Trust SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South for Professional Mold Monitoring and Remediation
2/7/2022 (Permalink)
A condo in Palm Harbor is an excellent piece of real estate. The area offers plenty of amenities and retains a small-town vibe while providing reasonable access to bigger shopping areas, golf courses, and places to eat. Residents of the area want to take good care of their buildings – and that includes dealing with mold as soon as they spot it.
If you are looking for mold remediation in a condo in Palm Harbor, it is vital to choose a company that monitors the remediation process and does not rely on sight alone. SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South is here for you. Our technicians are trained and certified in the best monitoring and remediation techniques.
Does monitoring mean identifying the mold species?
It is a common misconception that mold monitoring means identifying the species of mold. In many cases, identifying the specific type of mold is not necessary. The remediation process is the same regardless of species. However, if the mold growth is out of control, there might be a need for mold testing to determine which species are present.
What does SERVPRO of Dunedin/Palm Harbor South monitor?
During mold remediation, we monitor:
- The amount of moisture present in the area, including walls, baseboards, carpets, and floors
- The extent of moisture present in building materials
- The humidity of the air
We take these readings before we begin mold cleanup, and repeat them as necessary throughout the remediation process. We retake them at the end to make sure the moisture and humidity are at optimum levels to prevent mold regrowth.
Why is monitoring critical?
Sight alone does not tell us if remediation is complete. Looking at the area can only tell us whether we have dealt with visible mold growth. Monitoring is vital because:
- There may be moisture in hidden places such as inside walls or under carpets, which provides an unseen breeding ground for spores
- If we do not reduce moisture, the mold spores will be able to form new colonies
- If the area is too humid, there is a greater risk of the mold returning
Monitoring gives us accurate data that we can use to draw up a personalized mold cleaning plan that suits your condo. We use the figures from monitoring to decide:
- How and where to set up containment
- How many fans and dehumidifiers to use for drying, and where to position them
- Whether we need to investigate moisture behind baseboards, inside walls, or in storage areas and crawl spaces
What equipment does SERVPRO use?
SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbour South technicians bring a range of powerful monitoring equipment for every job.
Moisture sensors detect moisture in carpets and padding and let us know whether there is moisture on the subfloor. Moisture sensors are useful if you have mold in a carpeted area, or if you already know the carpet has suffered a spill or leak.
Moisture meters measure the amount of moisture present in a specific material. Some meters are ready-calibrated to a particular material such as wood or drywall, while others are adjustable for different materials. We use penetrating moisture meters, where it is safe to do so. In situations where it is better not to cause even minor surface damage from a penetrating meter, we can use a non-penetrating meter instead. For example, we would use a non-penetrating meter on plaster or drywall, rather than risk piercing it with a penetrating meter.
We use thermal cameras to measure the temperature across the walls and ceilings of your condo. Temperature differences can indicate moisture's presence and let us track the movement of water throughout your living space. This helps us see where we need to examine more thoroughly.
We use thermo-hygrometers to measure the relative humidity in the air. As well as measuring humidity in the affected area, we also measure the humidity of air:
- In unaffected areas
- Outside your condo
- Exiting the HVAC system
- That has been processed through dehumidifiers
Comparing different air readings helps us determine whether drying is working and whether we need to make any adjustments.
What happens after monitoring?
When we are satisfied that the mold situation is under control and your condo is dry, we deodorize your space. Condos are typically smaller than houses, so thorough deodorization is key to leaving your home "Like it never even happened." Some of the tools we use during remediation, such as air scrubbers and microbial cleaners, help with deodorization. We can also add odor-eating pellets or spot-clean stubborn areas of upholstery. We might also use thermal foggers or ozone machines if necessary.
For mold remediation you can rely on, call SERVPRO of Dunedin / Palm Harbor South at (727) 793-1333.