Why to Use Heat For Mold Removal

Whether you have had to deal with it on your own, or have heard horror stories from friends, you know that discovering mold growth in your home can be nightmare. Not only does it look unappealing, but it can potentially harm your health. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, mold removal can be costly and ineffective if not done correctly.

That’s why Jon Nelson of Precision Environmental in California recommends saving yourself the aggravation of trying to correct the problem yourself, and instead, consider using heat to treat your mold problem. Here, he explains how you can confirm that you have mold contamination and how important it is to safely remove it from your home — for good.

Mold 101: Mold isn’t always predictable, says Nelson, but there are some typical characteristics to look for and certain places in your home that it may appear. Generally, it will grow anywhere that there is moisture. And it’s not just limited to basements. Nelson says that he has seen excessive mold growth in bedrooms where a bed is placed too close to wall, in kitchens where water is always present and in living rooms where an outside water source is making it grow. Most people also assume that mold is always going to be a black stain in a bathroom or on windowsills, he adds, but it can be green, pink and purple. It really depends on what surface it’s growing it on.

Mold also carries with it certain health risks that you have to be leery about. Unlike asbestos and lead caused illnesses, which Nelson says can take upwards of 60 years to manifest, mold can cause an instant reaction. Your susceptibility is completely individual, he adds, but is especially harmful to those who suffer from asthma and allergies.

Removal Safety: Because mold can often regrow, Nelson urges home wners to tackle their mold problems head on from the start. For starters, he says, the contaminated area must be contained by a company who understands that if you remove dry wall and don’t contain the area, it can contaminate the other structures.

Next, you will want to hire a contractor who knows the latest technology for effectively killing mold. And, according to Nelson, that is using heat to properly remove the problem through a system like ThermaPureHeat.

The trouble with customary mold removal applications is that it can come with expensive construction costs. Removing mold usually means having to remove a significant amount of the walls, floors and other areas of the structure. However, a system like ThermaPureHeat uses heated air to create a dry, hot environment in the room. Studies have show that heat is an effective solution to killing mold, bacteria, and viruses in your home without tearing down walls or using harmful chemicals. Additionally, the high temperatures will dry the structure and limit the probability of mold growing back.

If you have mold in just one room, then instead of treating your entire house, Nelson says that his team can isolate the problem area and treat it effectively. Generally, the room will be heated to 150 degrees (mold dies at 140 degrees) and the entire process can typically be completed within a day.

While this process greatly limits the chance of regrowth, Nelson says that as long as moisture conditions don’t return, then mold won’t either. So, to do your part, after you have the area treated, continue to check for leaks, clean spills, and install proper ventilation.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.