So it becomes essential when locating and remediating mold to be able to test where moisture is high because mold is more likely to grow in these areas. One of the main things that mold needs in order to grow is moisture.
It’s disconcerting but true that mold spores are quite literally everywhere in Wichita, Kansas. So it becomes essential when locating and remediating mold to be able to test where moisture is high because mold is more likely to grow in these areas. One of the main things that mold needs in order to grow is moisture. That moisture can come from high humidity, flooding, pipe breaks, and any other form of moisture that develops.
WHOA! WAIT, WHAT?!
Yes it’s true, mold spores are all around us and most of the time we are not adversely affected by them. If you live in a place with high humidity, those little spores could unfortunately become an issue for you and your home in Wichita, Kansas. If a flood occurs and you’re unable to get the water removed and the area dried within 24-48 hours, mold could unfortunately become an issue after the fact. Sometimes these situations are unavoidable and out of our control, so while it is serious, there is help – it will be ok.
MOLD INSPECTIONS
A mold inspection is the first step in locating and developing a plan to remediate mold that is found in a home in Wichita, Kansas. In the previous blog, we talked in depth of what you can expect at a mold inspection, but today we are going to focus on the important step of a mold inspection when a moisture analysis is performed.
WHAT IS A MOISTURE ANALYSIS AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
A moisture analysis is important because not all mold is visible and excess moisture can exist that we are unaware of behind surfaces. There are many times when mold has begun to grow under a surface because of excess moisture or humidity. Thus the visual inspection part of a mold inspection will not be able to identify and determine if there is a moisture or mold issue beneath the surface. It becomes necessary to have a way to check beneath the surface for that excess moisture and possible mold. With a moisture analysis, the inspector will be able to accomplish this with the use of a moisture meter to test and detect moisture spots with possible mold in Wichita, Kansas.
There are two types of moisture meters:
-
Pin-type meter
-
Pinless meter
A pin-type meter uses wood, cellulose fibers, and other hygroscopic materials as a circuit element, sending electrode currents through the material with two pins. This is based on the principle of electrical resistance, and identifies water presence within the material. Readings with a pin-type meter will provide very accurate readings between the two pins that are set. Several readings would need to be taken of the same area because the readings will only be for the area between the two pins.
A pinless meter performs the same function as models with pins, but uses radio frequency signals in place of electrical currents. These meters emit signals into the scanned surface, and do not physically enter or damage the tested surface. They can scan many points in a quick swipe via an electromagnetic sensor pad that comes into contact with the wood surface but does not physically break or damage the surface to take a reading. The readings are very accurate as well.
Pinless meters are probably the more popular option by mold remediation professionals because there is no damage to the surface. But both types of meters used during the moisture analysis will be able to effectively determine if there is excess moisture and find if there are hidden areas of mold growth. Moisture meter readings are presented as percentages. Moisture readings and acceptable percentages will vary based on the material they are tested against. They work very accurately on surfaces such as wood, brick, concrete, carpet, and more.
WHEN MOLD IS THE SUSPECT
When and if you suspect mold could be causing that musty smell or those unseasonable allergies or cold-like symptoms, it will be essential during the mold inspection process to have a moisture analysis done in Wichita, Kansas. Because just like most things, what you see is not always what you get. Mold could be hidden and the moisture analysis will provide clues and data for the mold inspector to follow and then be able to remediate completely and effectively. And yes, it is disconcerting, upsetting, and worrying that mold may be an issue. There is help and there is guidance to be found from mold remediation professionals.
FreshCo Cleaning and Restoration is here for you, to help and guide you through the process. We perform mold inspections, remediation, and certain aspects of rebuilding after remediation in Wichita, Kansas. We can also help with moisture control. Please give us a call so that we can help you not only begin the mold remediation process but help see you through to the end.
>
“Very professional and friendly! They did a great job!”
