FAQs
Q: Why is a quick response so critical in a water damage situation?
A: Mold spores require a ready water source in order to grow. If left unchecked, mold begins its growth in as little as one to two days after water has damaged a facility. Even if the water has been vacuumed up, the sheetrock replaced where actually damaged, and the facility seems dry again, mold may have established a presence in an unseen or unsuspected place due to a slow response and can rapidly spread into a serious problem without proper treatment.
Q: How does LESCO respond to a water damage situation?
A: LESCO’s team is fully aware of the necessary steps beyond the visual assessment of water damage, and we remain vigilant in the prevention, abatement, and repair of mold problems. Our combination of quick response, thorough repairs, and considerable knowledge of mold issues allows us to avoid many costly problems that could otherwise arise.
Q: What are some other situations where mold abatement might be necessary aside from incidental water damage at a facility?
A: There are a wide variety of scenarios where mold could become an issue for a facility. Aside from incidental water damage, two situations that present serious potential for mold growth are hurricanes and abandoned buildings.
Q: What unique considerations does a hurricane present when repairing water damage at a facility?
A: A hurricane presents countless opportunities for water to enter a facility through the combination of torrential rain, heavy wind, flooding, and damage to building structure integrity. Furthermore, the duration of these storms and the longer response time to deal with such large-scale issues can often push recovery time past the initial 24-48 hour period of mold prevention. This means that mold abatement is almost always part of the water damage repairs needed in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Q: How do abandoned buildings create a prime environment for mold growth?
A: Abandoned buildings can create an environment with all of the ingredients needed for intense mold growth. Lack of routine maintenance creates numerous opportunities for water intrusion via roofing, skylights, deficiencies in the building shell, and more that might be noticed more quickly in an occupied building. Often the HVAC systems in an abandoned building are not operational, leading to possible spikes in humidity. The most serious ingredient in these cases is time. An abandoned building can go for long periods of time without anyone examining it for mold growth. The degree to which these factors combine can create much larger opportunities for mold growth and damage to the facility than many other situations.
