What are Some Common Myths about Mold Remediation in Your St. Petersburg Business?

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

A mold infestation can quickly spread and escalate. Contact SERVPRO for effective mold damage remediation efforts.

St. Petersburg Entrepreneurs only Want the Facts about Mold Remediation

St. Petersburg downtown is rated as one of the best downtown areas in the state. Museums, art galleries and music venues share the space with modern office buildings and high-rises. It is a great place to run a business. Unfortunately, given the humidity of Florida, any business in the area needs to be vigilant about fungal growth.

If you need mold remediation in your St. Petersburg business, it is important to know the facts about remediation. There are a lot of rumours and a great deal of conflicting information out there. Following such false information could lead to a less than satisfactory remediation project. What are some myths to be aware of when choosing a fungus remediation company?

Is it true that you should worry about black mold?

People online like to fear-monger about black mold. However, although mold can cause health effects, it is not necessary to panic. SERVPRO’s St. Petersburg mold remediation process works equally well for all kinds of mold, so the best thing you can do is call us as soon as you see mold in your business premises – no matter what the color.

Is it true that if you cannot see mold there is nothing to worry about?

Unfortunately many local business people believe this myth. Mold can grow in hidden places such as:
 

• Inside walls or behind wallpaper
• Under sinks or behind toilets
• Inside or under carpets
• Behind baseboards or appliances
• In storage areas, crawl spaces, attics and basements

Even if you cannot see patches of mold, you can look out for signs such as:
 

• Damp patches on the walls or ceilings
• Leaks, drips, and small puddles of water anywhere on your premises
• A moldy smell that you cannot trace the source of

If you notice any of these issues, call us straight away. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and the sooner we act, the less chance the mold has of spreading. We can use a range of testing and imaging equipment to seek out hidden fungal patches, and tackle them.

Is it true that a little bit of fungus is not a problem?

The patches of mold you can see are comprised of tiny tube-like cells called hyphae. Mold spores can break off from these patches and drift throughout your business, looking for a new place to set up camp. The tiniest patch of mold can produce spores, and because the spores are microscopic, it is difficult to stop them.

It is a good idea to call SERVPRO of NE St. Petersburg no matter the size of mold patch. We can help stop the spread of spores by using:

• HEPA filter vacuums to vacuum up loose mold
• Containment to create a physical barrier
• Air scrubbers and negative air machines to trap mold spores and prevent them from spreading
  

We boost containment by using personal protective equipment, staging areas, and decontamination areas, to ensure our team does not cross-contaminate the rest of your office.

Is it true that you need to know the species of mold?

In most cases we do not need to know the exact species of mold. However, in rare cases where the spread of mold is extensive, it might become necessary. If that is the case for your business, SERVPRO will call in a professional mold inspection team, and liaise with them on your behalf.

Is it true that you can tackle a small patch of mold yourself?

This is a very common myth about fungus. Many business people think that if it is only a small patch, they can tackle it, or ask their cleaning team to do so. However, SERVPRO does not recommend that you try. As we have seen, even a small patch of mold can lead to greater damage. If you tackle it without proper care and containment it could spread. Not to mention that you most likely do not have professional grade gloves, suits, and respirators on hand.

Please do not spray commercial cleaners or bleach on a patch of mold. The moisture in these products can soak into the surface and make the conditions even better for mold growth, thus worsening the problem.

Is it true that once the mold is gone it will not come back?

Because mold spores are so small, and can be found everywhere in nature, it is impossible to guarantee that mold will not return. Mold remediation can go a long way to removing the current mold growth, and discouraging regrowth, however. 

The key factor in any mold situation is moisture. Without moisture, the spores cannot propagate. That is why we focus on drying your business premises and lowering the humidity. Tackling the moisture issue is the only way to reduce the risk of mold coming back.

For mold remediation you can trust, call SERVPRO of NE St. Petersburg at (727) 522-0000.