San Diego Mold Removal And Remediation
For Mold Removal In The San Diego Area, Call Us At (619) 597-2003
We are San Diego’s leading mold removal experts. We supply the best locally sourced mold removal contractors, from San Marcos to the border.
Our nationally recognized company offers an extensive network of local contractors who are among the top experts in their field. When you need trusted, experienced, and trained professionals to handle your mold problems, you can rely on us to send you the best in the industry! Using the latest technology and equipment, our mold removal specialists can completely take care of your problem quickly, safely, and efficiently.
What Is Mold?
Mold and mildew are living organisms that break down decaying material. They are not plants or animals – they are part of the fungus family. Mold reproduces by sending out tiny spores that can float through the air or blown across great distances. Spores are found everywhere, including indoors. In order to grow, they need moisture, and mold can thrive in any climate with even the smallest amount of moisture present.
Mold can damage surfaces and structures and cause severe health problems. Mold inside a building is not just cosmetically undesirable; it is also very unsafe. Once located, our highly trained professionals can best assist with the safe and complete removal of any mold.
What Is The Price Of Mold Removal In San Diego?
Several factors determine the cost of mold removal, and there is no one-size-fits-all pricing that suits every situation. Your circumstances are unique, and our pricing is tailored to your specific needs. When we quote your mold removal job, we use the following guidelines:
1. How extensive is the damage?
2. Is there mold inside the structure, or is it only on the surface?
3. Will advanced technology and methods be needed for an especially toxic problem?
Our expert contractors are qualified to fully evaluate your mold situation and supply a wholly effective and long-lasting solution. Additionally, they will determine whether the initial cause of the mold has been appropriately addressed. There is no use removing mold if the root cause is still present, as that would simply add cost later down the line. Due to our locally sourced contractors being the best in the industry, you can rest assured that your comprehensive mold removal will be completed at the lowest possible price point while maintaining the highest industry standards.
What Are Common Mold Locations In San Diego?
Mold can grow and spread rapidly in San Diego. Even though we enjoy a dry climate, the weather is not the leading cause of mold. Water leaks from plumbing and appliances account for most of the jobs in the mold removal industry. From lavish custom homes to modest apartment complexes, from public facilities to private offices, no dwelling is safe from mold growth. Anywhere a water leak can occur is a prime location. Here are some examples of common mold causes and locations:
- Condensation around structural openings, such as windows and doors
- Plumbing leaks inside walls, crawl spaces, and attics
- Roof leaks
- Condensation in HVAC systems
- Ductwork
- Window-mounted cooling devices
- Poorly ventilated basements
- Foundation leaks
- Bathroom floors and walls
- Under leaky water heaters
Our inspection process will identify current mold locations, as well as potential future trouble spots. Old plumbing showing signs of imminent failure is a mold problem waiting to happen! If an area becomes damp on a regular basis, it is highly likely that mold will develop. Unfortunately, our pleasant, dry San Diego climate will not fix that drip under the sink or sanitize that air conditioning duct. You can trust our thorough inspection to spot these potential problems before they start.
Does San Diego Have Black Mold?
The term “black mold” is often used to describe any mold that is black in color, but it specifically refers to one particular species – Stachybotrys chartarum. This is one of several molds that people refer to as “toxic,” and yes, it grows here in San Diego. It is very common to find this type of mold in moisture-damaged buildings. These so-called “toxic” molds produce byproducts called mycotoxins, and over 200 different mycotoxins from common molds have been identified so far.
If you have a toxic black mold problem, it is best handled by our experts. If disturbed, toxic molds can release their dangerous mycotoxins, which can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Removal of this type of mold requires advanced methods and equipment. Our experts have many years of experience in toxic mold removal and remediation and are familiar with the techniques that are best used in the San Diego area. An intensive inspection will identify and address any toxic mold concerns you may have. Usually, toxic or black mold removal is not more expensive than a routine mold removal process.
Killing the mold is not enough; you also need Remediation.
Dead mold is still an allergen. If inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Killing it in place does not completely solve the problem; it must be removed entirely.
Remediation means remedying a problem, particularly by stopping and reversing environmental damage. Our mold removal and remediation method involve three components:
Killing the mold
Removing all traces of the mold
Taking steps to ensure the mold never comes back
Killing the mold is done with a treatment of biocides. A biocide is a substance that can destroy living organisms. However, the first, best method of getting rid of a mold problem is removal, rather than killing it. Killing it still leaves behind the dead mold and possibly viable spores. When it comes to mold elimination, we will always start with removal.
If the paper surface of drywall has mold, the proper way to solve the problem is not to spray some chlorine disinfectant and paint over it. The professional method is to remove the surface containing the mold and replace it with a fresh new one. There are circumstances in which this is not practical; in those cases, we will use a thorough and extensive treatment of biocides.
After the mold has been removed, steps must be taken to ensure that it does not return. Of course, this includes eliminating the water source that caused the mold growth in the first place, which might mean the repair of faulty plumbing or replacing leaky seals. We also treat the surrounding area with biocides, and inspect for any other possible future sources of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean up the mold problem myself?
Yes, you could. Should you? That depends on the scope and scale of the problem. Should you spray a mold killing product on your shower curtain and tile? Of course. Certain situations call for special tools and particular expertise to locate and eliminate the entire problem. You might fix a moldy spot on the wall, only to miss the much more extensive damage inside the wall. Also, if you scrub or disturb mold, it releases particles into the air, which you might inhale. Is it a toxic or black mold? Our skilled professionals can help you determine that.
What Products Are Used To Kill Mold?
There are disinfectant products available at the grocery or hardware store that are meant to kill surface mold. These are perfectly fine for bathroom or other light surface use. If there is mold inside a wall or air duct, particularly if it is a toxic variety, special biocides are needed to do a complete job. We want the mold gone, not just today, but for good. For mold contaminations, let our experts locate and identify the variety, and treat the problem with the appropriate professional biocides.
What About Bleach Or Vinegar?
For mold that is on a hard surface, such as tile, bleach will kill it. For porous surfaces, such as wood, vinegar will penetrate some and have a more prominent effect. For surfaces like drywall, neither one will eliminate the problem. If you see mold on your wall, you only see a tiny part of the whole problem, which is well beyond what bleach or vinegar can handle. To ensure that all the mold is gone for good, professional mold removal is the answer.
Do I Need A mold Inspection?
If you smell a musty or moldy smell, the answer is yes. If you see discoloration on a wall or other surface, the answer is yes. Does your air smell funny when the heat or air conditioning comes on? Have you had a plumbing leak repair that involved getting inside a wall or crawl space? Have you noticed carpenter ants or other water-loving insects forming a trail to or from your building? Do you get a lot of condensation on or around your windows? Does your shower always dampen that one spot on the floor?
These and many more factors all point to the benefits of a mold inspection. The best news will be that there is no mold detected, and you get an all-clear. At the very least, you might be able to head off a future disaster with early detection.