How Much Does Mold Removal Cost?
Molds are simple naturally occurring organisms. They play a vital role in nature by breaking down dead organic matter. In your home, mold causes health problems like allergies and asthma attacks. Mold can also cause structural damage. The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture. Water damaged areas must be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you find mold in your home, it must be removed immediately and the source of the moisture needs to be fixed. Mold remediation cost includes both cleaning the mold and fixing the moisture problem.
How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?
Mold removal cost for the crawlspace of an average home runs from $500 to $4,000. Typically, the total cost of mold remediation includes removing mold from crawl spaces, ducts, walls, and the attic. This brings mold remediation cost to a range of $2,000 to $6,000. If there is widespread structural damage, the cost of mold removal can climb to a range of $10,000 to $30,000.
Do It Yourself Mold Removal
The most economical way to save on mold abatement cost is to clean it yourself. The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends the use of water and detergent to scrub mold away. Porous and absorbent materials like carpet and ceiling tiles should be discarded, because the mold that gets into the crevices can be impossible to remove. To limit your exposure to airborne mold, purchase an N-95 respirator from your local hardware store for no more than $25. You will also need gloves that cover up to the middle of your forearm, and unventilated goggles to keep spores out of your eyes.
Professional Mold Removal Cost
If you have a lot of water damage, or your mold problem covers more than 10 square feet, you need a certified mold remediation specialist. Mold remediation cost for an average household mold problem is about $5,000. Attic mold removal cost is higher than that because it is labor intensive. The replacement of air ducts and insulation in an attic brings the cost up to around $10,000. There are many mold removal companies, most of whom are locally owned businesses.
Home Mold Removal Cost
Residential mold remediation cost is different from professional mold removal cost. The cost of mold remediation in a commercial setting is more inclusive because the cleanup is more intensive. This is due to concerns for public safety. The EPA has established guidelines that increase the scope and cost of mold removal in school settings. The guidelines cover the cleanup of books, paper, carpet and backing, upholstered furniture, drapes, and wall board. In many instances, the preferred cleanup method is disposal.
Basement Mold Removal Cost
Damp basements are notorious for harboring mold. Small areas of mold growth that are less than 10 square feet can be handled by the homeowner. Otherwise, the help of a professional is needed. The professional cost of mold removal for a typical basement is $5,000 to 10,000. Mold abatement cost is always higher in places that are not easily accessible.
Attic Mold Remediation Cost
In the attic, mold takes hold on wood surfaces. In nature, mold breaks down dead organic matter like fallen trees and branches. So, breaking down the wood in an attic comes naturally. Mold remediation cost for an attic takes into consideration the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the damaged areas. Mold removal cost for a typical attic is about $6,000.
Black Mold Removal Cost
Black mold removal cost can be reduced by the use of kits that are available at hardware stores. These kits can lower mold remediation cost to a range of $30 to $200. This black mold remediation cost varies depending on how big the mold growth is and how extensively you want it to be removed. The kits include test strips to find out how much
Mold Removal Tips
The most important mold removal tip is to keep moisture out of your home to prevent its growth in the first place. Once a mold colony is firmly establishes, it can be difficult it can be difficult to remove. Because mold can damage the value of your home, mold remediation is a tax deductible expense. If you are a landlord, removal of mold is as ordinary and necessary business expense. If the mold problem is severe enough to necessitate relocating during the clean-up, relocation expenses can be deducted as well.
What Is Mold Remediation?
Mold remediation is the process of not only cleaning up mold but also preventing its regrowth. The key to controlling mold is to controlling moisture. Once the mold is removed, the course of the moisture must be found and fixed. It is also advisable to treat the surfaces with a mold prevention chemical to keep the mold from returning. Also, when the mold is removed from surfaces, the spores still need to be removed from the air. This is done with the use of air scrubbers and HEPA-filtered air movers.
Mold Exposure Symptoms
Symptoms of mold exposure are similar to allergy symptoms. They include itching, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and skin irritation. Long term exposure to mold has been known to cause more serious symptoms. These can include nose bleeds, breathing disorders, short term memory loss, chronic bronchitis, and sexual dysfunction. The most severe late stage symptoms caused by long term exposure include blindness, brain damage, long term memory loss, and cancer. There are thousands of species of mold, and some are more toxic than others. If left to grow unchecked, mold will release larger volumes of toxins. Some toxins are even known to cause psychological problems.
How To Check For Mold
Mold test kits are available at all local and national hardware stores. There are different types of kits that you can choose from depending on the extent of your mold problem. Some kits check the air in your home. If you have a suspected source, you can get a surface tester. You can also get a laboratory kit. With this kit, you send a swab to a laboratory for testing to determine what type of mold you have and whether it is toxic. These test kits range in price from $40 to $70. They are easy to use and can detect mold in homes or offices.
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