mould removal
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MOULD REMOVAL COLCHESTER ESSEX
According to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Mould is a category 1 risk to health. This is the same category as Asbestos.
One of the biggest post-flood dangers to the health of a property and its inhabitants is mould growth. A flood in a domestic or commercial property grants mould ideal conditions in which to thrive, with the risk to human health being proportional to the exposure time experienced and the species and the density of airborne spores. Most properties have mould in some form or other – often hidden behind surface finishes, in voids and within stud partitions. Whether your mould infestation comes as the result of flooding or just general damp and moisture in your home, Ideal Response can help.
In some cases, before work can begin, a survey of the affected site must be carried out to determine the level of the infestation. Mould contamination is rated according to the size of the affected area:
- Level 1 – contamination with a total surface area less than 1 square metre
- Level 2 – contamination with a total surface area between 1 and 10 square metres
- Level 3 – contamination with a total surface area greater than 10 square metres
- Level 4 – contamination within a HVAC system
Causes of Mould
Mould is a major headache for thousands of households throughout the country, it is unsightly, smells and will contaminate your clothes, furnishings and leather goods.
Black mould growth is generally not very nice, it is unpleasant to have it in your home, it is embarrassing to have friends and relatives see mould growing across your walls and ceilings and it will affect your health.
Many people think that it is caused through dampness. However, there are 14 different types of dampness according to the Building Research Establishment ranging through from rising damp, penetrating damp, bursts, leaks, floods, spillage, seepage, built in water, etc.
However, 80-85% of mould problems are attributed to one specific type of dampness – condensation – which is man made dampness. Only 15-20% of mould problems arise from true damp.
How we evaluate and eliminate the risk
The type of contamination will define how we clean and treat the affected areas, but the process will include the following steps.
Speed is key in these cases. A team can be allocated to your site within hours, anywhere in the UK following the call. Once on-site our trained operatives will firstly ensure that they themselves are fully protected wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
All cleaning materials generated will be treated as clinical waste, and as such will be sent by us for incineration at one of our suppliers plants. As licensed waste carriers CleanSafe are trained to handle and dispose of the hazardous waste and, perhaps most importantly, provide you with certification we have made the area safe, and provide you with and waste transfer paperwork for your file.
Facilities managers – these documents will form an important part of any due diligence file and we are happy also to come to speak with you before any such outbreak to put together contingency plans which can also form part of your emergency planning and strategy.
DON’T BE SCARED OF MOULD…
YOUR PROPERTY CAN BE MOULD-FREE IN 3 STEPS:
We diagnose the cause, by identifying any underlying building and/or structural defects, whilst consulting with home owners or tenants about prospective living and lifestyle factors that are contributing to mould growth
We kill the mould in the affected area, applying a specialist product; which prevents future growth
We redecorate the area, ensuring a finish of only the highest standards
In the exceptional circumstance that mould does return to an affected area, we will come back and retreat as required, first ensuring that the structural defect and cause has been rectified.
To put our services into context, of the 7,000 – and ever increasing number of treatments that we have conducted, we have only been required to revisit a property in 2 single instances!
WE DON’T USE BLEACH – WE DON’T USE INFERIOR PRODUCTS – WE DON’T HAVE TO COME BACK!
What are the causes of mould?
Mould is caused by excess moisture. This could be from a variety of causes including: water leaks, excess condensation, rising damp, rain entering a building, flood, standing water, heating and cooling ducts and wet floors/flooring. Mould can occur in most environments, indoors and outdoors and at any time of the year but it will worsen in warm and humid conditions.
What conditions do moulds thrive in?
Mould will thrive in conditions of excess moisture and poor ventilation. If it is warm and humid the mould will worsen. One of the problems associated with mould growth is that it isn’t always in places that are visible. Mould can occur indoors or outdoors, in basements, attics, behind drywalls, under carpets, anywhere with excess moisture. Mould grows easily on wooden items and ceiling tiles as well as in dust, paint, wallpaper, fabrics, insulating materials and upholstery.
What are the health risks associated with mould?
In 2001 mould was classed as a category 1 risk to health according to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), this is the same category as asbestos. Mould spores spread through the atmosphere and are inhaled by individuals in the environment. Prolonged exposure to mould is particularly harmful to health. The IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine), among others has established evidence that linked exposure to damp indoor conditions with upper respiratory tract symptoms. In an outbreak of mould, landlords, councils and housing associations are legally bound to clear it under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1998.
What does mould look like?
Mould is the common term for fungi. There are many forms so consequently, its appearance varies. Generally it will appear as patches of black, green, yellow, brown or pink ‘furry’ growths that usually have an unpleasant odour. If you are able to smell mould the indication is that there is a health risk as the spores and mycotoxins produced are airborne. If mould is visible on surfaces it is probable that it will also be found in less visible places. Mould infiltrates and damages internal walls, spreading throughout the brickwork and compromising the structural integrity of the building.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mould Remediation
What are the causes of mould?
Mould is caused by excess moisture. This could be from a variety of causes including: water leaks, excess condensation, rising damp, rain entering a building, flood, standing water, heating and cooling ducts and wet floors/flooring. Mould can occur in most environments, indoors and outdoors and at any time of the year but it will worsen in warm and humid conditions.
What conditions do moulds thrive in?
Mould will thrive in conditions of excess moisture and poor ventilation. If it is warm and humid the mould will worsen. One of the problems associated with mould growth is that it isn’t always in places that are visible. Mould can occur indoors or outdoors, in basements, attics, behind drywalls, under carpets, anywhere with excess moisture. Mould grows easily on wooden items and ceiling tiles as well as in dust, paint, wallpaper, fabrics, insulating materials and upholstery.
What are the health risks associated with mould?
In 2001 mould was classed as a category 1 risk to health according to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), this is the same category as asbestos. Mould spores spread through the atmosphere and are inhaled by individuals in the environment. Prolonged exposure to mould is particularly harmful to health. The IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine), among others has established evidence that linked exposure to damp indoor conditions with upper respiratory tract symptoms. In an outbreak of mould, landlords, councils and housing associations are legally bound to clear it under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1998.
What does mould look like?
Mould is the common term for fungi. There are many forms so consequently, its appearance varies. Generally it will appear as patches of black, green, yellow, brown or pink ‘furry’ growths that usually have an unpleasant odour. If you are able to smell mould the indication is that there is a health risk as the spores and mycotoxins produced are airborne. If mould is visible on surfaces it is probable that it will also be found in less visible places. Mould infiltrates and damages internal walls, spreading throughout the brickwork and compromising the structural integrity of the building.
What are moulds?
Mould is the common term for the microorganism fungi. There are thousands of different species of mould, many are as yet unidentified. Types of fungi are being discovered all of the time but known species already amount to hundreds of thousands. Moulds reproduce by making spores; the spores are adept at surviving harsh conditions not normally conducive to mould growth. Mycotoxin is the term used to describe any toxic substance produced by fungi. These mycotoxins are found on mould spores, therefore they will also be found on any material with mould growth.
Can you provide a guarantee that all mould has been removed?
Yes! Our technicians are highly trained and have many years of experience of mould removal and remediation. Ideal Response are the exclusive UK providers of the revolutionary BioSweep ® technology. We can produce before and after results to validate the clean. You can be certain that all mould will be effectively removed and its return prevented, giving you complete peace of mind.
Can I remove mould myself or do I need a professional mould cleaning company?
Mould and the spores it produces are a recognised health hazard. If the area affected by mould is less than 1 metre square and is caused by condensation, you may be able to remove it yourself. If the mould is a result of sewage or is one metre squared or larger you will need to contact a professional remediation company. If mould is not dealt with effectively and completely it can very quickly become out of control presenting a health risk and causing costly damage to property. Unfortunately, bleach and household products are ineffective when dealing with mould and preventing its return.
How quickly can Ideal Response be on site?
Ideal Response can be onsite within 24 hours of your call. Dealing with mould removal early will save time and costs for any business and will reduce the risk of ill health to individuals in the environment.
TYPES OF DAMP
Rising damp is significantly different from other damp because it arises from the flooring toward the roof.
Penetrating damp appears on the wall in the form of spots on walls and ceiling where cracks are present and water penetrates inside of the wall from outside.
Condensation is a process in which water vapors are generated during the daily activity of water consumption at home. Your daily activities at home like cooking, washing, showering increase the humidity level of the atmosphere.
Flexible Work
We always try to work around your life and work schedule and are flexible in the days and times of the project.
Great Value
Value for money is as important to us as it is for our clients! We provide affordable services to everyone!