Tyler Insurance Restoration Contractor
Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. Can Mold just be wiped away with bleach?
A. On non-porous materials such as glass, solid wood, metal, plastic or any other surface water cannot penetrate, the answer is yes, the mold growing only on the surface of the material and can be wiped clean with any detergent. However, on porous materials such as drywall, carpet, non solid wood, clothes, insulation, and other materials that water can penetrate, the answer is no. The mold is within the surface and just cleaning will not get rid of it.
2. Q. Can I just spray some bleach to kill it?
A. No. A mold spore is very difficult to kill. Even if it is killed, a dead spore is very allergenic and toxic. The spore needs to be removed, not killed.
3. Q. How do I know if I have mold?
A. You always have mold. Mold exists everywhere and we live with it. The levels of mold in your home should be equivalent or lower outside your home. When an elevated mold situation exist inside your home, the levels will exceed the outside levels. Certain variables need to be taken into consideration when mold levels are compared and a few spores more on the inside does not right away imply that remediation is needed.
4. Q. How are mold levels tested?
A. Mold is usually tested by taking an air sample inside and outside of the home. This is done with a specifically calibrated air pump that pulls air through a capsule and captures the particles. This capsule is sent to a special lab that opens up the capsule and looks at the inside under a microscope. The mold spores are counted and then compared to the spores on the outside of the capsule.
5. Q. Who performs these tests?
A. The State of Texas requires all mold investigations be done by a Texas Certified Mold Consultant.
6. Q. If I just had water damage, how can I tell the extent of it?
A. A moisture meter is used to check the water levels within a material. Your drywall can be very wet and not be detected visually.
7. Q. What happens if I let my walls dry by themselves?
A. The walls and other materials do not dry quick enough, therefore needing the help of fans and dehumidifiers to speed the process. Mold will start to develope within 48-72 hours if the proper dry-out measures are not taken.
8. Q. Does my insurance cover mold damage?
A. A lot of insurance companies have dropped their mold coverage and the ones that still offer it have usually capped it to a relatively low value. Every policy varies and you should call your insurance to find out.
9. Q. Does my association cover mold damage?
A. Typically the association is responsible for the exterior of the residence and the drywall on the outer frame. You need to contact your association as some policies vary.
10. Q. Which service does Blackwater Solutions offer?
A. Blackwater Solutions offers Fire, Water, Wind, Smoke and Mold Restoration Services in Tyler and all of Texas.
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