but your insurance coverage will usually not cover that by claiming that it was caused by poor maintenance or neglect. If your insurance company denies your claim, you should request an inspection from a mold remediation company who can help you document the source of the mold.

Question 5

How do I know if the mold is gone for good?

Accepted Answer

If the inspection/assessment process was able to pinpoint the source and cause of the mold growth, once that source is repaired, you can be relatively confident about the success of remediation. Ask if your restoration technician has the IICRC certification for “Applied Microbial Remediation. ” You can also request a “post remediation mold clearance” from a third-party mold inspector to re-test the area for any remaining traces of mold before the area is treated with a sealer or encapsulant to resist future mold growth.

Mold Remediation

Mold Remediation in the Santa Barbara Area

Restoration Services

Cleaning Services

Get Started Now

Air Quality Testing

Mold Remediation

Mold Damage FAQ

Proudly Serving the the Santa Barbara Area with Top-Rated Disaster Restoration & Cleaning Services

Serving the homes and businesses throughout the Santa Barbara area for more than 40 years, the Castro's name brings with it decades of trust and reputation.