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Send an email to this Company (707) 546-2227, 707-546-2228 PO Box 2921 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 CSLB #908802 |
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Services: Certified Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Cleanup, Water Cleanup, Water Removal
Key Brands: AIQAC, IICRC, S-500, S-520, HEPA, CMR, CMRS, Dri-Eze, ACSI, Fiberlock, ColdJet, ...
CalWest Environmental, Inc. Articles
Mold and Water Damage
When accessing the extent of damage in your home, it is important to distinguish mold damage from water damage. Water intrusion from a sudden discharge, such as a bursting pipe or overflowing sink, is not necessarily an indication of mold growth. Germination of mold spores can occur in as little as 4 hours, and mold growth can occur in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The water activity (AW) on the surface of the building material, meaning the relative humidity on the surface, as well as a food source such as drywall, are all the ingredients necessary for mold growth. Increasing the evaporation rate will help to prevent the mold growth from starting. When you have the sudden water intrusion in your home it is critical that you start the drying process immediately. If building materials have not been properly dried out after the critical 24 to 48 hour period following the water intrusion, it is reasonable to assume that some degree of mold growth is present, whether visible or not. Long term water intrusion such as leaking roofs and windows, pipe leaks, leaking appliances, etc., have most likely been occurring for over 48 hours before you noticed it. These types of problems should always be considered mold damage and should be properly remediated.
Updated February 1, 2008
