Mold Removal and Testing Columbus, OH
Say Goodbye to Mold: Expert Remediation Services in Columbus, Ohio and Surrounding Areas
What exactly is mold?
Mold is a general term for thousands of types of fungus that can easily grow on almost any surface in a structure. All that needs to happen is for the temperature, moisture and light conditions to be just right and before you know it, you can be dealing with a mold infestation in Columbus, Ohio. Not every kind of mold is toxic to humans, but you should still be wary of its presence in your home because it can eat away at surfaces like wood and drywall. Over time it can affect the integrity of your structure even if it’s not a harmful strain in terms of respiratory effects.
Mold-Free Living: Professional Remediation in Columbus, Ohio and the Surrounding Areas
When you choose AdvantaClean for mold remediation in Columbus, Ohio, you can trust that you’re working with dedicated professionals who prioritize your well-being. We conduct thorough inspections to identify the extent of the mold problem and create a tailored plan to eradicate it effectively. Our meticulous approach and attention to detail guarantee that no mold spore is left behind.
Mold Removal
Certified by the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, AdvantaClean specializes in mold removal in Columbus, Ohio.
Mold Testing
AdvantaClean uses cutting-edge technology for mold testing to accurately locate mold with minimum damage.
Mold Remediation
AdvantaClean mold specialists have the training, tools, and resources necessary for mold remediation in Columbus, Ohio for your home or business.
Mold FAQs
Get the answers to all your questions with these quick and simple mold FAQs.
Mold Removal in Columbus, Ohio
Safeguard Your Health: Premier Mold Remediation in Columbus, Ohio and Beyond!
If you have found mold in your house during your annual inspection, call AdvantaClean! Our mold removal experts serve Columbus, Ohio will safely check the air quality, understand the reasons behind the growth of spores in the environment and quickly remove the mold from your home. Quickly preventing the spread will not only save your furniture (and even the structure of the building) from future damage, it will also avoid subsequent damage to your health.
What is mold? Mold is a common fungus that grows best in warm, damp environments and multiplies as microscopic spores. It travels through the air, attaching to structures like drywall, flooring and other materials in a home. Once it takes hold, mold in a house can multiply quickly in high humidity surroundings like basements, bathrooms and crawlspaces.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), if you see or smell mold, there is potential health risk and you should hire a professional mold detection company, like AdvantaClean, for cleanup and mold removal in Columbus, OH.
When tiny mold spores travel through the air and settle, under the right conditions, mold or mildew can multiply quickly, often going undetected, and become a problem inside your home. Mold can grow almost anywhere when moisture is present for an extended period of time.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold can multiply on most porous surfaces where there is damp stagnant air. While it prefers temperatures above 60 degrees, it can also grow in cold temperatures, which is why it can be found in a refrigerator (ew!). Most often, however, it is found in the following places:
- Wallpaper and drywall
- Ductwork and ceiling tiles
- Carpet, drapes and furniture
- Attics, basements and crawlspaces
- Books and magazines (anything made of paper or organic material)
You Can Control Mold Growth in a House By:
- Controlling humidity levels
- Sealing leaky roofs, windows and pipes
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after water flooding
- Ventilating shower, laundry and cooking areas
The effects of mold not only include the potential for structural damage to your home. If you are in the market to sell, undetected mold can dramatically lower the value of your home. Some real estate agents believe the presence of mold can drop the value of a home up to 10 percent.
The effects of mold not only include the potential for structural damage to your home. If you are in the market to sell, undetected mold can dramatically lower the value of your home. Some real estate agents believe the presence of mold can drop the value of a home up to 10 percent.
Mold removal (also known as mold remediation), is the process of cleaning mold by removing mold and treating surfaces and materials that have been contaminated by mold or mildew. The methods used for removing mold will vary, depending on the type of mold in the house and the effects of mold on the surface or material.
To ensure you are completely removing mold in your home, a customized mold inspection and mold cleanup process will be followed to properly remove and treat the contaminated areas. Mold testing options include air-o-cell tests and swab samples to identify the types and concentrations of mold present in an environment. Once the source and types of mold are identified, a mold removal plan will be developed and executed, including containment of the work area to control and limit the spread of mold in the house or other contaminants into surrounding areas of the home.
AdvantaClean uses a three-step process for mold removal.
- Staging
- Source Removal
- Exit Protocol
AdvantaClean specializes in removing mold, and their mold specialists use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums for final mold removal after affected areas have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials have been removed. HEPA vacuums have specialized filters that capture tiny mold particles that would typically pass right through a normal vacuum filter. HEPA vacuums are also used for the cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside of the mold remediation area.
Mold removal is NOT a “do it yourself job”. Mold removal requires professional chemicals, equipment and training. Treating mold with household chemicals can cause mold to spread and create more costly issues in your home, especially if you’re dealing with black mold.
Most chemicals, including bleach, have been proven ineffective against eliminating mold in the long run. Contrary to popular belief, when you apply bleach to kill mold on a porous surface, (i.e. wood, drywall, grout, carpet, etc.) it actually facilitates mold growth. The chlorine molecules stay on the surface and will only kill a fraction of the mold while the water in bleach (bleach is mostly water) sinks into the material, promoting mold growth.
AdvantaClean is certified for removing mold and our mold specialist will meet with you to discuss a plan for mold testing and remediation. Each AdvantaClean technician is trained on proper mold removal / mold remediation procedures in accordance with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S-520. Contact AdvantaClean for professional mold removal.
A mold inspection is the first step in the process of determining if you have a mold problem. During a mold inspection, AdvantaClean’s certified mold specialists, will inspect, sample and test the air in and around your home for mold detection. A mold specialist will use a variety of mold detection techniques to look for mold and mildew, identify the types of mold present and offer suggestions for cleaning mold or removing mildew.
Mold inspection is important to both the safety and health of a home and its occupants. Since mold remediation can sometimes be costly, a mold inspection performed by a mold specialist is highly recommended.
Mold inspections should be performed by a qualified mold specialist who has formal training and experience. Mold inspections look for evidence of mold or mildew growth which indicates a water or moisture issue. They can include mold growth around vents, on walls or baseboards, even in your HVAC ductwork! Because the source of mold growth can often be hidden, you should hire a mold specialist who knows where to look and has the equipment to assess your situation.
A mold specialist will also look for mold in areas where it could be causing structural issues, such as attics, basements and crawlspaces.
Mold or mildew cannot grow without water. A mold specialist will determine the moisture source and recommend options for mold removal. If the source is not found and eliminated, mold will return, and mold remediation will have a negligible long-term effect.
Mold Testing in Columbus, Ohio
Ensure the safety of your home or property in Columbus, Ohio with AdvantaClean’s comprehensive mold testing services. Whether you’re purchasing a new property or inspecting your current one, it’s crucial to identify and address any potential mold issues. Mold spores can easily spread and pose health risks, as they release harmful mycotoxins that can compromise the immune system. Trust our experts to conduct thorough mold testing in Columbus, Ohio, and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.
If you’re buying a new home in Columbus, Ohio or want to inspect your current property, it is important to look for mold. One effective way to do so is through a mold test. Because mold consists of spores that travel through the air, it can spread quickly. Additionally, mold creates mycotoxins, which are dangerous organisms that attack the immune system and jeopardize health.
Banish Mold from Your Space: Expert Remediation in Columbus, Ohio and Surrounding Areas!
Given the dangerous effects mold can have on your wellbeing, it is important to be aware of whether it is in your home or business. While some mold signs are obvious to spot, like when you see black spots on your wall, others are more difficult to trace. If your space starts smelling musty or you unexpectedly experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to check your property for mold.
If you believe you have a mold problem in your commercial or residential property in Columbus, OH, call our highly-trained specialists at AdvantaClean. We conduct comprehensive mold testing to locate the exact location of the fungal colonies and the cause of its growth. Additionally, we create customized solutions to address the issue.
Some Health Risks Mold Poses:
- Headaches
- Skin irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Persistent coughing and wheezing
- Lung damage or respiratory infections
Some Test AdvantaClean Uses:
- Air Samples – Because mold spores travel through the air, one common testing method we use is the “spore trap.” This involves passing air through a sticky surface. Our specialists send the samples to a laboratory, where they monitor the mold growth and identify the type.
- Surface Samples – With surface samples, we skim the surface of the supposed mold area and send in the samples to the lab. Experts analyze the samples to send conclusive reports.
Do You Need Mold Testing?
We’re going to be honest with you and tell you something other companies would not – you don’t always need mold testing done. If you see physical signs of mold, such as black spots on your walls or floor, you can simply call our mold specialists for fast removal services.
Our team of highly trained professionals use cutting edge technology and non-invasive methods to accurately locate mold and can help determine the cause of it. We treat each client the same way we would want to be treated – with respect, courtesy, and honesty. By prioritizing customer connection over making a quick profit, we go above and beyond to exceed expectations.
When Should You Consider Mold Testing?
- Before purchasing any real estate
- If you experience unexplained respiratory issues
- During a landlord/tenant dispute where mold is the problem
- When you’ve had plumbing leaks/high moisture on your property
It’s important to know that mold is everywhere in your home. They are minuscule, sporous fungi that lie dormant around a property. It’s only in damp, warm areas where the usually dormant spores activate. If left untreated, the bacterial colonies can grow and spread. That is why if you notice signs of mold growth, it is important you contact our specialists immediately.
Mold Remediation in Columbus, Ohio
Services Grounded in Respect, Excellence & Accountability
Say goodbye to mold-related concerns with AdvantaClean’s top-notch mold remediation services in Columbus, Ohio. Our skilled professionals specialize in effectively identifying and eliminating mold growth, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for you and your loved ones. Utilizing advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, we tackle mold problems at their root, restoring the integrity of your property and providing long-lasting solutions. Don’t let mold jeopardize your well-being and property value – trust AdvantaClean for comprehensive and reliable mold remediation services.
Small mold spores exist almost everywhere, including indoor and outdoor, and thrive in damp, warm settings. They can quickly spread through your commercial and residential property in as little as 48 hours, presenting you with a mold problem that could have been prevented if caught early on.
At AdvantaClean, our skilled mold specialists have the training, tools, and resources necessary to eliminate mold from your home and business, leaving it a safer place. We back our services with over two decades of industry experience, so you can trust we know what we’re doing.
Other reasons customers trust us:
- 25 years in the business
- 24/7 availability
- Leaders in the industry
- 4.9 Review Average
- IICRC certified professionals
Understanding Mold & How to Control it
It is important to understand that no matter where you are there will always be mold. However, in many cases, the spores lie dormant. It takes moisture and other factors to activate the mold and cause it to grow colonies and spread. For full mold remediation, we need to address the moisture in a room first, to prevent further growth and expansion.
If you believe there is mold in your home or business, it is important you call our highly trained professionals for reliable mold remediation. We use innovative technology to accurately locate the source, contain the mold colonies, and eliminate the cause. Because we understand the importance of immediacy, our crew works with efficiency and precision.
Some Signs You Have Mold Growth:
- You experience more allergies
- You see spots appear on walls and floors
- There is increased moisture in certain areas
- Your space smells old and musty
Health Risks of Mold Exposure:
- Persistent coughing and wheezing
- Headaches and fatigue
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Skin irritation
- Difficulty breathing
- Lung damage and respiratory infections
Protect Your Loved Ones & Your Property
If you find yourself with mold on your property, the most important step you can take is to remove moisture from the area. For example, if you see mold growing around your plumbing, make sure none of the pipes are leaking. Another example is mold found in damp basements. Air out the areas to prevent moisture from helping the fungal spores from growing.
Let’s face it, with everything on your “to-do” list, the last thing you should have to worry about is mold damage. Allow our professional mold specialists to handle it. Our team works with efficiency and accuracy to address the issue, so you can go on with your life. And because an emergency can occur at any moment, we are available around the clock.
Mold FAQs
The following questions are most commonly asked by mold removal and mold inspection consumers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Mold grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions and spreads and reproduces by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, even dry conditions that do not support normal mold growth.
What are some of the kinds of indoor mold?
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
Two ingredients are needed for mold or mildew to grow. These include oxygen and moisture. With these two prevalent ingredients being available nearly everywhere, it should be no surprise that mold grows abundantly in many places. Mold spores are in the air and attach to moisture. Then if conditions are right, and high levels of moisture remain, the mold will grow.
In homes and offices, common places for mold to grow are kitchens and bathrooms where even a small drip can create an environment for mold to thrive. Leaks or condensation in HVAC systems or on ductwork can create mold problems along with any moisture that gets in the walls, ceilings or under floors.
Since we are exposed to mold and mildew nearly every day, small doses do not generally pose a problem. However, mold impacts people differently. Children, the elderly, asthma sufferers, and those with allergies are more susceptible to having reactions to the presence of mold. This can show itself in the form of respiratory issues that often resemble flu-like symptoms.
According to the CDC: Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint.
Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth. It is not necessary, however, to determine what type of mold you may have. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.
Some people are sensitive to mold or mildew. For these people, exposure to mold or mildew can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions like fever and shortness of breath.
Mold Allergy symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies such as dry skin, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Outdoor mold can cause allergy symptoms in summer and fall (in some climates, the symptoms may be year-round). Indoor mold can cause allergy symptoms year-round.
Mold Symptoms and Mold Allergies: Should You Call a Doctor?
If you think you have mold symptoms or mold allergies, you should first consult a family or general health care provider who will decide whether you need to be referred to a specialist. Mold specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold symptoms such as mold infections. If an infection is in the lungs, a pulmonary physician might be recommended. Patients who have been exposed to mold in their workplace may be referred to an occupational physician to diagnose their mold symptoms. While it is important to treat mold symptoms, it is equally imperative to identify and address the cause of your mold allergies.
Consider These Facts:
- In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor mold or mildew exposure with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people.
- The IOM also found suggestive evidence linking indoor mold or mildew exposure to respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.
- In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional research in the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould that addresses the causes and risks of poor indoor air quality.
- Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold or mildew exposure to the development of asthma in some children.
Mold is found in virtually every environment and can be detected indoors and outdoors, year-round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors it can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors, mold can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.
Most often, however, it is found in the following places:
- Wallpaper and drywall
- Ductwork and ceiling tiles
- Carpet, drapes and furniture
- Attics, basements and crawlspaces
- Books and magazines (anything made of paper or organic material)
Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.
Specific Recommendations:
- Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50% — all day long. Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the levels low, however, bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in moisture levels and air temperature.
- Run a dehumidifier in enclosed spaces such as basements.
- Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
- Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
- Clean bathrooms with mold or mildew killing products.
- Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
- Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold or mildew growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for mold or mildew. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with mold or mildew. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold or mildew, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold or mildew and mold or mildew is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold or mildew is present, you should arrange for its removal. Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold or mildew can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold or mildew have not been established.
Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable or normal quantity of mold have not been established. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for mold, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work about criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do, or what recommendations they will make, based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without a physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the factors that led to the mold growth.
If you feel your property owner, landlord, or builder has not been responsive to concerns you’ve expressed regarding mold or mildew exposure, you can contact your local board of health or housing authority. Applicable codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and similar issues about mold generally fall under state and local (not federal) jurisdiction. You can also contact your county or state health department about mold issues in your area to learn about what mold assessment and remediation services they may offer. You can find information on your state’s Indoor Air Quality program at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. See CDC for an official list of the State Environmental Health Agencies.
If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in the building where you work, you should first consult your health care provider to determine the appropriate action to take to protect your health. Notify your employer and, if applicable, your union representative about your concern so that your employer can take action to clean up and prevent mold growth. To find out more about mold, remediation of mold or mildew, or workplace safety and health guidelines and regulations, you may also want to contact your local city, county, or state health department.
You should also read the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.
If you believe your children are ill because of exposure to mold or mildew in their school, first consult their health care provider to determine the appropriate medical action to take. Contact the school’s administration to express your concern and to ask that they remove the mold or mildew and prevent future mold or mildew growth. If needed, you could also contact the local school board.
Your local health department may also have information on mold, and you may want to get in touch with your state Indoor Air Quality office. Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for an official list of the State Environmental Health Agencies. CDC is not a regulatory agency and does not have enforcement authority in local matters.
Also, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes for guidelines, Mold Remediation in Schools, and Commercial Buildings.