As many of you already know, mold growth can pollute the air and cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Mold can also do extensive damage to your home, gradually wearing away at the home’s structural integrity, attacking walls, floors, or ceilings. The best way to prevent health hazards and damage to your home is to act quickly. While most of us would be able to spot mold growing on food that has been in the fridge too long or between shower tiles; most people are unable to identify the severity of the situation. Mold levels help bring clarity to the significance of your contamination.
Most industry experts divide the different stages of mold growth or damage into five distinct levels. Level one is the lowest degree of contamination, and four is the highest. The fifth level refers to a specific location for mold growth that can be especially complicated. Branch Services wants to share with you the standards for mold levels in the house.
What are the Mold Levels?
Level 1:
Level 1 is reserved for mold growth that has been contained to 10 square feet or less. Typically it can be found on ceiling tiles or wall panels that are exposed to high humidity or fluctuations in the temperature. Fortunately, if caught quickly the mold can be removed with relative ease.
Level 2:
Contaminated areas of 10-30 square feet. If the mold has spread to cover a space over 10 square feet, it may hint at a more significant issue with plumbing or air conditioning systems–but not always. Typically there will be a source for all the moisture that may be difficult to find.
Level 3:
Covering a space between 30 to 100 square ft, the 3 level is the stage where you should start to worry. With such a large portion of the building being covered in mold, the house would now need to be tested. Contacting a professional cleaning service (like us here at Branch Services) should be your first step.
Level 4:
Any contamination that extends to over 100 sq. Ft. will require professional remediation. Also, at this level, any person with repository issues would need to evacuate, so cleaning professionals get to work using materials to remove the excessive contamination.
Level 5:
Level 5 is specifically for HVAC systems. All remediation procedures for air conditioning units and HVAC systems also require a professional cleaning service. As a result of the level of contamination, the entire system will necessitate a shutdown as the professionals clean the area thoroughly.
Regardless of the level, if you home has issues with mold you should contact a professional cleaning service as soon as possible. We can are here 24/7 at 1.631.467.6600. You can also complete our contact form here: https://branchservicesinc.com/contact-us.php