Moisture Test Proper Execution And All About Flood Restoration

May 3
05:56

2015

Ma. Theresa Galan

Ma. Theresa Galan

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If your home has a suspected or obvious moisture problem then you must need moisture test specialist, have the knowledge, equipment to properly diagnose your problems and create cost effective repair strategies.

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Mold exposures have a variety of health effects depending on the person,Moisture Test Proper Execution And All About Flood Restoration Articles some people are more sensitive to mold than others. Exposure to mold can cause a number of health issues such as; throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, cough and wheezing, as well as skin irritation in some cases. Exposure to mold may also cause heightened sensitivity depending on the time and nature of exposure. People at higher risk for mold allergies are people with chronic lung illnesses, which will result in more severe reactions when exposed to mold.

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when spores are present in large quantities, they are a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed, sampling for specific species of mold is unnecessary.

These methods, considered non-intrusive, only detect visible and odor-causing molds. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.

Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.

Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth, and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture indoors. Mold growth may also be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials such as concrete. Flooding, leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, or indoorplumbing problems can lead to mold growth inside. Interior moisture vapor commonly condenses on surfaces cooler than the moisture containing air which enables mold to flourish.For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water (which could be invisible humidity), a source of food and a substrate capable of sustaining growth. Thus dehumidifier is essential. 

Moulds

Excess moisture can lead to a glut of problems, such as repulsive odors, rotted framing, structural pests, foundation movement, efflorescence, and allergy-irritating mold.Mould grows wherever it can find both food and water. As food sources are abundant in buildings, mould growth generallyindicates the presence of excess moisture which may be due to numerous factors including leaking water pipes, flooding and condensation. 

Moulds release toxins which may result in adverse health effects, including

  • allergies
  • asthma and other respiratory disorders
  • eye, nose and throat irritation
  • skin problems
  • fatigue
  • headache

Moisture sources should be eliminated and any wet building materials thoroughly dried as quickly as possible to prevent mould infestation.

May refer to Flood Restoration Auckland team for best assistance needed