The Dangers of Ductwork Mold
Dason Fire and Water Restoration does more than just restore your home or business from water, mold, or fire damage. We also help restore your peace of mind.
Detecting mold growth in your air ducts can be difficult, simply because it is a difficult area to inspect. However, it is critical for homeowners to have their air vents inspected regularly, as a failure to do so can lead to dangerous mold growth that can cause asthma, coughing, sinus problems, skin irritation, and in some cases, brain damage. To ensure that your vents do not contain dangerous mold or moisture buildup, you should speak with an experienced restoration contractor who can inspect the area and make any necessary repairs.
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Mold Growth
Ductwork may seem like a strange place for mold growth to occur. However, mold growth in these kinds of area occurs at an alarming rate and is the result of water condensing on the AC coils, which combined with dust or dirt, causes mold to grow. Installing cheap fiberglass filters that allow dust to pass through the vents can exacerbate this problem. In some cases, the debris in the ductwork is left over from construction and may be made up primarily of sawdust. Mold that is located in an HVAC’s system’s ductwork is especially dangerous because it circulates the air throughout the home, which in turn spreads mold spores.
Preventing Mold Growth
Because mold is so dangerous to a person’s health, it is important for homeowners to take certain steps to avoid its growth, including:
- Regularly inspecting all visible ductwork, AC drip pans, and evaporator coils for condensation, pooling water, and blocked drains;
- Remaining for the scent of mildew; and
- Contacting a professional.
Initial Steps
If you discover that mold is growing in your ductwork or elsewhere in your HVAC system, it is important to immediately contact a specialist who will take the following steps:
- Turn off the system;
- Replace filters and insulation that has become wet;
- Use wet vacuums to remove standing water;
- Remove each section of ductwork for cleaning to ensure that mold spores do not spread;
- Fog the area with a disinfectant;
- Use an EPA-approved disinfectant to clean non-porous surfaces, such as ductwork, coils, and pans;
- Apply a mold inhibitor to all ductwork and any other affected areas of the HVAC system; and
- Use a HEPA vacuum to clean up any mold that was removed.
Mold removal requires thoroughness and compliance with specific procedures, so if you have mold in your ductwork, it is critical to contact a repair and restoration contractor as soon as possible.
Call Today to Speak With an Experienced Restoration Services Contractor
Mold growth can have serious health consequences for homeowners and their families. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to hire a professional who can inspect your home for mold and remove it safely, so if you suspect that you have mold growing in your home, please contact us online or by calling 918-379-0390 and one of our dedicated team members will help you schedule a consultation with an emergency services specialist. We know that these kinds of problems can occur at any time and so make ourselves available to you on a 24/7 basis.
