Wet insulation
Wet insulation stays wet too long in Louisiana, which leads to hidden, unhealthy mold and decay fungi (LSU AgCenter, 2021).
Mold Remediation
Mold remediation in Louisiana removes mold growth and fixes the water problem behind it. Call (800) 764-5219 to describe the mold.
Full flood service restoration company Residential & Commercial
What is mold remediation?
Mold remediation is the cleanup of mold growth together with the repair of the water problem that caused it (EPA).
Signs You Need Mold Remediation
Sign What it looks like
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A musty or moldy odor
A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated (EPA).
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Hidden mold
Hidden mold is suspected when a building smells moldy but the source is not visible, or when water damage is followed by health problems in the occupants (EPA).
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Mold on wet surfaces
Mold can start when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet (EPA).
How Mold Remediation Works
Mold remediation in Louisiana runs in five stages: containment, removal of wet materials, cleaning, replacement of moldy materials and drying. Each stage starts only after the one before it is complete.
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1 Seal off the moldy area
Sealing off moldy areas keeps spores out of the rest of the house (LSU AgCenter).
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2 Remove wet insulation and carpet
Wet insulation is removed right away, even if the wallboard looks dry. Wet carpeting is removed right away (LSU AgCenter).
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3 Wash hard surfaces and dry them completely
Hard surfaces are washed with detergent and water, then dried completely (EPA).
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4 Replace moldy absorbent materials
Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles and carpet that became moldy may need to be replaced (EPA).
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5 Pry wet paneling from the wall
Wet paneling is pried from the wall so it can dry (EPA).
Need help with mold remediation?
Call (800) 764-5219 and describe the damage.
What to do first, and what not to do
What to do first
- Use a non-phosphate detergent, because phosphate residue feeds mold (LSU AgCenter).
- Wear an N-95 respirator, gloves and eye protection, the minimum protective gear (EPA).
- Check with a doctor first if you have health concerns and will do remediation work (EPA).
- Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands (EPA).
- Do not run the HVAC system if it may be contaminated with mold, because it can spread mold through the building (EPA).
- Do not use fans until you have determined that the water is clean or sanitary (EPA).
- Do not use vinyl wallpaper, vapor barrier paint or hardboard paneling that stops a wall from drying (EPA).
What not to do
- Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands (EPA).
- Do not run the HVAC system if it may be contaminated with mold, because it can spread mold through the building (EPA).
- Do not use fans until you have determined that the water is clean or sanitary (EPA).
- Do not use vinyl wallpaper, vapor barrier paint or hardboard paneling that stops a wall from drying (EPA).
Act fast
How Quickly to Act
- 24 to 48 hours Dry water-damaged areas and items to prevent mold growth (EPA).
- 2 to 3 days Mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than this (LSU AgCenter).
How to Choose a Mold Remediation Professional
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Ask about the size of the job
If mold covers more than about 10 square feet, EPA advises following its guidance for schools and commercial buildings (EPA).
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Ask about health precautions
Remediation workers with health concerns should check with their doctors before starting (EPA).
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Check your insurance policy
Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover mold damage or cleanup costs, but flood insurance may cover it (LSU AgCenter).
Why Louisiana Homes Need Mold Remediation
Mold timing
Mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days (LSU AgCenter).
Insurance
Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover mold damage or cleanup costs, but flood insurance may cover it (LSU AgCenter).
Where Mold Remediation Is Available
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Mold Remediation questions
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Can I clean up mold myself?
If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, most people can do the job by following EPA guidelines (EPA). If there was a lot of water damage, or mold covers more than 10 square feet, EPA advises following its guidance for schools and commercial buildings (EPA).
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How fast does mold start after water damage?
Dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA). Mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days (LSU AgCenter). The two sources differ, so use the 24 to 48 hour target as the guide.
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Is mold a health problem?
Mold has the potential to cause health problems, including allergic reactions and asthma attacks (EPA).
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What protective gear should I wear?
The minimum protective gear is an N-95 respirator, gloves and eye protection (EPA).
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Does homeowners insurance cover mold cleanup?
Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover mold damage or cleanup costs, but flood insurance may cover it (LSU AgCenter).
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Do I need a mold test before cleanup?
No. Mold testing is not usually needed, and it is rarely useful for answering health questions (EPA).
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Can I run the air conditioning during mold cleanup?
No, if the system may be contaminated with mold, because it can spread mold throughout the building (LSU AgCenter).
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Can I use bleach on mold?
If you disinfect, follow the directions carefully and never mix bleach with ammonia or acids (EPA).
Need mold remediation? Call now
- Describe where the water came from and what has been wet.
- You will be connected with a local team.
Sources
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- EPA: What does mold smell like?
- EPA: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide, Chapter 3
- EPA: Mold Course Chapter 4
- EPA: Homeowner's and Renter's Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters
- LSU AgCenter: Mold Removal Guidelines for Your Flooded Home (2017)
- LSU AgCenter: Avoiding Mold Hazards in Your Water-damaged Home (2021)