Mould is a natural part of the world’s ecosystem. Its main purpose is to decompose organic material – but that doesn’t mean it’s welcome in the home.
Throughout the world, there are hundreds of different species of mould that grow in just about every type of environment imaginable. It can be found both indoors and outdoors, especially in areas where there is excess moisture, humidity or poor ventilation. Not only does mould look unappealing, but it can wreak havoc on your walls, ceiling, soft furnishings and floors.
If you notice mould growing in your house or smell that tell-tale mushroomy smell in the air, it is important to have it dealt with as quickly as possible.
However, if you ignore the problem, it could start to spread and contaminate other parts of your property. While it is possible to deal with a minor mould problem yourself, it may be a better idea to consider hiring a professional mould removal company to handle it. Professional mould cleaning technicians are equipped with the necessary training and equipment to thoroughly perform the job.
Mould Removal vs. Remediation vs. Abatement
When you perform a search for “mould removal services near me”, you will likely encounter a few different terms:
- Mould removal
- Mould remediation
- Mould abatement
But is there a difference between these processes, or do they all mean the same thing? To remove any potential confusion, let’s take a quick look at what each one means.
Mould Removal
The process of mould removal typically starts with identifying the source of mould growth. It involves more than just looking at where mould is visibly growing, but also, looking behind or around areas where visible mould is present.
The technicians use equipment such as moisture / humidity meters and infrared cameras to trace the source of mould. Once the main source of growth is identified, recommendations are made to remove or reduce the moisture.
The mould removal process ends with drying out and treating the affected area to prevent the problem from returning again.
Mould Remediation
Mould remediation is creating a plan to successfully identify, remove and prevent mould from growing back.
The mould removal companies will inspect the property and then provide a detailed inspection report which contains the source of the mould problem, then recommended strategies to address it and the full quotation of their services.
Mould Abatement
The word abatement is defined as the process of reducing, lessening, suppressing or terminating something. Using this definition, mould abatement involves the termination of mould from the structure or area where it is identified, either by removing or encapsulating it so it no longer poses risks to occupants and the property.
As you can see, mould removal, mould remediation and mould abatement are so closely related, that they are most of the time used interchangeably. Though it can be said that mould removal and mould abatement are strategies that are included in a mould remediation plan.
Is All Mould Toxic?
What is Mould? Mould is a type of fungus that produces spores which spread in the air. Inside your home, mould can grow in damp areas such as your:
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Basement
- Hallway
It can also be found growing around leaking pipes, windows fittings, ceilings and subfloors. Paper backed plaster board, wood, leather and upholstery are also an ideal breeding ground for mould.
Mould comes in a whole host of different colours, sizes and structures. However, one thing they all have in common is their musty or earthy odour. The presence of mould can increase health risks in certain situations – or may have no effect on your health at all. Unfortunately, scare tactics used over the years have given mould a terrifying reputation and many facts are actually not factual at all.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarifies that only certain types of mould are classified as toxigenic or release mycotoxins. The CDC further states that only on rare occasions do toxigenic mould spores result in health risks such as pulmonary haemorrhage or memory loss. However, for people with mould sensitivity or weakened immune systems, mould can cause respiratory conditions such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughs and wheezing. In some cases, mould may also trigger allergies and asthma.
Is Black Mould toxic?
When you hear someone saying black mould is toxic, it’s also important to remember that there is no single type of mould that is called ‘black mould’.
In fact, there are many types of mould that are black. Stachybotrys Chartarum is the species most people are referring too, which is also one of the most common strains found in the home.
Is it deadly? No. There is no scientific evidence that proves exposure to this strain is more dangerous than exposure to any other type.
Do you are potentially dealing with a mould problem? Try not to panic. In the short-term, you are highly unlikely to start developing sensitivity symptoms. Evaluate the situation and search for any visible signs, then find local mould removal specialists who can help you in eliminating it from your property.
How Much Does Mould Remediation Cost?
Many factors may influence the cost of mould remediation projects. In a perfect world, there would be one price for one solution. However, the actual price of mould treatment and removal will depend on a variety of factors.
Size of Affected Area
Major consideration in determining the cost of a mould remediation project is the size of the infected area.
- For small spaces, mould removal projects may cost between $300 to $500.
- For mould removal jobs in areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, jobs range between $500 and $4,000.
- Mould removal in hard-to-access areas or for dense growth, prices go from $800 to $4,000.
- If the job involves the entire house, prices may reach up to $6,000.It all depends on the company you use and its transparency.
Location of the Mould Problem
The area where the source of mould growth is detected also influences pricing. Certain mould growth may be found in places that are not easily accessible, like subflors and roof cavities. In such cases, the job may cost even more due to the need for specialist equipment specifically for these situations.
Other Services
Some mould remediation projects may include specialised services such as air quality analysis, structure drying, contents restoration and restoration of affected materials. These services also add to the entire project cost. It’s important that whenever you get a quote, you ask for the total cost of treatment and removal. If a company is trying to upsell products or not giving you a fixed figure, move on with your search. Once the property has been inspected and a report has been generated, an accurate price can be given. This shouldn’t fluctuate or be left open for additional costs during the remediation process.
Is Mould Remediation Permanent?
The main goal of any mould remediation project is to permanently remove mould from the affected area. In the world of mould, its removal from an area for more than 12 months is classed as permanent. However, to keep it away, you’ll need to be proactive.
Once the mould remediation project is completed in your property, your contractor will recommend ways to prevent mould from recurring. Some of these include:
- Controlling moisture in your space;
- Installing ventilation systems;
- Repairing affected areas.
Mould will continue to exist in our surroundings. Hence, the answer as to whether mould remediation is permanent depends on your commitment to put into practice the recommendations of your contractor.
When to Call in Professional Mould Remediators?
Do you suspect there is a mould infestation occurring in your property? So, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional mould removal technician. At Mould Cleaning Australia, our mould remediation specialists will inspect your property free of charge and provide you with a comprehensive report and an outline of our services.
As the largest mould removal company in Australia, we cover major areas including:
- Mould Removal in Sydney
- Mould Removal in Melbourne
- Mould Removal in Brisbane
- Mould Removal in Central Coast
- Mould Removal in Gold Coast
- Mould Removal in Newcastle
- Mould Removal in Sunshine Coast
- and more!
Our extensive experience, combined with the latest tools and equipment for fast and effective remediation allows us to treat your property in a single day. Better yet, we back all of our work up with our 12 month warranty.
Don’t let mould get in the way of enjoying a clean and healthy environment.
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