Weeks of Rain Mean Big Business For Mold Removal Firms

April 13, 2006

Written for the web by C. , Internet News Producer

Video Massie's Report

KXTV - Sacramento,CA

The back-to-back storms have delayed getting crops in the ground and

getting homes and pools built. But business is booming for those who

deal with what excessive moisture can bring: mold.

Those in the business say all of the rain is making conditions ripe

for mold. Russ Colliau was called out to inspect a Folsom house

which the occupant says has wet floors after every storm. Colliau

found mold under the carpet and behind the baseboards. Up on the

roof, he found one source for the moisture in the house.

" You will see this flashing is in pieces ... the rubber boot. This

water is going to pour straight down into the joint, " Cooliau said.

It's not helping matters either that the clogged gutters are

allowing water to overflow and back up.

The mold detection specialist also saw standing water in the yard

where it came up to the house, soaking the lower portion.

Problems with mold have also spawned another business: litigation.

is an attorney who, like Colliau, is getting plenty of

calls this spring. " One of the most important things at the

beginning of any of these cases, " told News10, " is to get

proper investigators on board immediately to really determine what

the cause and source of the water intrusion, what the problem is. "

Mold requires water and excessive moisture. Those who deal with it

first recommend fixing plumbing leaks and other water problems as

soon as possible. All components should be completely dried.

If the mold is in a small area, it may be removable without

professional help. Using protective gloves and a nose/mouth mask to

avoid airborne mold spores, scrub mold off hard surfaces with

detergent and water, then dry completely.

Absorbent materials such as carpet and drapes may have to be cleaned

by professionals. The same applies to materials that are absorbant,

such as tiles and laminates. The materials may not be salvageable.

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