It doesn't take much for mold to form in your home or business. All it takes is a little moisture and some time. And once mold starts growing, it can spread quickly and become a big problem. That's why it's important to act fast if you think you might have a mold problem. If you're in the Ann Arbor, MI area and you think you might have mold, the first step is to call a mold removal expert. They will be able to come to your home or business, assess the situation, and recommend the best course of action. If you have a small mold problem, they may be able to take care of it themselves. But if you have a larger problem, they may need to bring in some extra help.
Cousino Restoration & Environmental is a renowned leader in mold removal & remediation. Whether it is confined to one small area or the entire structure, specially trained teams utilize industry best practices to return the affected environment to a healthy condition as quickly as possible. Mold is commonly due to an undetected water leak. Even a minor leak can cause enough water damage and moisture to develop mold over time.
When mold growth occurs indoors, it should be a cause for concern. Left untreated, mold can negatively affect your health and damage your property. In addition, it is often a sign of another problem, such as a water leak or condensation. Without dealing with the root cause, you will continue to have an issue. If you notice any signs of mold, it’s time to call the mold remediation experts at Cousino Restoration & Environmental.
Cousino Restoration & Environmental provides professional mold remediation in Ann Arbor. We have over 45 years of experience performing mold remediation services for residential and commercial properties, and we have the ability to address just about any issue you may have. No job is too large or too small for us. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering exceptional service that restores a healthy environment to your home or business.
Ann Arbor is a city full of cultural vigor, educational prominence, and natural beauty. Home to the prestigious University of Michigan, the city pulses with an intellectual rhythm that resonates through the city. This storied institution isn’t just a place of learning, but a prominent landmark, with the iconic Michigan Stadium – “The Big House” – drawing spectators in droves during the college football season.
The city’s charm extends to Kerrytown, a delightful district known for its quirky shops, vibrant markets, and historic aura. This neighborhood buzzes with activity, particularly during the weekly Farmer’s Market where locals and visitors alike scour for fresh produce and artisanal wares. Nature enthusiasts are drawn to Nichols Arboretum, affectionately called “The Arb” by residents, offering a serene escape with trails meandering through the lush landscape and gardens.
Ann Arbor’s weather is as dynamic as its landscape, with each season bringing its own allure. The frosty winters blanket the city in snow, ideal for cozy indoor activities or braving the elements for some winter sports. Spring’s thaw is a time of renewal, prompting a bloom of activity at The Arb. Summer’s sunny days are perfect for exploring the Huron River or partaking in the numerous outdoor festivals, while autumn cloaks the town in warm hues, heralding the fervor of the football season and the animated buzz of students returning.
Mold occurs naturally and is present everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. It has a dust-like appearance caused by the formation of fungal spores which can get dispersed, spreading the issue to a larger area. However, it can potentially be toxic and harmful when it grows inside your home or business.
Mold can enter your home in a variety of ways, including through windows, doors and HVAC systems. When these microscopic spores come into contact with moisture, they start growing and can spread throughout the building within 72 hours, making prompt action critical.
Common sources of mold damage include:
Black mold is a type of mold fungus with a black or dark green appearance. It grows and spreads on materials containing a fiber called cellulose. Black mold typically develops in damp or water damaged areas such as showers, basements and windows. It needs moisture and warm temperatures to grow and spread.
There is a common misconception that all black mold is toxic. This is simply untrue. Not all black mold is toxic, and not all toxic mold is black. In fact, the most common form of black mold, Cladosporium, is nontoxic. Anytime mold is present in your home or commercial property, regardless of color, it needs to be tested to determine what type of mold it is and whether it’s toxic. At Cousino Restoration & Environmental, we offer mold testing throughout Ann Arbor to determine the type of mold and recommend the ideal solution to address the problem.
In general, the symptoms you experience from mold will primarily be determined by whether you have a mold allergy. If you are allergic to mold, you’re more likely to become sick from black mold. Common symptoms include:
For this reason, it’s extremely important to perform mold remediation as soon as possible if you are allergic to mold. Mold remediation can help reduce the symptoms discussed above and prevent the development of a more serious reaction over time.
Mold growth may not always be visible or evident. Mold spores are present in the air and enter buildings from the outside. In most cases, these mold spores do not cause any problems until they locate a source for food and water. A slowly leaking roof can cause mold to grow in the attic; water leaking around a bathtub or an appliance can damage walls, floors, and insulation; or condensation on a wall behind a piece of furniture can cause mold to grow.
Because mold can be hidden, annual mold and mildew checks are an important part of your structure’s routine maintenance. You or a professional should check for leaks and signs of mold growth on a regular basis and take action as soon as a potential issue is discovered. Left unchecked, mold will continue to grow and spread, causing damage.
Mold often grows in the following areas:
Common signs that your home or business may have a mold problem include:
If you notice signs of mold in your home or business, make sure to take the following steps at once:
In addition, make sure to avoid:
Mold remediation is an extensive process performed to remove and clean mold from contaminated areas in your home or business. This process is essential to prevent harmful mold growth from damaging your property and causing health issues to those exposed.
At Cousino Restoration & Environmental, we offer comprehensive mold remediation services for commercial and residential properties in Ann Arbor. Depending on the type and location of the mold, the services we perform may include:
By having this process performed by a professional mold remediation company such as Cousino Restoration & Environmental, it will ensure that the mold levels in your home are restored to where they are harmless and won’t result in extensive property damage or health issues.
Professional mold remediation services are required anytime largescale mold removal from a building is necessary. There are a variety of situations where mold remediation must be performed, regardless of the size of the impacted area:
At Cousino Restoration & Environmental, we follow a multi-step process to not only remove the mold, but to prevent it from returning.
Mold growth will only occur indoors when there is an available water source. This water source must be identified and remedied to prevent the mold from returning. After the water source is addressed, the affected area and materials will be dried or removed.
Mold spores travel by air. When disturbed, thousands of microscopic mold spores can be released into the air to travel throughout your home or commercial property. Before we remove the mold, we will set up a negative-air containment and air scrubbers to trap the mold spores during removal.
During the removal phase, our technicians will treat hard surfaces to remove mold growth, and we’ll remove porous materials that cannot be effectively cleaned. We will monitor mold levels throughout the removal phase until the levels are within normal range.
If building materials needed to be removed during the mold remediation process, we will make the necessary repairs to restore the area to its pre-loss condition. This may include replacing insulation, drywall and flooring materials.
Mold remediation is a specialized process aimed at removing mold from indoor environments, restoring the safety and air quality of your space. At Cousino Restoration, our experts utilize a comprehensive approach that includes identifying the source of mold, containing and removing contaminated materials, and treating the area with advanced methods to prevent future growth. This process ensures a healthier environment, addressing both visible mold and microscopic spores that can cause health issues.
The duration of the mold remediation process can vary greatly depending on the extent of the mold infestation, the size of the area affected, and the specifics of the property and its materials. Generally, a typical mold remediation project can take anywhere from one to five days. Our team at Cousino Restoration works efficiently to minimize disruption and ensure a thorough cleanup, prioritizing your safety and satisfaction.
Achieving permanent mold removal involves a combination of eliminating the current mold infestation and addressing the underlying issues that allowed the mold to grow initially. This includes controlling humidity levels, fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and ensuring water damage is promptly and adequately repaired. It’s critical to work with a professional mold remediation company to ensure the process is performed correctly and prevent the mold from growing back.
The cost of mold remediation can vary significantly depending on the location of the mold and the extensiveness of the contamination. Factors that impact the cost of the project include:
With potentially high costs associated with these projects, you may be wondering whether your insurance company will pay for mold remediation. Insurance coverage often varies based on your specific situation.
If the condition causing the mold is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, then mold remediation services will generally be covered by your insurance. This may include situations when:
In general, most homeowner’s insurance policies won’t cover mold remediation services associated with flooding. In most instances, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy to cover mold damage after a flood.
In addition, mold growth caused by neglect will often not be covered by insurance. This may include failure to repair leaks or broken seals in and around plumbing, appliances, doors, windows, and fixtures.
Other situations where mold remediation services are generally not covered by insurance include:
Whether you’re dealing with a large or small mold problem, Cousino Restoration & Environmental will handle the job correctly, giving you peace of mind that your home or business will be safe, healthy, and free of mold growth moving forward. We have extensive training and experience with mold remediation, and we’ll handle the situation efficiently to limit any disruption to your daily life. If you have visible mold growth or suspect you may have a problem, give us a call today. We provide services to residential and commercial properties in the Ann Arbor area.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
